| Tortoises - Care Sheet
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FAQs
What are the advice for tortoises? ›
Tortoises love the sun and need at least 10-12 hours a day of exposure to sunlight, or artificial UVB light, as well as a basking spot. Unsupervised roaming outside of the enclosure. Direct contact with heating sources. Keep them away from cat and dog food, as well as insects, or toxic sprays.
How many tortoises should you have? ›We often get asked by customers and tortoise keepers if their tortoise will get lonely on their own or if they should get a friend for their tortoise and the simple answer is: Tortoises are solitary animals in the wild, so they are fine on their own.
Are rhubarb leaves poisonous to tortoises? ›This plant has high concentrations of oxalic acid, which binds with calcium and prevents its uptake, as well as glycosides, which can be very damaging to the heart, liver and kidneys, and so Rhubarb should never be fed to tortoises.
What to do if your Russian tortoise won't eat? ›Temperatures. Tortoises can not self-thermoregulate so they need additional heat in their enclosures by way of lamps. They will not eat if they are too cold.
Do tortoises like to be petted? ›The short answer
Just like some people like to hug their friends and other people don't like hugs, some tortoises really enjoy having their shells scratched and other tortoises don't like it so much. However, we have pretty good evidence that many tortoises enjoy being touched and getting attention.
When a tortoise is happy and healthy, it will generally show a lot of interest in what's going on around it. It will move around its enclosure and be keen to investigate anything new introduced to the area.
Can I leave my tortoise alone for 3 days? ›Tortoise expert and breeder Ed Piroj on the other hand said he himself leaves his tortoises alone when he goes away for less than ten days: “They are reptiles. If they are well fed and well hydrated they can go months without food or water. Dropping the temperature will help.”
Is owning a tortoise expensive? ›Maintenance costs, including food and power bills, can range from around $50 to $100 per month, depending on several factors. But over time, these monthly expenses can add up because tortoises are known for their longevity.
Are tortoises happier in pairs? ›Tortoises are best kept either singly, in same-sex groups, or one male with several females. Adult males kept together can become territorial and tend to fight.
What is toxic to a tortoise? ›Other plants containing cardiac glycosides include Oleander, Rhododendron, Azalea, Kalanchoe and Milkweeds. Ingestion can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and eventual death; so remove plants containing cardiac glycosides from in or near a tortoise enclosure.
What vegetables are toxic to tortoises? ›
2. Vegetables: Green beans, squash, carrots, prickly pear cactus pads, melons, etc. Never feed spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower, as these contain high levels of oxalic acid which can be detrimental to tortoises.
Is salt bad for tortoises? ›Tortoises food should be dusted with a calcium supplement such as Calci-dust, to ensure they are getting the right levels. The Calci-dust should be applied lightly like salt & pepper. A cuttlefish can also be added to their enclosure which will also help trim their beaks. Fresh water should always be available.
What causes mouth rot in tortoises? ›Cause: bacterial, viral and fungal infections, usually secondary to suboptimal husbandry. Signs: purulent discharge, caseous plaques, facial swellings, anorexia, lethargy. Diagnosis: clinical examination, radiography, cytology and culture.
What foods are bad for Russian tortoises? ›Russian Tortoises should not be fed nutrient-deficient iceberg lettuce, grains, or meat. While commercially available pelleted diets exist for Russian Tortoises, many of them contain excess levels of starch and are not nutritionally balanced.
Why is my tortoise squeaking? ›This is because they have a 'beak' and can grind the top and bottom jaw together. This noise is also common once a tortoise has yawned. Occasionally tortoises can make a squeak type noise which can be a sign that possibly there is a little irritation such as a piece of food or dry substrate in the nostrils.
What do you need to know about owning a tortoise? ›Tortoises will require feeding and fresh water daily and regular bathing to keep them hydrated and in optimal health. They also have different humidity and temperature requirements, depending on the breed. Tortoises are solitary animals in the wild so they are happy on their own.
What are tortoises basic needs? ›Pet tortoises need at least a 50-gallon tank or larger that is 36" long with a screened lid, a daytime UVB bulb and fixture, a basking bulb/lamp, nighttime bulb or ceramic heat emitter, a habitat thermometer, a hygrometer, a spray bottle for misting, an automatic fogger, reptile carpet/bedding, a hideout, a food dish, ...
What helps tortoises survive? ›Tortoises have many adaptations that help them survive, such as scutes, protective scales on tortoise shells that protect them from injury. They dig burrows, tunnels or holes in the ground, so they can hide from predators and hibernate for the winter.
How do I keep my tortoise happy? ›Heat: How to keep your tortoise warm
A tortoise's preferred temperature is about 30˚C. This can only be achieved with bright sunlight or a basking lamp. A dull day or the background temperature of a house does not provide adequate warmth. A tortoise should feel noticeably warm to the touch when handled.