Pros/cons of tortoise ownership?

[JoshSloane]

Babies do tend to have a rather high mortality rate that's only compounded by the hands of a novice keeper. If you decide to get your first tortoise I strongly urge you to pick up a yearling. They are pretty much bullet proof by this time and still small enough that you'll get the baby feeling.

Most tortoises don't enjoy being picked up and held but they do seem to thrive on positive interactions. I'm greeted by my tortoises every day when I make my outside rounds. They follow me around looking for neck scratches and food handouts. Tortoises are some of the most rewarding reptile pets you could possibly own - definitely tops in the intelligent interaction category.

From what I have read and heard from many sources is that hatchling mortality rates have as much to do with breeder husbandry issues as they do with novice owner issues. Seems that the so called 'hatchling failure syndrome' proposed by some tort breeders is rather an excuse for poor breeding standards and conditions.

To this end, choosing a respected breeder is paramount when it comes to torts. There are many breeders that churn out hatchlings, keeping them in substandard conditions. You want a well started baby that has a history of good feeding, has had ample UVB and no signs of illness. Also, to avoid pyramiding issues, you want to get a hatchling that has been started out in proper humidity and soaking practices.