New to the game

shan5742 · 15-02-2013, 08:54 PM

OK I've thought about a tortoise for a good while but until now have done no research. I always like to read about and learn a decent amount about a subject before diving in so am no different with a pet.

Seems like I have come to the right place and have looked at some of the sticky's on first timers getting a tortoise and the enclosures sub forum.

I guess the search function would get me the answer but seen as tho I'm new I'm hoping I can get away with being a little cheeky and lazy.

The main reason I'm choosing now to actually pull the trigger and get a tortoise is that I've bought my own place and will be staying put for a decent amount of time. My partner is also very happy to have a tortoise in the house. We will be looking to add to the family in the near future tho, so I'm wondering about potential risks for newborns and pregnant women around tortoises. I know Lizards arn't a great idea around pregnant women and was hoping it isn't the same with tortoises.

Thanks in advance people!!!n

Herpard · 15-02-2013, 09:05 PM

Welcome to the forums.

I have asthma and a lowered immune so I use hand sanitizer, the type that doesn't need water.

You will have to be careful around young children as they can be quite boisterous. Tortoise bites are very painful too.

Laura1988 · 16-02-2013, 09:24 AM

As long as you don't lick it (highly unlikely unless you are a child) and you wax your hands after touching it there are no risks to pregnant women. My young nephew helps me feed & bath mine and used to love sitting and stroking their shells, I just made sure he knew he was only allowed to put his hand in if I was with him and he had to wash his hands after. The only problem I can see with pregnant women/new baby is not making enough time to give the tortoise the time/attention. Good luck with the tortoise! Just to warn you they are addictive!

Suze65 · 16-02-2013, 10:18 AM

Tortoises can and do carry salmonella in their gut, so always wash your hands , and be extra careful with young children and when pregnant, but on the bright side I have managed to have two babies and bring them both up with no problems. Just wash hands.

shan5742 · 16-02-2013, 04:55 PM

Thanks for putting my mind at rest guys. I think it might be the other half that doesnt get enough attention from now on tho

15-02-2013, 08:54 PM	#1
shan5742 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 15	New to the game OK I've thought about a tortoise for a good while but until now have done no research. I always like to read about and learn a decent amount about a subject before diving in so am no different with a pet. Seems like I have come to the right place and have looked at some of the sticky's on first timers getting a tortoise and the enclosures sub forum. I guess the search function would get me the answer but seen as tho I'm new I'm hoping I can get away with being a little cheeky and lazy. The main reason I'm choosing now to actually pull the trigger and get a tortoise is that I've bought my own place and will be staying put for a decent amount of time. My partner is also very happy to have a tortoise in the house. We will be looking to add to the family in the near future tho, so I'm wondering about potential risks for newborns and pregnant women around tortoises. I know Lizards arn't a great idea around pregnant women and was hoping it isn't the same with tortoises. Thanks in advance people!!!n

16-02-2013, 09:24 AM	#3
Laura1988 Member Incubating Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oxford Posts: 211	As long as you don't lick it (highly unlikely unless you are a child) and you wax your hands after touching it there are no risks to pregnant women. My young nephew helps me feed & bath mine and used to love sitting and stroking their shells, I just made sure he knew he was only allowed to put his hand in if I was with him and he had to wash his hands after. The only problem I can see with pregnant women/new baby is not making enough time to give the tortoise the time/attention. Good luck with the tortoise! Just to warn you they are addictive! __________________ Laura

16-02-2013, 10:18 AM	#4
Suze65 Senior Member Adult Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 6,769	Tortoises can and do carry salmonella in their gut, so always wash your hands , and be extra careful with young children and when pregnant, but on the bright side I have managed to have two babies and bring them both up with no problems. Just wash hands. __________________ Suze. 3 THB, Sammy, Jemima, & Phoebe 7 Marginated, Tabitha, Ptolome, Tatiana, Noah,Lottey, Lulu & Poppy 1 TGG (Emma) RIP Feb 2012

15-02-2013, 09:05 PM	#2
Herpard Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norton Canes, UK Posts: 2,330	Welcome to the forums. I have asthma and a lowered immune so I use hand sanitizer, the type that doesn't need water. You will have to be careful around young children as they can be quite boisterous. Tortoise bites are very painful too.

16-02-2013, 04:55 PM	#5
shan5742 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 15	Thanks for putting my mind at rest guys. I think it might be the other half that doesnt get enough attention from now on tho

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