Comparison data sheet?

[Fredtortoise]

Hi,

I have been doing a lot of reading recently, as I am looking to get another Tortoise. I have realised that although all of the information is readily available, I think it would be helpful to see some kind of basic comparison chart. Not necessarily to be used in making a final decision, as that would need more detailed investigation. I'm talking about the sort of detail that would help narrow down the search so you can concentrate your efforts accordingly i.e.

list of commonly kept tortoises
Of these - which hibernate, which don't
Which are suitable for beginners or need more experienced owners
Rough cost per annum (feed, worm, heating, lighting etc)
What size each of them grow to
Housing requirements size, indoor and outdoor
Which ones need certification
Basic dietry requirements i.e. grass, weeds, cacti, protein etc
Common problems
Things a new owner need consider
Breedability
How many males to females
Can you have all males or all females groups or NOT
Checklist i.e. if you can't offer a Tort the following.... you should consider an alternative pet etc....

Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list - but just an idea. I imagine this would be quite a challenge, but I really think it would be useful.

What do you think?

Tara

[purplelynn]

Sounds really helpful - you've got me thinking - worming - hadn't thought about that - how often should that happen and how?

[julietaylorf]

Fab idea. most of the questions are incorporated into the individual care sheets on the tortoise protection group website. It felt like a minefield to me when researching getting a tortoise with some websites advocate vivs and some not etc. I was grateful to find this site and the tpg site which have both been great.
julie