| Tortoises are not among the usual animals a person | | | | and drink must be utilized. The enclosure should be |
| might consider as a pet, therefore proper tortoise | | | | sturdy and high enough to keep the tortoise from |
| care may not be common knowledge. Anyone who | | | | climbing out and straying. |
| elects to have tortoises as pets should probably not | | | | Another significant factor to consider in tortoises' |
| visit a pet shop or purchase one right away. It is | | | | care is their diet. The typical tortoise meal should be |
| wise to acquire as much information as possible | | | | high in fiber but low in protein and sugar. This diet |
| before actually owning them. You can research | | | | comprises herbs, weeds, and vegetables. Vegetables |
| tortoises online, or check out some books dedicated | | | | must be properly washed to make sure that |
| to the subject at the library or book store. It is also | | | | pesticides are rinsed off completely. Tortoises can |
| helpful to seek out knowledgeable breeders' and | | | | also feed on processed foods so long as they are |
| veterinarians' advice in order to determine if you are | | | | supplemented with green, leafy vegetables. They |
| indeed fit to be a tortoise owner. In the process, you | | | | also need calcium, and can be given fruits as treats. |
| may be surprised to discover that despite their | | | | It is noteworthy that tortoises can only be handled |
| appearance and behavior, taking care of tortoises is | | | | when they are young. They should be picked up and |
| not an easy job. However, with proper care these | | | | handled correctly so as not to stress them. Anyone |
| creatures will have an expected lifespan of more | | | | who handles tortoises must be sure to wash their |
| than 50 years, and may even outlive their owners! | | | | hands afterwards to avoid the risk of salmonella |
| Tortoises are different from turtles in that they are | | | | infection. Pregnant women, children, and those with |
| land-dwellers and cannot swim. Tortoises are likely to | | | | low immunity should never touch them. Moreover, |
| drown in deep water. They do require water, | | | | adult tortoises hibernate for two to three months, |
| however, for drinking and bathing. A prospective | | | | and they must be cleaned daily and very well-fed |
| owner should consider offering his pet both an indoor | | | | before they hibernate. |
| and outdoor enclosed habitat, although some | | | | Unfortunately, tortoises are an endangered species. If |
| professionals claim an inside enclosure is sufficient. | | | | you currently own a tortoise, or are in the planning |
| The environment of the tortoise must be designed in | | | | stages of acquiring one, be sure that you know how |
| such a way that it mimics the animal's natural home in | | | | to care for it properly, and have the time and |
| the wild. Three square yards of space should be | | | | dedication required to do so for many years. This |
| allotted for every 12-inch tortoise to allow for its | | | | way, your pet will stay healthy and live a long and |
| growth. Hiding places should be created, and materials | | | | happy life, a feat that any good pet owner would |
| that will allow the tortoise to retreat, burrow, soak, | | | | want. |