Are you planning to adopt a tortoise? If yes, you need to know some of the essential things before adopting one. In this article, we have listed the things that you must take care of before keeping a tortoise as a pet.
Going first time to a pet store can be intimidating and mostly you would see cats and dogs as preferred pets. Now many people are looking for different animals to keep as a pet and tortoise is one of them.
You must be interested in one of nature’s most astounding creature tortoise and they can make a fine addition to your family. You might have read or heard the phrase “all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises.”
How to take care of a tortoise? Taking care of a tortoise is not that tough, however, make sure that you keep its shell and body clean and tidy.
If you are not able to understand the difference between a turtle and a tortoise, then Tortoises are land creatures and on the other hand, turtles prefer a water-based environment. This would also tell you what to do and what not to do after adopting a tortoise as a pet. In this tortoise care guide, you will understand a lot of things and know what to do and what not to do.
Turtles and Tortoises are different
Contrary to common belief, the terms “turtle” and “tortoise” are not synonymous. Although all turtles are turtles, not all tortoises are turtles. If this is still unclear, here are only a few key distinctions between the two.
While some turtles favor aquatic habitats, others are land-based species.
Turtles are omnivores, whereas tortoises are vegetarians. Compared to turtles, tortoises have heavier shells. These may appear to be unimportant distinctions, but they do matter when deciding how to care for your tortoise, including factors like food, shelter, and climate. If you really want a tortoise, be sure you get a tortoise and not a turtle.
Tortoise is herbivorous while turtles are omnivorous
Since tortoises are vegetarians, as was already explained, everything you buy for your new companion must be plant-based. They should consume fresh vegetables like kale, collard greens, or peppers in light of the foregoing. Although it would be better to keep it on the lower side compared to veggies, you can also incorporate apples and grapes. Include ground calcium in their food to give their shells an extra calcium boost. Your tortoise will thank you later if you stick with this diet. This is how you can look after your tortoise and keep them safe.
They need a lot of space
Your tortoise’s habitat ought to be as similar to its natural habitat as is practical. Having them as outdoor pets is typically seen to be the best strategy. If keeping them outside is not an option, there are indoor alternatives you can try. If you want to take care of your tortoise then make sure that you have a lot of space.
The most popular indoor method involves using a hardwood tortoise table that is 4 feet by 2 feet by 8 inches for elder tortoises and 30 inches by 18 inches by 6 inches for those under five years old. They should have plenty of room to spread out and won’t have to worry about having a small enough habitat. Tortoises are big in size which is why you must have enough space for them.
Tortoises need UVB/UAV light and warmth
Make sure your land-dweller has plenty of light in addition to a tortoise table. Since it’s best to avoid direct sunlight (especially in the summer), you can get by with a UVA/UVB bulb to mimic the light.
In addition, because many of them originate from tropical rainforests and deserts, their natural environment is quite hot. On one side of the enclosure, heat bulbs can be used to simulate this heat. They will have a hot zone at 95°F, a cool spot close to 75°F, and a nighttime temperature of about 60°F if they keep it to one side.
Tortoise are shy and docile
You can be sure that your new pet tortoise won’t be an aggressive one when you buy one. They are actually somewhat reticent and reserved, but when given a playmate, they become more sociable. The problem with this is that placing two guys together might lead to rivalry and mutual injury. It could be ideal to have two females together or a male and female in the same room if you do plan to purchase more tortoises or have someone bring theirs to your home.
If you want a pet that will help you break out of your shell, think about getting a tortoise. You’ll benefit from a low-maintenance pet whose temperament may astound you by considering its habitat, climate, and temperament.
