Hi from sunny? Reading

[RacingSnake]

Looks like a great little forum (and site), so thought I'd join up in anticipation of getting ourselves a tortoise.

I'm not unfamiliar to the unusual pets, having had a variety of turtles, countless lizards, plus chincillas, chipmunks birds, and of course cats and dogs.

The situation now is that we have 1 dog and 1 cat, my partner doesn't generally like the 'scaly' animals and certainly not in the house, but it looks like we found a compromise at the weekend when we went into our local garden centre and came across their tortoises.

Initial thoughts were for the African Leopard tortoise, simply because of their markings and taller shell, but the little blighter is going to have to live outside 24/7, so after a bit of research I’m thinking the more hardy Hermanns tortoise might be better?

He wouldn’t go without though, and whilst I sit here bored at work, I’ve been drawing up plans of some decent accommodation, which would have a cold frame with heat lamp, leading into a solid run. We’re (I am!) planning on building this in a piece of garden space about 7ft x 3ft, hopefully this would be enough?

I’ll be reading through the threads on here to get ideas, but thought I’d pop in here first and say “Hi”.

Gavin

[emma_mcraf]

Hi Gavin! Welcome to the forum
Plenty of experienced people to give advice on here but good to see you're reading through the threads as there's a wealth of information on the site.

Sounds as if your little one is going to have a great little run!

[kkenny]

Oh exciting! I have a Hermann as I too wanted a hardy type but I do bring him in at night and on cold days but I dont have a heated area in my outdoor enclosure so in which case I think that would be fine.

I think the space you state is fine but I am not experienced yet to see that the others say.

I have learnt loads from this site to keep ploughing through the treads.

Good luck

[TortBabe]

Hello and welcome Leopard torts or any really could not live outside all year round unless you have a heated shed/greenhouse for them

[kreacher]

Hey and Welcome

there's so much great advise on this site and everyone is so nice so don't be afraid to ask anything even if it seems stupid!

You'll soon be part of the most addictive hobby in the world hehe!

[Cathers]

Hello and welcome

[judith ann]

Yes youre right, very, very,adictive Iam not even watching Wimbledon and thats a first !! Judy,

[RacingSnake]

Thanks all

Will go and post some questions which have been answered a thousand times now

[shelmarie]

Hi and welcome. I was the same as you this time last year and trust me the people on here never tire of hearing the same questions over and over, otherwise i would have been kicked off

[Lolly8]

Hi and welcome!