Where can I buy a cheap tortoise?

Hoops · 10-02-2006 01:10PM #1

I am looking for something cheap but fairly hardy which would live outside at least part of the year.

Any ideas? £100GBP seems to be about the cheapest so far!

RobEire · 10-02-2006 01:17PM

Where are you based?

If in Dublin - try Reptile Haven on Fishamble Street, if in London, try the huge petshop in Camden - on exiting the tube station turn left, and right and the first set of lights (as if you were walking up to London Zoo) - the petshop will be on the left hand side of the road, reptiles are upstairs.

Both places have reasonable prices (or used to at least).

Hoops · 10-02-2006 02:17PM

I live in Cork but am buying for someone based just north of London.

If they can deliver - then I'd talk to Dublin. Otherwise - London.

Any idea of the name of the place in London? Or a website address for either?

Cheers

Gordon Gekko · 10-02-2006 03:16PM

If they can deliver - then I'd talk to Dublin. Otherwise - London.

It's not a bunch of flowers you're buying! :eek:

Surely it would be less stressful to the animal if it was bought in London, rather than having to 'ship it' from Dublin to north of London?!

Hellrazer · 10-02-2006 03:20PM

My concern is why are you looking for a "cheap" tortoise.

If youre going to have a tortoise for 30+ years then surely you`d consider health,welfare of the animal to be more important than the "price" you pay for it.

Our man in Havana · 10-02-2006 06:37PM

Have a look on here

http://dctortoises.co.uk/

I have bought from him before - buy the biggest you can afford - I bought 2 Russian Horsefields one died but the other is fine - I bought the smallest ones & would get older tortoises next time. But as Hellrazier says they live a long time & you want to be sure you are getting good quality - I would want to see the tortoise before I bought one to see if eyes are ok etc & that its lively & eating well.

DC tortoises are based in Canterbury in Kent.

Baffled · 10-02-2006 10:42PM

I thought you had to have some kind of a licence to own a tortoise?

Our man in Havana · 11-02-2006 01:38AM

Some tortoise must have a CITES certificate that the seller will give you to say they are captive bred etc. Russian Horsefields do not need a licence. Some others do not need a licence either, it all depends on their rariety - all tortoises bought from Dean Clackitt should have the correct licence - they also have a care guide with them & any good breeder or seller should be able to answer questions etc.

Tabitharose · 12-02-2006 08:25PM

Hellrazer wrote:

My concern is why are you looking for a "cheap" tortoise.

If youre going to have a tortoise for 30+ years then surely you`d consider health,welfare of the animal to be more important than the "price" you pay for it.

total agreement from me

garlad · 13-02-2006 01:56PM

Can you buy them in Ireland? Sister looked into it a while ago, and couldnt find them anywhere.

tonyfelloni · 13-01-2007 01:31PM

I bought a tortoise (Greek Spur) last May from a petshop in dublin. It is in the inchicore area. Will find out the exact address for anyone interested. Mine is a baby and is doing fine. It has been hibernating in my fridge since the end of november. I would advise thorough research before getting one though!

tallus · 13-01-2007 03:47PM

My two Hermans are also in hibernation in the fridge at the moment too. Research is hugely important. I bought mine from Reptile Haven in Fishamble St. Dublin.
Both came with papers as they are a Cites appendix II species.
Research Research Research ...
Didn't you post the same question here last year Hoops?
*edit* I dont think you'll get one for 100 sterling, and to be honest, price was not my biggest consideration when I purchased mine.

tonyfelloni · 13-01-2007 05:03PM

Hi Tallus
My tortoise cost 150eur but it did not come with papers. It was bought as a present for me and I was a bit Pissed off that it didnt come with papers, especially if I want to breed them in the future (or try at least). its a Greek Spur. Do you know how old they have to be before they can be sexed?

Cheers

Tony

tallus · 13-01-2007 05:14PM

I gather that that the female plastron is relatively flat whereas the males is concave? it has to arc a bit to make it easier for him to mount the female.
Tails can be a giveaway too but I dont know how reliable that is. Mine are only 4 years old and have already tried to mate a few times.
I'm not sure about sexing and age, I mean I'm sure a vet will be able to tell you, but I dont know enough about that to be honest. I know with snakes they can probe the cloaca to check for a hemipenis, but torts appear to be different.
How old is your tort?

tonyfelloni · 13-01-2007 07:21PM

Not sure, I'd hazzard a guess at 3 yrs or so. He is 70mm long app.

tallus · 13-01-2007 09:01PM

Sounds about the right size for that age, tho.... mine were almost identical when I got them and now they are totally different sizes.

Demonique · 07-05-2007 11:59AM

Baffled wrote:

I thought you had to have some kind of a licence to own a tortoise?

Pfff, in Ireland you don't even need a licence to keep a big cat provided you've got adequate space for it

Where can I buy a cheap tortoise?

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