This is something I have considered since I was very young - buying a tortoise. However, I know very little about then and what they need.

Do they live outdoors or in? What do you recommend?

Are they... affectionate? Can you see when they're happy? Do they know you exist?

How often do they need cleaning out?

Do they need lots of attention? How long can they be left alone for? (I work 9-5, 5 days a week)

What do they eat?

Can they live alone?

How long do they live for?

Which breed do you recommend? (I'm looking at "spur thighed")

Where do I buy one from?! I avoid pet shops.

Are they expensive?

If I had an outdoor turtle enclosure how long would they be OK to be left alone for in it? (I go to France 2 weeks out of the year)

Would I be able to take one with me to France? Customs checks aside, could they cope with the journey/the heat etc?

Thanks! I've trawled advice sites but it's really difficult to understand as everybody has different opinions/advice.

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Current foster from the Cinnamon Trust - 13yo Muffin the persian tortoiseshell kitty. And we're keeping her.

Have a look on shelled warriors forum you'll find out all you need to know on there
There is a breeder list on there too
good luck in finding a tortoise, i have a hermans and hes lovely

I have 2 horsefield tortoises Alfred and Mabel...they're 6 and 7 yo and live in a tortoise box with lighting indoors but go outdoors on a daily basis in the nicer weather....they eat all sorts but their fave is dandelion leaves and rose petals....I bought them from a private breeder they where 150 pounds each but the breeder didn't like selling singletons so let me have 2 for 200 pounds.
Many disagree that they're affectionate, and no you wont get the affection that you get from a dog with a tortoise but mine do like having the top of their heads and their necks underneath stroked, they also like having the top softer tissue of their legs tickled....so up to a point they respond a lot more than people think.
Hibernation is one thing to be up on before you by though...it's far to long to explain the ins and outs here but as someone has already suggested, the shelled worriers will be able to explain all and help
Good luck
Clare xx

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Staffy x Lab almost 10...Fizz
Ginger Tom 2 1/2...Tilly
Bichon x King charles spanel 1 yr 10 months
Latest addition Tex the black shep 11 1/2 years foster pooch
How can I forget my fish..i have 13 tropical fish too...err...2 cats 2 neon and one lemon tetra...2 err...will have to go look and get back on that one i can't remember the names lol
My Dogs are the centre of my world
RIP Dolly Sadly Passed away 7pm 6/3.2011