Yes, our "Tortie" always tried to look for a male mate for a few weeks each year when she was younger, but she has stopped doing it now... must be feeling her age ;D She has a very large garden to plod around, but tends to stay in the same area, unless she comes down (and into!) to the house for food. they do need a sunny spot, as they have to warm up in the morning to be able to feed.
They do like bare toes - I think they think them food! Otherwise, she never tries to bite us, though she cannot tell the difference between fingers and food, and (for us, the rare) tortoise bites do hurt!
They are fun and very fascinating. They definately have characters and know the people who feed them.
Not sure who will "inherit" Tortie if she needs a new home ever... We have said she'll prob go to whoever has the largest garden, as she is used to freedom. I would like her, and am hopeful, as one of my sisters has said she'd be too scared of her dying in the Winter.
Newspaper is the best for Winter - don't use straw as it can harbour mould spores, which can kill tortoises. Cardboard boxes are good too, in case they wake up before you realise and try to climb out. the box is more likely to tip over, rather than the tortoise end up on its back (and die :()
I am relieved the importation of tortoises was banned, as it was criminal how many died in transport when I was a child...
