Tortoises are uniquely special creatures that can make terrific pets. Before acquiring a tortoise however it is important to do your research to make sure you are prepared to properly care for your new pet. This guide will cover the basics of tortoise care so that you can provide your tortoise with a happy and healthy home.
Tortoises can live a long time sometimes reaching 100 years old or more. This means that you will likely have your tortoise for many years to come so it is important to be prepared for the long-term commitment. One of the most important things you can do for your tortoise is to provide it with a large enough enclosure. Tortoises need room to roam and explore and a small cage will not suffice.
Ideally your tortoise enclosure should be outdoors so that your tortoise can enjoy natural sunlight and fresh air. If you cannot provide an outdoor enclosure then you will need to create a suitable indoor space. Your tortoise will also need a hide area where it can retreat to when it feels stressed or needs a break from activity.
In terms of diet tortoises are herbivores and need a diet that is high in fiber. A variety of fresh vegetables and greens should be offered daily and you can also supplement with hay pellets and other plant-based foods. It is also important to offer a source of calcium such as cuttlebone to prevent shell deformities.
Tortoises need to soak in water daily to stay hydrated and a shallow dish or kiddie pool can be used for this purpose. It is also important to provide a humid environment as this is essential for shell growth. A humidifier can be used to raise the humidity level in the enclosure or you can mist the enclosure with water several times per day.
Proper care and husbandry are essential for keeping your tortoise healthy and happy. By following these basic guidelines you can provide your tortoise with the best possible care and ensure a long and healthy life.
How can I keep my tortoise healthy?
A healthy diet clean water and a clean enclosure are essential to keeping your tortoise healthy.
What kind of diet does my tortoise need?
A diet for a tortoise should be high in fiber and low in protein.
Tortoises are herbivores and their diet should consist of leafy greens vegetables and some fruit.
How often should I feed my tortoise?
Adult tortoises should be fed every other day and juvenile tortoises should be fed every day.
How can I tell if my tortoise is healthy?
Generally a healthy tortoise will have clear eyes a firm shell and no discharge from the nose or mouth.
What should I do if my tortoise is sick?
If you think your tortoise is sick take it to a reptile vet as soon as possible.
How can I tell if my tortoise is a boy or a girl?
The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the tortoise’s tail.
Male tortoises have a long curved tail while female tortoises have a shorter straighter tail.
How big will my tortoise get?
The size of a tortoise depends on the species.
Some tortoises stay small only growing to be a few inches long.
Others can grow to be very large up to four feet long.
How long do tortoises live?
Tortoises can live a long time upwards of 80 years.
Do tortoises need to be bathed?
Tortoises do not need to be bathed but they do need to have a shallow dish of water available to soak in.
This helps them stay hydrated and keeps their skin healthy.
How often should I clean my tortoise’s enclosure?
The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily and completely cleaned and disinfected every two weeks.
What kind of enclosure does my tortoise need?
Tortoises need an enclosure that is large enough for them to move around in has a basking area and provides a hiding place.
The enclosure should also be escape-proof.
What temperature does my tortoise’s enclosure need to be?
The temperature of the enclosure should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
What kind of lighting does my tortoise’s enclosure need?
The enclosure should have a UVB light to help the tortoise absorb calcium.
Do tortoises need to be handled?
Tortoises do not need to be handled but it is often recommended to do so in order to help socialize them.
What should I do if I want to hold my tortoise?
If you want to hold your tortoise make sure your hands are clean and dry and gently pick them up from the middle of their shell.
