A tortoise makes a beautiful companion, but like other exotic animals, they have needs that must be satisfied in order to maintain their happiness and health.
A tortoise’s lifespan can be very long if it is properly cared for; several of them live to be over 100 years old. This is why you should keep in mind that getting one of these adorable pets will likely be a lifetime commitment and they may very well outlive you before bringing them into your home.
You should consider where the tortoise will reside, the conditions it will require, and how much time and attention you can provide to it before selecting whether or not to have one.
What essentials do I need?
Gather all of the supplies you will require to care for a tortoise first. We suggest the following if you are beginning to assemble the ideal care kit for a tortoise or terrapin:
Exo Terra Reptile Feeding Dish, Habistat Hamp Substrate, Exo Terra Dial Thermometer, Exo Terra Glow Light & Reflector, Exo Terra Mercury Vapour Solar Glo Lamp, Exo Terra Heat Mat, and Vivexotic Viva Tortoise Table, all of which measure 90cm x 45cm x 21.5cm.
How do I house a tortoise?
Unfortunately, many tortoises do not flourish in a traditional Vivarium style enclosure, making the correct tortoise home vital. Thankfully, we have a variety of environments that are perfect for terrapins and tortoises.
The Vivexotic Viva Tortoise Table, which comprises a removable tray, a play area, and a stand, was created expressly for tortoises, as opposed to a normal reptile vivarium. Your tortoise won’t climb the pen and fall onto its back because the base of the pen has a metal skirt. The base tray is removable so you may use this pen outside and set it directly on the grass. The top of the pen includes a table space where light and heat bulbs can be installed.
What conditions does the tortoise need to have?
You should make an effort to replicate the natural surroundings where your tortoise would have lived as closely as you can. Be mindful that too much moisture in the tortoise enclosure may promote fungal growth, which could harm the animals’ health. Your tortoise will be able to wander around and adjust their body temperature if you give them a basking place and some shade in their habitat.
The ideal temperature range for the tortoise enclosure is between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius. Particularly Exo Terra is renowned for producing high-quality heating and lighting equipment for exotic pets.
What will I need to feed my tortoise?
Our selection of feeding bowls has a natural effect, is simple to clean, and is made of non-porous material. Your tortoise will think it is foraging in the wild because they are made to blend in with the environment. Make sure your tortoise has constant access to shallow water so it may drink and soak.
Your tortoise’s diet will primarily consist of fresh vegetables like leafy greens, as well as some plants like dandelion flowers. They must get their protein from tiny living insects like mealworms or crickets, and some fruit can also be included in their diet. A calcium supplement should be added to their meals twice a week as calcium is particularly crucial to tortoises.