| If you are on the look for an interesting pet, then | | | | need. |
| tortoises could be a perfect choice for you. Just | | | | Tip#4: If you are planning to construct and outdoor |
| imagine how long these reptiles can live - | | | | pen for your pet, it is highly recommended to ensure |
| approximately 50 to 100 years. Taking care of these | | | | the durability of the fence. Bury your fences if you |
| complex type of reptiles can be a challenge for any | | | | have a burrowing tortoise as a pet at home. The |
| animal lover. | | | | type of pen you will construct should be based on |
| Here are 7 useful tips for taking care of your | | | | the behaviors and characteristics of the species and |
| tortoise: | | | | where your pet tortoise originated. For an older and |
| Tip #1: Their dietary habits and size can be seen as a | | | | stronger tortoise, you need to make sure that your |
| challenge if you want to take a tortoise as a pet at | | | | fence is strong enough to contain your pet. |
| home. A variety of foods should be included in their | | | | Tip#5: Always provide a safe environment for your |
| diet. Pay ample attention to the calcium/phosphorous | | | | tortoise. Some tortoise can climb out of the pen. |
| balance and roughage of the diet you provide for | | | | Make sure you include strong and sturdy roofing to |
| your tortoise. | | | | avoid accidents. Keep the area safe and away from |
| Tip#2: Tortoises in general are large in terms of their | | | | predators including your pet dog. You do not want to |
| size. Thus, it is very important to provide them a | | | | injure your tortoise after a brawl with your dog. |
| place to stay in which is large enough for a | | | | Make sure that there are no poisonous plants around, |
| comfortable and decent enclosure. Their habitat | | | | no small and sharp objects which can be ingested by |
| should be outdoors preferably so they can thrive in | | | | your pet. This can create problems of indigestion. |
| nicer climates. | | | | Tip#6: Avoid placing obstacles and climbing areas |
| Tip#3: Keep in mind that tortoises have a large | | | | around the pen. Otherwise you are inviting accidents. |
| variety of species with unique and varied preferences | | | | If your tortoise will accidentally trip on its back, it can |
| in order to thrive in terms of their living space and | | | | create detrimental injuries. |
| environment. The temperature of the natural habitat | | | | Tip#7: Always seek for a captive bred species if you |
| where the tortoise originated will greatly affect the | | | | are planning to have a tortoise as a pet. You do not |
| necessities and considerations if you are planning to | | | | want to keep a stressed animal which is more |
| bring your pet indoors. Bring your tortoise inside the | | | | susceptible to the development of diseases. You can |
| house overnight during cooler weather. Special | | | | even ask for rescued tortoises which you can take |
| considerations are given to some species which are | | | | care of but always check the new addition to your |
| required to hibernate. This can be quite stressful for | | | | family for parasite infestation. |
| the tortoise and pet owners must understand this | | | | |