THIS week's question is about tortoises, a pet that we don't see around quite so much these days.

Interest in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates seems to be growing, especially in youngsters looking for a more unusual pet. They can be very attractive, in their own way, and relatively easy to look after if you know what you are doing.

There's information readily available on the care and keep of snakes, lizards, frogs, spiders, tortoises, etc., but BUYER BEWARE! Make sure you buy your pet through a reputable specialist supplier or reptile club, both will be able to give you advice.

The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is a global agreement that regulates and monitors any trade of wild animals and plants. It's illegal to keep an endangered animal without a licence from a CITES country.

Check with your local pet store, you might need a permit to keep some species in captivity. Take time in deciding which animal is right for you and set up the vivarium or aquarium before you purchase your pet.

Know the latin name for the type of pet you are looking for, as some confusion can arise when common names are used. For example, in the UK the small African Python is called the Royal Python, while in America it is known as a Ball Python.

Exotic pets are not easy to keep, but do have certain advantages.

They're quiet and hardly need walking, so a garden's not essential and they can be left all day while you are at work or school. They rarely build relationships and therefore won't get stressed if you move house or pass them on to another owner. Before you decide, do some research and get advice from either a reputable exotic pet supplier or your veterinary surgeon should be able to help. Q: My nephew wants me to buy him a tortoise, can you give me some advice.

A: Now is perhaps not the best time to get a tortoise as they are about to go into hibernation -- I'd recommend getting one in the early summer, this will give it the chance to adjust and gain weight. Look for a healthy tortoise who's alert and goes into his shell when approached.

Tortoises eat fruit and vegetables; they particularly like lettuce, tomatoes, soft fruit, apples and pears.

Food should be fresh and washed to make sure it is free from pesticides, etc. Always make sure he has a shallow bowl of fresh water to drink.

Tortoises like to wander and can cover quite a large area. Put him outside on warm, sunny days, but don't let him get cold or wet. They can both dig and climb, so any enclosure and/or garden boundaries must be secure. He'll need somewhere to shelter in very hot weather or persistent rain.

Tortoises are prone to colds, eye problems and sore mouths, so do see a vet if you think he is under the weather. Occasionally rub olive oil on his shell, this will protect it and keep it in good condition.

Calcium is also good for his shell so you could feed a mineral supplement or he might eat a little minced meat. Tortoises can live for 40 years or more, so take good care of him and he'll be around for quite a while.

Be sure to take him to your vet for a health and weight check in the autumn to make sure he's well enough and big enough to hibernate. And for a full check up after he wakes up. He may receive a vitamin injection at this time to help him out.