Tortoise Care Sheet |
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Essentials |
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Optional |
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Housing |
Whilst young the tortoise is kept in a heated Tortoise Box within temperature range of 80F to 85F. As the tortoise develops, it can be introduced to an outside pen but only during the warmer days of the summer and then brought inside during the night. Whilst kept in a Tortoise Box, a deep substrate should be provided as tortoises commonly burrow. Whilst the tortoise is maintained in a Tortoise Box, it is vital that it recieves the correct UVB lighting to aid vitamin D3 production and utilisation. It is also advisable to use Calcium additives such as Nutrobal to supplement their calcium intake. In the summer, when the temperature permits, the tortoises can be kept outside to benefit from natural sunlight. It is imperative that if you put your tortoise out in natural sunlight that you also provide it with a shaded area. This can be done either with a hide or with clumps of hay or grass. |
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Diet |
Your tortoise will thrive on a diet of 80% green matter and 20% fruit. The greens should consist of Kale, Spinach, Greens, Brussell Tops, Parsley, Watercress, mixed with 20% Carrot, Tomato, Melon and Grapes. Do not feed your tortoise Iceberg or Round Lettuce although you can provide "Mixed Lettuce" sold in supermarkets that consist of Chinese Lettuce, Raddico, etc. Lettuce should be viewed as once a week feed as it contains high amounts of water and not as much goodness as the other foods mentioned. All foods should be supplemented on a daily basis with Nutrobal, also, fresh water should be available at all times. There are also two other alternatives available to feed your tortoise. One is Zoo Med Tortoise Food and the other is T-Rex Dry Tortoise Formula. These can be used occasionally to avoid having to chop up vegetables everyday and can be a handy fall back. |
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On Receipt of your Tortoise |
On arrival soak you tortoise in tepid water in a cat litter tray or shallow bowl. Do not use cold tap water as this will be a shock to them. Soak them for approximately 30 minutes and then offer them fresh food. When you receive your tortoise it may have its eyes closed. They may have fallen asleep in transit. when you pick your tortoise up they should open their eyes within a few seconds. If your tortoise is sluggish in opening its eyes then bath them with clean tepid water. To ensure that your tortoise stays hydrated soak them every other day, as you did on arrival. You will notice that your tortoise will drink and then defecate. Leave them in the tray to saok for approximately 30 minutes. Clean the Tortoise Box completely at least once a week and remove droppings daily. |
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Recommended Reading |
General Care & Maintenance of Popular Tortoises (AVS) |
