by Bob Elliot
In recent months, there has been a marked increase in the sale of Mediterranean Tortoises in garden centres and pet shops in the UK. Apart from the high prices which these establishments are charging, a fair number of these animals appear to be unwell.
A number of people who have bought tortoises from these establishments, have contacted me saying that they have had problems with the health of the specimens which they have purchased. Ailments such as "runny nose", "soft shell", "eye infections" and "shell damage" have been reported to me. In fact, one lady who purchased a tortoise from a garden centre near Tarporley in Cheshire and found it to be unwell, was given another one in its place which she also discovered had health problems. She took the second one back only to receive another unwell tortoise. On returning this third specimen to the dealer, she was offered a refund.
It has also been reported to me that the majority of these establishments provide either little or no information as to general care, housing, diet, hibernation, etc.
As for the prices of these tortoises, I have been informed that hatchlings and juveniles (up to a year old) cost in the region of 150 UK pounds. This is relatively high when compared to purchasing directly from responsible breeders, who normally charge in the region of 50 - 100 UK pounds.
The seller (whether they be a commercial enterprise or a private individual) requires (by law) a licence issued by the UK Department of The Environment to legally sell certain species of Mediterranean Tortoises.
A licence is required to sell the following species:-
Mediterranean Spur-thighed (or Greek) tortoise - Testudo graeca
Hermann's tortoise - Testudo hermanni
Marginated tortoise - Testudo marginata
A licence is not required, apparently, to sell the Russian (or Horsfield's) tortoise - Testudo horsfieldi.
If you intend purchasing one of the Mediterannean species, please observe the following:-
1. Before purchasing your tortoise, obtain as much information as you can. The caresheets at this and other Websites are a great place to start. Other sources of information include books by reputable authors.
2. Information about tortoises can also be obtained from newsgroups, listserves and mailing lists and from people who actually keep them.
3. Join one of the tortoise societies. In UK these are the Tortoise Trust and British Chelonia Group. These are excellent organisations who are only too willing to offer advice to beginners and experts alike and, at a tenner a year (approx), great value for money. Your subsciption also includes a regular newsletter.
4. Once you have the information and have decided on which species you would like to keep, make sure that you have the facilities to care for your prospective tortoise. For example, can you provide a vivarium (essential for hatchlings), outdoor enclosure or garden, overwintering facilities?
5. You must now decide where you are going to buy your tortoise
from. Wherever possible, buy captive bred specimens.
Firstly, they are less likely to harbour disease. Secondly, they
are likely to be more tolerant of the UK climate. Thirdly, by buying
captive bred specimens, you are helping to minimise depletion of the species
in its natural habitat.
6. Wherever possible, buy directly from a private breeder.
7. Wherever you purchase your tortoise from ensure that
a) the person who is selling the tortoise has a licence from the UK Department
of The Environment (or, at least, an exemption certificate)
b) you obtain a copy of the licence, which you should keep in a safe place
(NOTE: a licence is required for each tortoise)
c) the person who is selling the tortoise can provide you with both written
and verbal information with regard to general care
d) the tortoise is eating
e) the tortoise has no visible signs of illness (eg runny nose, eye infection,
damaged shell, soft shell, scars on legs or head).
8. If you are a beginner, take someone experienced with you when you make your purchase.
9. Once you have purchased your tortoise, have it "checked over" by a reputable veterinary surgeon..
Finally, I would like to point out that I do not have a vendetta against this type of outlet. Many commercial pet dealers are responsible and caring people. As long as they can provide healthy tortoises at reasonable prices as well as accurate information on general care, then there is no reason not to buy from them.
My gripe is with the dealers who just want to make a huge profit without regard for the welfare of the animals.
I hope you have found this information useful.
If you do decide to purchase a tortoise, I hope that you get years of
pleasure from looking after and observing these fascinating creatures.