If you’re thinking of adding a tortoise to your family there are a few things you need to know first. Caring for a tortoise takes time patience and commitment but it can be a very rewarding experience.
Tortoises are long-lived animals and some species can live for over 100 years! They grow slowly and can reach a size of over 1 foot in length. Because of their long life span and slow growth rate tortoises are not recommended as pets for children.
Tortoises are also very sensitive to their environment. They need a warm humid environment to thrive and can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. They also need a diet of high-fiber low-protein plant foods.
If you’re considering adding a tortoise to your family do your research first. Be sure you understand the commitment required to care for a tortoise and try to find a species that is a good match for your environment and lifestyle.
Here are a few tips for caring for your tortoise:
Provide a warm humid environment. Tortoises need a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level between 50 and 70%. You can provide this environment by setting up a tortoise table or vivarium with a basking spot a hide box and a shallow water dish.
Give your tortoise a diet of high-fiber low-protein plant foods. A variety of dark leafy green vegetables fruits and flowers should make up the bulk of your tortoise’s diet. Avoid feeding your tortoise iceberg lettuce as it is very low in nutrients. Be sure to offer a variety of foods to provide your tortoise with the nutrients it needs.
Provide a calcium supplement. Tortoises need a diet that is high in calcium to prevent shell deformities. A cuttlebone or calcium powder can be offered to your tortoise to fulfill this need.
Offer a variety of enrichment activities. Tortoises are active animals and need opportunities to move around and explore. Offer a variety of enrichment activities such as climbing structures burrowing opportunities and different kinds of food to encourage foraging.
Be patient. Tortoises grow slowly and can live for a long time so be patient when caring for them. They may not be the most exciting pet but the rewards of owning a tortoise are well worth the effort.
What do tortoises eat?
Tortoises are mostly herbivorous and eat a wide variety of plant life.
Tortoises in the wild have been known to eat over 100 different species of plants.
How often should I feed my tortoise?
Tortoises should be fed every day and the amount of food given should be proportional to the size of the tortoise.
A good rule of thumb is to offer the tortoise as much food as it can eat in one sitting.
What kind of housing do tortoises need?
Tortoises need a warm and humid environment.
A glass aquarium or terrarium with a screened top is a good option for housing.
The enclosure should have a basking area where the temperature is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often should I clean the tortoise’s enclosure?
The enclosure should be cleaned every week.
This involves removing the substrate cleaning the walls of the enclosure and disinfecting all of the surfaces.
What kind of substrate should I use for my tortoise’s enclosure?
A variety of substrates can be used but cypress mulch or orchid bark are good options.
The substrate should be deep enough that the tortoise can bury itself if it wants to.
How often should I mist the tortoise’s enclosure?
The enclosure should be misted every day to maintain the humidity level.
What is the ideal humidity level for a tortoise’s enclosure?
The ideal humidity level is around 50-60%.
How can I provide a basking area for my tortoise?
A basking area can be provided by using a heat lamp.
The temperature of the basking area should be about 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I provide a hiding place for my tortoise?
A hiding place can be provided by using a piece of driftwood a rock or a piece of PVC pipe.
What kind of lighting do tortoises need?
Tortoises need UVB lighting to help them absorb calcium.
A fluorescent bulb that emits UVB rays can be used.
The bulb should be placed over the basking area.
How much UVB lighting do tortoises need?
Tortoises need about 10-12 hours of UVB lighting per day.
How can I tell if my tortoise is getting enough UVB lighting?
If your tortoise is not getting enough UVB lighting it may start to show signs of shell deformities.
What kind of water should I give my tortoise?
Tortoises should be given clean fresh water to drink.
The water bowl should be shallow enough that the tortoise can easily get in and out.
How often should I bathe my tortoise?
Tortoises should be given a shallow bath about once a week.
This helps to keep them clean and hydrated.
What should I do if my tortoise becomes sick?
If your tortoise becomes sick you should take it to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles.
