| If you choose a tortoise of any species to keep and | | | | if their needs are provided for and will live for |
| care for, be prepared to care for it for many year's | | | | decades. |
| to come. Although many of the smaller types have | | | | Many tortoise pets have been handed down from |
| not had their life expectancy studied specifically, it is | | | | parent to child to grandchild and this is something you |
| know that many species will live for up to 75-100 | | | | may wish to arrange, specifically making provision for |
| years. If you choose one for a pet you must think | | | | your pet in your will. This is not usually something to |
| of who and how it will be cared for when you are no | | | | think about if you have a cat or a dog but part of |
| longer here. | | | | the unique appeal of reptiles and specifically tortoises |
| The Horsfield or Russian tortoise is one of the smaller | | | | is their longevity. You will grow old together. |
| varieties you could care for. It is friendly and outgoing | | | | You can look forward to many years together if you |
| and will often recognise its owner coming to greet | | | | make sure you provide the best and most |
| them especially if it is time to eat! This particular | | | | appropriate environment for your specific species. |
| species does thrive in an outside enclosure but | | | | Unfortunately many captive bred chelonians die early |
| beware, they do like to dig and can if left unattended | | | | as their owners are unaware of the needs of their |
| dig under and out of their enclosure to the world | | | | pets. Education is fundamental to rearing and caring |
| beyond! These Geochelone Horsfieldi (Latin name) | | | | for your tortoise correctly. There are many |
| can be difficult to keep if you do not live in the | | | | authoritative sites to refer to if you are at all worried |
| correct type of environment. Their natural | | | | about your pet. Always, seek advice from your vet |
| environment is arid to semi-arid grasslands through to | | | | if you are concerned for its welfare. |
| rocky deserts and hillsides. They make excellent pets | | | | |