Thinking of getting a tortoise

Question
Hi, I've had turtles whn I was a kid, I'm considering getting a tortoise.  What care do they need?  Can they carry salmonella like turtles can?  I won't get one for some time because I have a cat and a hamster, I don't want to give either of them less attention, so I'll wait until my 19 month old hamster passes.

Answer
Hi Jinene,

Tortoises can make great pets, but there are some specific things you should consider first:

1)  They need space.  Even a small tortoise should have a roomy indoor enclosure, as well as (if possible) a secure outdoor pen for the warmer months.  Pet stores will tell you to use a 20 gallon tank, but that's much too small for any tortoise and really very cruel.  So decide if you have the room for an indoor enclosure (minimum for an indoor only would be 3 x 5), and the money to put one together (substrate, lighting, etc.)

2)  They have specific lighting requirements.  You'll need a UVB bulb, which will cost about $45-50 a year.

3)  They need a specific diet.  You can't just buy pellets and keep them healthy.  Most are herbivores and need a good variety of greens/weeds.  So you need to be willing to learn about tortoise nutrition and make an effort to provide different foods.

4)  You need to have a good reptile vet.  If you keep your tortoise properly, it should stay healthy, but you never know.  I almost never have to take my tortoises to the vet, but every once in a while something happens, and you want to have a good vet available if you need one.

5)  They live a long time.  Don't get one if you're not willing to take responsibility for it for probably the rest of your life (and quite likely beyond that).  A lot of people get tortoises because they think they're cool, and then get tired of them after a few years.  Don't be like that!

Tortoises can shed salmonella, just like turtles and other reptiles (and dogs and cats, too, btw).  Just use proper hygiene around them, and you shouldn't have a problem.  I know many people who keep reptiles, and I can only think of one person who ever got salmonella (sloppy/no handwashing).  Wash your hands after touching a tortoise, and you won't have any problems.  

If I can answer any more questions, just let me know!