| So you have decided on a baby tortoise as a pet. | | | | to the pet within the pen itself. Some plants are |
| Well, just like every other pet there are some things | | | | harmful if the tortoise eats them, so only plants that |
| you should know before getting your new tortoise. | | | | are edible should be planted or kept in the den. |
| The tortoise is a turtle, which resides on land and | | | | You will also need to provide water, but the water |
| belongs to the reptile family. They also have shells | | | | should be shallow, so that the tortoise won't drown |
| like sea turtles. They have both an exoskeleton and | | | | in it. Unlike turtles, the tortoise is not a swimmer. |
| an endoskeleton. The top of the shell is called the | | | | Steps should also be avoided within the pen, because |
| carapace and the bottom side is known as plastron. | | | | while they are climbing they can trip and fall over |
| They are active during the day and are very shy | | | | their back, which can be deadly for them. |
| animals. | | | | Some species grow really big, so this factor should |
| They are very captivating creatures, but their dietary | | | | also be considered while building the pen. In fact, this |
| needs are unlike others and different species have | | | | aspect should be considered before buying a turtle |
| different diets. Tortoise pets eat large amounts of | | | | tortoise. Different species grow to different sizes; |
| food and you should pay close attention to the | | | | have different eating habits, living conditions and |
| calcium and phosphorous balance in their diets. The | | | | temperature adaptableness. You should consider a |
| tortoise is also sensitive to temperature change. It is | | | | captive bred, as they are less difficult than the ones |
| usually a good idea to bring the tortoise indoors at | | | | from the wild which can fall ill or even die because of |
| night. When the weather is cold, your tortoise should | | | | high levels of stress. It is also good to remember |
| be kept inside entirely. This could be a problem if the | | | | that certain types of animals carry a wide range of |
| tortoise is big. Some species hibernate during winter | | | | parasites, which could be harmful to the owner as |
| and this can be stressful for the animal as well as the | | | | well. When you think of buying a tortoise, make sure |
| owners. | | | | to get it thoroughly examined by a vet. |
| As for tortoise housing, a pen can be constructed in | | | | Tortoises like to stay alone. They shouldn't be mixed |
| the yard for the animal. The pen should be strong | | | | with other pets and no two male tortoises should be |
| and the fences should be buried deep, as some of | | | | kept together as they can fight and injure each |
| the tortoises have an attraction to digging. They are | | | | other very badly. Tortoises have a very long lifespan; |
| also very strong reptiles. They can easily break | | | | they can live up to hundred years. There is the |
| weaker fences. Some tortoises are good climbers, so | | | | possibility of the pet outliving the owner, so when |
| the pen should also be made with a roof. This also | | | | you buy a tortoise plan to make a lifetime |
| protects them from other dangers such as a dog | | | | commitment to the beautiful animal. |
| bite, bird attack, etc. Also check for possible threats | | | | |