The general types don`t do well at it, its the specialist and rather rare Resin breed which excels, though training seasons are quite far apart due to hibernation

Wow, loads of conflicting advice there!

thanks to all of you - i have been dubiious about it but I like them and one of my friends has kept tortoises for years. They stay outside in Summer with access to a 'hutch' whch is raised off the ground so keeps them warm and dry when need be then they go into hibernation early autumn til early spring.

There are breeds which are better for keeping outside while others tend to need to be kept inside. As for them being wild creatures - you can mostly say that about any domestic pet :S but they are bred to be kept as pets and know no other way of life. Sadly the ones bred over here wouldnt survive here in the wild and until they stop them breeding them altogether there are lots that need good caring homes.

I will probably try to rehome one that is unwanted rahter than get a baby. Not sure yet. I might not even go for it as yet... i am terrified it will die as they can be so sensitive :S

We have two Leopard Tortoises and to be honest I wouldn't get a tortoise as a pet. The OH loves them but I have gradually become very against them as a pet. They are expensive to keep and not particularly entertaining, they don't play fetch and can't do agility and it takes days to go on a walk.

Personally, I think they would make good ashtrays, unfortunately the larger one is too big to microwave now Really, don't bother you will likely regret it and be stuck with it for years.

Here is a picture of our two but if you are easily don't look. WARNING CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES OF SEX!!

The Female is about 18" long btw




































I think he is shouting YEAH BABY!, but again they are boring and don't make much in the way of sound.

Really, get some paint and watch it dry, it will be far more satisfying.