28-12-2011, 10:57 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 29
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New Tortoise
Hi Guys,
I'm buying my first tortoise next week, i've been told a Horsfield is the best for a beginner, do you all agree? Can I get any advice for a beginner and getting set up? Thanks! |
28-12-2011, 11:37 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3,150
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I think a Horsfield is a very good choice, they are pretty hardy and full of character, I have 7 of them and they are all quite different
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28-12-2011, 11:52 PM | #3 |
Member
Egg
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Herts
Posts: 77
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29-12-2011, 02:47 AM | #4 |
Member
Hatchling
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First of all, Welcome to Shelled warriors. A Horsefield is a good choice and one of the easier torts to look after.
Basically your gonna need a heat source a simple heat bulb from tesco is sufficent, it will need to create a basking spot of around 32-35c and a UV light which acts as the sun. as a substare you would be best of just using sterilised top soil from somewhere like b&q, your tort will want a hide or 2, just a plant pot on its side or a tunnel. thats the basics, the hardest part is the diet, a good website to see what they can and can't eat is http://thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/tortoise_home_1.asp if you need anymore help just let us know!
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Peaches > Turbo > Speedy > Dexcie 1.2.0 T.h.Horsfieldii..R.I.P Speedy :( |
29-12-2011, 11:23 AM | #5 |
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Juvenile
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire UK
Posts: 935
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Or hermanns...I have 3 hermanns and they are fairly easy to care for and are so funny
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29-12-2011, 11:34 AM | #6 |
Member
Hatchling
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 555
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I have 2 Western Hermann's who are full of character and are very sweet too they are ideal for a beginner. Also the Eastern Hermann's are perfect too!
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29-12-2011, 12:33 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Devon
Posts: 11,365
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Welcome to SW, Joanne.
I have Hermanns too - they're lovely little torts, but Horsfields are wonderful too. I think you'd be fine with either. Go and have a look at some, if you're able to, and see which you prefer.
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29-12-2011, 12:39 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 5,337
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I have Hermanns too but I love horsfields, they have very sweet faces and are meant to be great characters. I think either tortoise would suit a beginner. Can't wait for photos xx
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Lynne x |
29-12-2011, 12:48 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: northampton
Posts: 1,435
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Hi, welcome to the world of tortoise keeping. Beware it is addictive.
I have had both Horsfileds and Hermanns. Horsfileds having been foster tortoises. My preferance for a new owner would be a Hermanns or Ibera. Hermanns are full of character, they are not as head strong and are less aggressive, plus I belive outside enclosures are easier for Hermanns as they don't climb quite so high or dig quite so deep. However, there are other people who will say Horsfileds are the best and what ever species you chose I am sure you will love them just as well!!!
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29-12-2011, 12:53 PM | #10 |
Member
Incubating
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Derby
Posts: 129
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I have 2 hermans they are fantastic but im sure horsefields are too, good luck
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