Best tortoise for a beginner?

netty66 · 18-04-2012, 12:43 PM

Which in peoples opinion is the best species of tortoise for a beginner?

knottyedge · 18-04-2012, 03:26 PM

hermanns or horsfield would prob be what people recommend as a relatively easy tort for beginners

pwinkie03 · 18-04-2012, 04:07 PM

i personally don't think anything is a "beginner" pet, so long as you do a good job researching beforehand to provide the right care. Most people tend to go with hermanns or horsefield as knottyedge said. I know that i only have the space for one species... so it had to be pancakes for me

enjoy whatever you decide! Louise

**Alan1** · 18-04-2012, 04:18 PM

Twice as many people have Hermanns than any other breed, whether that means it's the best or just easier to come by, I don't know

natstorts · 18-04-2012, 07:03 PM

I have 2 hermanns and love them

pagan queen · 18-04-2012, 07:45 PM

I always think that is a strange question. What are you going to do with it once you're not a beginner any more, rehome it and get a more difficult one? Tortoises live a long time so whatever you get it will be with you (hopefully) for your whole life.

smallmum · 18-04-2012, 08:34 PM

I have horsfields, similar to hermanns, They need specific care but dont grow too big.I suggest doing abit of research and reading some books, there is plenty of info on here and on the tortoise trust. Some other websites too. I started with the book by A highfield (he's the tortoise trust guy) i think its called guide to pet tortoise or something like that. I covers all the main breeds basics. And then depending on where you live have a look at a breeder for a tort rather than a petshop. If I can help I will.

Catwoman63 · 18-04-2012, 08:35 PM

In my opinion you have to be a reptile lover, and all reptiles need special care, so any tortoise as long as you do your research about correct care and really want to look after and love a reptile that will live as long if not longer than you and they will need that care all that time x

18-04-2012, 12:43 PM	#1
netty66 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 7	Best tortoise for a beginner? Which in peoples opinion is the best species of tortoise for a beginner?

18-04-2012, 03:26 PM	#2
knottyedge Member Hatchling Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: the Cotswolds,gloucestershire Posts: 619	hermanns or horsfield would prob be what people recommend as a relatively easy tort for beginners __________________ X2 Greyhounds- Barnabas and Rufus x6 Spur Thighed Ibera's-Clover,Willow,Figwort, Radish,Pennywort and Bramble X1Tropical fish setup

18-04-2012, 04:07 PM	#3
pwinkie03 Member Hatchling Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 548	i personally don't think anything is a "beginner" pet, so long as you do a good job researching beforehand to provide the right care. Most people tend to go with hermanns or horsefield as knottyedge said. I know that i only have the space for one species... so it had to be pancakes for me enjoy whatever you decide! Louise __________________ 1.0.0 Common Musk Turtle: You can find out more about Stinkpot at... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003275610357 0.0.2 Pancake Tortoise - You can see more of Sheldon, Swarley and Spartacus (RIP) at... http://www.youtube.com/user/SheldonandSwarely

18-04-2012, 07:03 PM	#5
natstorts Member Juvenile Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire UK Posts: 935	I have 2 hermanns and love them __________________ Natalie 1.0.1 THBs(Freddie and Flo) 0.0.1 Leopard(Otis) 1.1.0 Dogs (Zac + Meg) 2.0.0 Cats (Oli + Billy) 1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Draz) 1.0.0 Russian Dwarf Hamster (Ralph) 2.0.0 Gerbils (Patch + Digger)

18-04-2012, 07:45 PM	#6
pagan queen Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Kent Posts: 6,073	I always think that is a strange question. What are you going to do with it once you're not a beginner any more, rehome it and get a more difficult one? Tortoises live a long time so whatever you get it will be with you (hopefully) for your whole life. __________________ 1.0.1 TG Ibera 1.0.0 Chinese Frise dog 0.1.0 African Grey Parrot 0.1.0 Hahns Macaw 0.1.0 Pearly Conure 0.2.0 Guinea Pigs 0.2.0 Chickens 1.0.0 Bearded Dragon 7.4.0 Budgies 1.1.0 Cockatiels 1.3 Kids 1 Husband

18-04-2012, 04:18 PM	#4
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	Twice as many people have Hermanns than any other breed, whether that means it's the best or just easier to come by, I don't know

18-04-2012, 08:34 PM	#7
smallmum Member Egg Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire Posts: 83	I have horsfields, similar to hermanns, They need specific care but dont grow too big.I suggest doing abit of research and reading some books, there is plenty of info on here and on the tortoise trust. Some other websites too. I started with the book by A highfield (he's the tortoise trust guy) i think its called guide to pet tortoise or something like that. I covers all the main breeds basics. And then depending on where you live have a look at a breeder for a tort rather than a petshop. If I can help I will. __________________ Lesley and her torts Brian (female), Nellie and Bruce xxx 🐢🐢🐢

18-04-2012, 08:35 PM	#8
Catwoman63 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: South East England Posts: 6,739	In my opinion you have to be a reptile lover, and all reptiles need special care, so any tortoise as long as you do your research about correct care and really want to look after and love a reptile that will live as long if not longer than you and they will need that care all that time x __________________ BEV XXX 0.3.0 - T Horsfieldii (Xena, Zelda & Lilly) 2.2.0 - TG Terrestris (Zeus, Astreus / Zagreus & Alexia) 1.2.0 - Zebra Finches (Gunner / Bonnie & May) 0.1.0 - SBT (Hazel) 1.0.0 - FBD (Ted)

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