Q&A

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, is here to answer all of your pet problems.

Q

We would like to buy a tortoise – but we’re not sure where we should get it from or how we would know whether it’s healthy.

You hear bad stories about some pet shops.

John Owens, Birmingham

You need to consider what species – your local exotics or reptile vet can advise, and you could also get advice from your local tortoise society or the British Chelonia Group.

Find a reputable breeder or rescue centre, and aim for an animal over a year old (three or four if possible). It should be active with bright, clean eyes and no nasal discharge. The underside of the shell should not be red or too soft. Check it is eating properly and going to the toilet. A reptile vet can do a faecal check for parasites.