Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[jb14]

I dont know if anybody can help

My parents are buying a tortoise (a herman) (or possibly leopard)(mainly for my son) but it will live at their house with proper care, heating, table etc, we had one when i was small 25 years ago but not owned one since. On looking into what equipment willb e needed etc, I have read that homes with small children should not keep tortoises, my son is 3 and I also have a 6 month old baby, the tortoise wont be living in my home but we visit my parents regularly, he will be supervised and not allowed to "play with it" but is it safe to own one with my children about? He will be gutted if we cant get one but i dont want to risk making him or the baby ill.

Thanks for any info

Im sure people must keep reptiles with babys in the house???

[Scott W]

Not sure where you read that, did it give a reason why not?

Two things you would need to be aware of are 1, your child picking up the tortoise and harming it (normally by dropping it) and 2, the risk of salmonella, so it's important that whoever handles the tortoise washes their hands afterwards (the same as touching any animal including dogs and hamsters etc). The salmonella risk is tiny (more chance of catching it from takeaway chicken wings).

Tortoises make very interesting pets and once settled in will happy take food from your hands.

I wouldn't recommend the Leopard tortoise as they require hotter & dryer environment year round, where as the Hermans can be hibernated throughout the winter.

[jb14]

Hi, thanks for info

I read it on the tortoise trust web site and it was because of the risk of salmonella it was also on afew other sites, (mainly american) apparantly babies are most at risk followed by children under 5, but i thought as long as i keep baby away from it and make my son wash his hands they should be fine

[linda]

this makes me so mad when i read about samonella, like the last post you have more chance getting it from chicken.....
like any animal you just wash your hands.