10-06-2013, 09:18 PM | #1 |
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Egg
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Where to rescue Tortoises?
I am sounding like an amateurs here with this question but it is really bugging me. I would like to set up a Tortoise Rescue but am not sure where to find torts in need. There are so many looking for homes but on sites like Gumtree people are asking for money. I am just unsure how to help. Please be constructive and not critical. I would like to keep Hermans and Horsefields.
Thanks. |
10-06-2013, 11:36 PM | #2 |
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What about joining some of the larger tortoise societies such as British Chelonia Group, Tortoise Protection Group or Tortoise Trust they are all always looking for homes for tortoises.
Mary |
11-06-2013, 06:50 AM | #3 |
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Egg
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Hi,
But all 3 of these groups work on the idea that the tortoise is still owned by them and can not be rehomed unless through them. Thanks, |
11-06-2013, 07:16 AM | #4 |
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So what is it you want to do then? If you are going down the re-homing route on your own do you have sufficient funds should they need veterinary treatment and also you can rest assured that the majority of tortoises will be way out of your area so there is travelling involved and how are you going to find individuals to take the tortoises on or are you intending keeping all of them yourself? Maybe you could start off assisting one of the larger groups as trust me it will cost lots of money and you will need lots of both indoor and outdoor space.
Mary |
11-06-2013, 07:32 AM | #5 |
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Hatched
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It may sound daft, but would you not be better getting your own tortoise first. Get a better idea of there needs and what equipment you will need for one, then when you have an idea of what one tort needs, time, space and you can then plan better for setting up your tortoise rescue.
It,s a good idea if you can do it, but if you have no experience in keeping torts then I think it's a daft idea to be taking on rescue torts as some have a lot of problems even experience keepers would have there hands full taking care and trying to re-home these torts? Sorry if I sound rude, but just trying to help as I think it is a good idea. Andy |
11-06-2013, 07:40 AM | #6 |
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You say you'd like to 'keep' hermans/horsfields sorry but that doesn't sound like someone who wants to find unwanted torts good homes but more like someone who wants their own torts for free. Keeping even one tortoise isn't cheap at least in the set up and if money is a problem in even buying one then maybe you should wait untill you can afford it, a specialist tortoise vet can be very costly, bulbs need regular replacing, electricity bills will go up especially if you don't hibernate and have to heat a room all the time in the winter and there are no 'kennels' for when you want to go away.
Last edited by Pussygalore; 11-06-2013 at 07:47 AM. |
11-06-2013, 07:46 AM | #7 |
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Andy and Mary and Ann hit the nail on the head IMHO.
You have to think of all the angles, and who will look after if you are away (as holidays will be difficult), then there's vet bills, space. It's admirable what your thoughts are on this but are your intentions to just rescue and care...or are you intending to breed? If the latter is the case then I think it's not the right thing to do. I'm sorry if that's not the answer you want to read. I do think to do what Andy has said first. There's a lot to learn first, they aren't the easiest of pets to keep. I hope you come to the right decision and if your intentions are genuinely for the tortoise and not a potential money making plan down the line, and you've got all the right set up, knowledge and space then go for it. xx Last edited by yuna1971; 11-06-2013 at 07:50 AM. |
11-06-2013, 08:03 AM | #8 |
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Yuna as usual is being far more polite than me however if you want a tort for yourself for free then its not us you need to ask or convince but the various society's that do have torts for rehoming. If you want to find one by yourself then you'll just have to search the same as the rest of us and if you wish to buy then again there are plenty out there for sale. If you however want a healthy tort for yourself then I would buy from a breeder or member of one of the forums rather than a shop, its rare to find torts that are being given away as most owners have paid good money for them and wish to recoup some of their costs. The various societys that do rehome will usually retain ownership of the animal so it has a home to go back to should things change and they will want to see your set ups etc and question your knowledge etc.
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11-06-2013, 08:34 AM | #9 |
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Egg
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Hi,
I have just spend 30 minutes writing a reply and the server went down lost the whole reply. I have always lived with Tortoises and know how to care for them. I have many Volunteers who are willing to help in my area and I am not looking to profit from the Torts or breed all I would like to do is help find them great homes. There are Tortoises which are being given away for free as if you look at websites like the Tortoise Protection Group and various Societies so many need new homes.I do not want a Tortoise Free there are many great homes out there who have already contacted me and I want to help a few tortoises out making sure they find perfect homes. I just would really like to know where to find unwanted Tortoises which need a Temporary home and TLC or is there no problem? Are all Tortoises finding good homes and if so there are no unwanted Tortoises? And therefore no need for any Type of Tortoise Rescue, Thanks, |
11-06-2013, 08:38 AM | #10 | |
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Egg
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Rescue
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Tags |
herman's tortoise, horsefield tortoise, rehoming, rescue, tortoises |
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