Though the tortoise you bring home may be small and cute initially, some species of tortoises can grow over two feet in length after 5-10 years of care. If you’re really committed to having one for a long time, try not to get caught in their appearance, and consider what species best suit your lifestyle, financial income, surroundings and whether or not you’re able to provide the required care of that specific species.
Find a seller who prides themself in customer service, whether you are going to a pet store or finding your creature online. If your seller says that he or she will be easy to contact after the sale is made, then it’s more likely that you are making a solid transaction. There are some legal restrictions on keeping or breeding some tortoises, especially Mediterranean breeds. If this is the case for the tortoise you want, then make sure the seller has a certificate from C. I. T. E. S. (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). [3] X Research source
You don’t have to be settled in one place for 50 years, but you should be prepared for many years of care for the new addition to your home.
Your tortoise may need supplements to make sure that he or she grows healthy and strong. The supplements must have Calcium and a some Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 should be offered too if the tortoise is kept indoors without UV light. Some tortoises prefer dandelion leaves, celery, lettuce, and sometimes fruit.
Replace the water daily. Your tortoise should have its own bowl of water, whether it is outdoors or indoors.
If there are small children around, explain to them that it would be better if they would admire it through observation and contact is only necessary during care.
You can also mix and match, keeping your tortoise indoors for the colder months and letting it roam outdoors during the warmer months. You should be prepared for both types of housing to keep it healthy and happy. See the sections below for learning the proper care for your tortoise, whether it is an outdoor or an indoor creature.
You can use glass, but tortoises get frustrated because they try to walk through the glass. You can tape paper to the outside of the tank to keep them from getting confused. You can also use a plastic sweater box or a cement mixing tub for a baby tortoise. They have the bonus of having foggy sides that won’t frustrate tortoises as much as glass. The enclosure should be high enough so that the tortoise won’t escape.
You should either use a desk lamp, which should have at least 100W of power for heating, and another UV light for your tortoise to bask in, or even a single mercury-vapor lamp to provide your critter with both heat and UV light. The lamp’s temperature should be between 30–35 °C (86–95 °F), but this changes, depending on the species. Make sure you position the lamp correctly so your tortoise is able to soak up the heat and cool down at separate parts of their enclosure. Not only is providing your tortoise with heat and UV light essential to his or her health, but it’s also helpful for your creature’s happiness. They actually love basking in the light!
If your creature needs mid to high humidity, then your substrate needs to be able to hold moisture well. It should include things like coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or peat moss, in this case. If your creature needs a more dry climate, then the substrate should include dry coconut coir, grass clippings. Avoid using sand in the substrate, because tortoises may eat it and cause great harm to themselves. When your tortoise is outdoors, the substrate doesn’t matter as much, as the natural environment should be suitable. You can add some peat moss to the environment, for additional stimulation. Just make sure that anything you add to the substrate is free of chemicals or pesticides.
Your tortoise might try to burrow under or dig in to the corners of their enclosure, so it should be nice and secure. If your tortoise burrows, you can add a wire mesh below the surface of the barrier to keep your tortoise safe. Tortoises really don’t do well in the cold, so unless they’re kept indoors the whole time, you’ll have to prepare to temporarily bring your tortoise indoors if where you live can get below 60°F/15°C during its coldest months. If you live in a very hot climate and want to keep the tortoise outside, this will be easier, but always have shade available especially over moistened areas or water source(s).
First, just dig a large hole. You can place a plywood barrier inside the floor. Add a top to the hide box to shelter your tortoise. Cover the shelter with dirt and soil.
Live plants can also help control Ammonia and Nitrates in the soil, which reduces the frequency of substrate changes in indoor enclosures.
Some people recommend that you line a juvenile tortoise’s home with wire mesh to protect it from pesky creatures.
The most common reason is that your tortoise is too cold. Make sure that its enclosure is in a warm place relative to their environment. If your tortoise is indoors, then make sure he or she get enough light in general. Brighter lights help keep it active. Make sure your baby tortoise is getting a regular soaking throughout the day. One reason your tortoise may be inactive is because they might not be properly hydrated. Try to minimalize handling, as stress could cause inactivity. Make sure your tortoise is getting a balanced diet. Check to see that your mix of green veggies, and/or supplements is providing everything your tortoise needs.
Not only for reptiles, but you should wash hands after handling your pet.
