Tortoise

A Tortoise is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The life span of a tortoise living in the wild can be over 100 years. While domesticated tortoises generally live about half this long, creating and maintaining the optimal habitat increases their life span.

Typical Behavior

A tortoise lives on the land and is not a swimmer. In fact, if it wanders into water that is too deep, it can drown. Most tortoises hibernate during part of the year. Tortoises are shy, quiet and harmless. They are content living alone, but if you have two of different species, make sure they are compatible before putting them in a habitat together.

Care Requirements

Tortoises do not prefer to be held; nor do they like to have the glass walls of their tank tapped on by people. The practice of painting the shell of a tortoise is inhumane and can lead to the death of a tortoise. It is important to wash your hands after handling a tortoise, as it carries the Salmonella bacteria.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

A tortoise enclosure can be either inside or outside. Where you locate it depends on your type of tortoise, the outside temperature and your ability to bring it inside during weather that is too hot or too cold. The minimum size for a tortoise enclosure is five feet by five feet. Tortoises can dig and climb so be sure the enclosure is escape proof. If you choose to keep your tortoise outside, the habitat must be predator proof. Common suburban predators of tortoises include cats, coyotes, dogs, raccoons and skunks. When setting up a tortoise habitat, it should include both an area that has direct sunlight and an area with access to shade. Tortoises like to soak in shallow water even though, unlike turtles, they do not swim. A shallow bowl that will not tip can be used for this purpose or you can buy a soaking container at a pet supply store. A tortoise will also need a bowl for clean drinking water that cannot be tipped. The floor of a tortoise habitat can be covered with alfalfa pellets or newspaper. Materials harmful to a tortoise include artificial grass, ground corn cob and wood chips. The optimal temperature range for a tortoise’s habitat is 78.8 degrees to 100.4 degrees. A radiant heat-source lamp can be used to maintain the correct temperature. Tortoises like to hide, and will appreciate “hideouts” within their habitat. You can create your own or pet supply stores sell a variety.

Dietary Requirements

Tortoises should be given a diet that is five percent protein, 10 percent fruit and 85 percent vegetables. Protein can be provided in the form of crickets and worms. Some of their favorite fruits include apples, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, mangoes, pears, strawberries and watermelon. Some vegetables that tortoise like include beans, cabbage, carrots, mustard leaves, peas, pumpkin and tomatoes. A vitamin supplement can be given twice a week. Adult tortoises should be fed three times a week and young tortoises should be fed daily.

Financial Considerations for a Tortoise:

Veterinary

Colds, pneumonia and respiratory infections are the most common ailments for tortoises and left untreated, can kill them. Symptoms of a sick tortoise include decrease in appetite, gasping for breath, raspy breathing and swollen eyes. If a tortoise displays any of these symptoms, bring it to a veterinarian who specializes in tortoises immediately.

Grooming

Tortoises do not require grooming.

Animal Sitter

A professional pet sitter, a friend, neighbor or a boarding kennel can be used to care for your tortoise in your absence.

Food

The cost to feed a tortoise will depend on what it is fed. Check with your local pet supply store or veterinarian to find out what food is best for your tortoise.

Other Supplies:

Generally, your tortoise will require a tank or other type of secure enclosure; a radiant heat source; alfalfa pellets or newspaper; food and a water bowl; a soaking bowl; hideouts; and UV light.

Interesting Facts about Tortoises:

• There are about 40 different species of tortoise, the largest beings the Galapagos, which can weigh up to 500 pounds.
• A group of tortoises is called a “creep.”
• Tortoises do not have webbed feet like turtles, but rather rounded feet that look similar to the shape of an elephant foot.
• Tortoises do not have teeth.
• The sexual maturity of a tortoise is determined by the length of its shell and not by its age.