If you’re lucky enough to have a tortoise as a pet congratulations! These amazing creatures can make great companions. Here are a few tips on how to properly pet your tortoise:
1. Gently stroke your tortoise’s shell. Avoid pressing too hard or you could hurt your pet.
2. Some tortoises enjoy having their head and neck rubbed. Just be gentle!
3. Give your tortoise a chance to move around and explore. Don’t keep your pet cooped up all the time – he or she needs to stretch those legs (or uh flippers).
4. If your tortoise appears to be enjoying the petting keep going! If your tortoise seems uncomfortable or wants to move away let him or her go.
5. Always wash your hands after petting your tortoise. These creatures can carry bacteria that can make you sick so it’s important to practice good hygiene.
PETTING A TORTOISE: THE DO’S AND DON’TS
Do’s:
• Do let your tortoise come to you rather than you going to him/her – this way your tortoise feels in control.
• Do extend a slow open hand towards your tortoise – again slow movements will help your tortoise feel relaxed and comfortable.
• Do offer your tortoise the opportunity to sniff you before you start petting him/her – tortoises have a very keen sense of smell and this will help him/her feel more at ease with you.
• Do stroke along the lines of your tortoise’s shell – this is usually very soothing for them.
• Do give your tortoise a chance to move away if he/she wants to – never force your tortoise to stay still for petting if he/she is clearly uncomfortable.
Don’ts:
• Don’t pick your tortoise up without warning – this will startle him/her and could cause your tortoise to feel insecure and defensive.
• Don’t move too quickly or make sudden movements around your tortoise – again this will scare him/her.
• Don’t pet your tortoise on the head or face – most tortoises don’t like this and it could cause them to feel threatened.
• Don’t pull your hand away quickly if your tortoise bites you – this could hurt your tortoise and cause him/her to associate you with pain making him/her more likely to bite you again in the future.
With these simple tips in mind you and your tortoise can enjoy many happy moments together!
How do you pet a tortoise?
Gently pet the tortoise on its head or back with your fingers.
What if the tortoise bites you?
If the tortoise bites you let go and give it a time out.
Is it ok to pick up a tortoise?
It is generally ok to pick up a tortoise but use two hands and be careful not to drop it.
What should you do if you drop a tortoise?
Place the tortoise on its back and gently rub its shell until it right itself.
How often do tortoises need to be bathed?
Tortoises do not need to be bathed but can be sprayed with water to keep them clean.
How often do tortoises need to be fed?
Tortoises should be fed every day.
What do tortoises eat?
Tortoises eat vegetables and fruits.
What shouldn’t tortoises eat?
Tortoises shouldn’t eat meats as this can make them sick.
Can tortoises eat iceberg lettuce?
No iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value for tortoises.
Do tortoises like being petted?
Some tortoises enjoy being petted while others do not.
What is the best way to tell if a tortoise is happy?
A happy tortoise will be alert and active with its head and legs held high.
What is the best way to tell if a tortoise is unhealthy?
An unhealthy tortoise will be lethargic and have a dull shell.
How can you tell a male tortoise from a female tortoise?
Male tortoises have longer tails than female tortoises.
What is the lifespan of a tortoise?
Tortoises can live for 30 to 40 years.
Do tortoises make good pets?
Tortoises can make good pets if they are well cared for.
