| Although these little creatures can be small enough to | | | | for him? What sort of environment should you |
| fit in your hand, their specific needs can be quite | | | | provide? Pet tortoises will need to have both a heat |
| complex, time consuming and expensive! Pet | | | | and light source. They are ectothermic (cold blooded) |
| tortoises can range in price from $50-$500 or more | | | | and will have to rely on an external heat source in |
| but this is just the start. | | | | order to warm up and move around, eat and stay |
| So what should you consider before embarking on | | | | healthy. They will also need an artificial light as they |
| buying one? | | | | are affected by the amount of light they are |
| 1. What type should you get? Is it from a reputable | | | | exposed to. Too little and they may become |
| dealer/breeder? Is it a species you can relatively | | | | depressed and may even try to hibernate. If too |
| easily care for at home? Do your homework on the | | | | much light their natural rhythms can be upset leading |
| different species and their natural habitat in the wild. | | | | to them sleeping constantly or not at all and this |
| This will help you to decide on the best option for | | | | stress over a long period can cause death in extreme |
| your particular needs. | | | | circumstances. |
| 2. When you have done your homework on the type | | | | 5. Learning what your pet should be like when he is |
| you want to get, what sort of home will it require? | | | | well will help you to recognize when he may become |
| Large or small? Indoor or outdoor? Keeping pet | | | | ill. Learn to recognize the symptoms of stress and |
| tortoises is not like having a rabbit or hamster. You | | | | infection. There are many diseases that can affect |
| will have to heat and light it correctly to ensure your | | | | your pet. Make sure if you are ever in doubt you can |
| new pet remains healthy and happy. | | | | afford to visit your vet for advice. This is not a |
| 3. What food will it need? There are many | | | | cheap option but it may become necessary. |
| misconceptions about what and how much a | | | | If you are still interested in caring for pet tortoises |
| tortoises will eat. A chelonian requires a mainly | | | | you should think carefully if you can provide a safe |
| herbivorous diet but this does not mean feeding it | | | | and healthy environment for it. Having the correct |
| just lettuce! If you do he will become unwell very | | | | enclosure, with the correct light and heat source plus |
| quickly as there is very little nutritional value in lettuce. | | | | the right type of food will all contribute to helping |
| (Although it can be useful if you have to nurse a sick | | | | your pet to remain happy healthy for many years. |
| tortoise at some time). So again you will need to do | | | | When you choose to buy a chelonian for your family |
| some research as to the natural diet your species will | | | | pet there are a number of important things to |
| need. This will depend on its size and where in the | | | | consider. At first glance, keeping and caring for pet |
| world it originates. Either arid desert or lush tropical | | | | tortoises may appear to be relatively easy! No |
| forests? | | | | walking twice or more times a day, no training, they |
| 4. When you have bought him how should you care | | | | eat just a little.. don't they? |