My Story

Hello! I’m Sharon, founder of ‘HappyTortoises’ and general tortoise enthusiast!

If you love tortoises you’re in the right place. I live and breathe tortoises! Over the years I have kept many different breeds and I pride myself on exceptionally high standards of care. I have taken in rescues with health issues over the years too and I have extensively researched all aspects of care in order to help them thrive in captivity. I volunteered on an ecological field study on Karoo Dwarf tortoise "Chersobius boulengeri” in South Africa in 2019. This provided valuable insight into their natural habitat, ecology, breeding, feeding, behaviours and ultimately conservation of this endangered species.

I started breeding tortoises in 2013 and keep careful measurements of weights, lengths and progress for each and every tortoise in my care. Due to my passion and the constant high demand, I breed three different types of tortoise. I breed these tortoises because I have extensively researched these species and they’re my personal favourites (although my favourites list does keep expanding!). Each breeding pair was chosen for their amazing markings, temperament, compatibility with each other and health. Each hatchling I have is provided with the optimal conditions to thrive - including temperature, humidity, hydration and plant food. I give each tortoise the very best start in life and consequently I’m keen for them to go to best home. I’ll personally check to ensure you have the correct set up prior to buying your tortoise.

If you’re interested in tortoises please feel free to check out the YouTube Channel for more information about setup, feeding, bathing, weighing, humidity, enclosures, good husbandry and general tortoise care. I’m always here to help if you have any queries or need advice (although I get huge volumes of messages, so can’t always reply straight away). Please note my advice is drawn from many years of personal experience dealing with all aspects of tortoise care as well as extensive research into scientific studies by reputable organisations, literature and books. It is not intended to substitute the professional opinion of a vet. If you have any health concerns about a tortoise please consult your reptile specialist vet.

When you buy a tortoise from me you can be assured that you are buying the very best. I’ve spent years researching and testing their different needs and seek to prevent the all too common pyramiding and other health problems which can easily be avoided. I love to keep in touch with each of my tortoise’s new families and see the tortoise babies continue to grow and live happy, healthy lives!

Please become a member and be a part of this tortoise loving community. Here you can chat with other members, ask questions, share experiences and upload sibling photos. I hope you’ll find it as informative as it is fun!

A special thanks to those of you who have continued to show support on my YouTube and Instagram channels.

Enjoy caring for your tortoise and keeping them healthy and happy!