Quote Originally Posted by JoshSloane View Post
Im glad that I stumbled across this thread, I actually have a baby sulcata and I recently went through all of the conflicting information on the web regarding tortoises. First, let me direct you to tortoiseforum.com. It is a WONDERFUL resource for new tortoise owners. Tom over there can literally tell you everything that you need to know for the tort. To begin to answer your questions, there has been a lot of updated information surrounding tortoise care in recent years that is allowing these animals to live much better and healthier lives. We are starting to understand that for many species of tortoise, high humidity is absolutely critical especially in the early years of life to prevent shell pyramiding. I am not 100% up to date on Hermans tort care, but I believe that they likely do need increased humidity to thrive, around 60-70%. This is usually hard to accomplish when using a tortoise table or any other open type of enclosure. I would go with an enclosed chamber type setup, which will limit ventilation and help keep humidity and ambient temps stable. As for rearing babies, if you stick to the guidelines from the tort care sheets on tortoiseforum.com you will be fine. Make sure you buy from an established breeder, and that you are receiving a healthy and eating baby. Generally baby tortoises shouldn't be handled too often. They can experience intestinal torsion and other internal issues if they are moved around too rapidly. Once older, most tortoises are gregarious and happy to interact with people. Definitely get over to the tort forum and good luck!
Thanks for the reply. I'll pop over there and sign up.

Do you find them really time consuming? I had a bearded dragon and I couldn't handle the upkeep. She pooped like 10 times a day and ran through her food bowl and spread her food everywhere. I had to do a deep clean on her cage every single day and it was just too much for me. It seems like torts will be a little easier? Obviously they need greens every day but they seem more easygoing than a lizard.

I've been in contact with a breeder and they are going to have some Hermann's available next year so I've got lots of time to buy my supplies and research