Firstly welcome robertsutton1978.
I am sure someone will be along to answer your point about breeders, and reputable breeders. You might be able to source something via this site. Keep checking back to this post. Or pop on chat later and ask the questiion?
I just wanted to make sure you are ok with the set up for your tortoise.
Go for a tortoise table, not a vivarium -if you can. Pet shops will palm you off with more expensive vivariums but a tortoise table is the way to go. The Shelled Warrior shop sells them - click on the link to the shop section, down the forum page abit.
For inside the table - go for either Soil/sand (mixing together - going for about 70% soil &30% sand as an example ratio) or just use plain sterilised topsoil (like you would get from B & Q or Homebase - those big bags).
Your tort table might include a hide - which is where little hermann would go for a nap, to escape the heat and thermoregulate, and to sleep at night. If it doesnt include a hide built in. You can buy something called a Habba Hut which is a little log hide, and this is fine for a little tort. Place the hide at the cool end of the table.
The other end would have your basking light - and along the side of your table would be your UV strip bulb. Or...you can go for a combined UV & basking bulb.
Then you can decorate your table.
Well, I guess I am jumping the gun abit but at least it gives you a head start on what to look for and what you will need. I didnt want you to find during your search - coming accross bad advice or info by a pet shop or anything. So this was just so you could get things ready, if and when you get your lovely tort. xxx
Hope this helps and I wish you luck. Post on here about ANYTHING and everything that you have questions about - you will build up your knowledge in no time by doing that. xx
***Just seen Bindi's post - fab advice there and I say as well, well done for trying to source a breeder
. I have a
Testudo Gracea Ibera (Med Spur thigh) - Lily. He is an absolute JOY to me. Lots of people on here, will tell you what his personality is like. If you want proof, let me know and I can send you a link of one of my 4 'LILY' movies that will show you up close - his quirky personality and cheekiness
! Also the link underneath my pic in my signature!**