Even though they are terrestrial animals who primarily live on dry land, tortoises – like all other animals – require water to survive. This includes rainforest-dwelling red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius), desert-dwelling sulcatas (Centrochelys sulcata), and every species in between. From […]
No matter what kind of animal you care for, it is important to provide your pet with ample opportunities for mental enrichment. No animal should ever be forced to live in an empty habitat with nothing to explore or play
From front-opening enclosures to custom-built habitats to aquaria, there are tons of different tortoise enclosures available to modern keepers. But having so many choices available isn’t always a good thing. It can actually leave your head spinning, as you try
All aspects of your tortoise’s enclosure will affect your pet’s health and well-being. For example, the lighting you use will influence his mood, behavior, and metabolism, while the enclosure top and walls will play a role in his safety. But
Modern tortoise keepers have access to dozens of different species, but most keepers find that only a relative handful of species make the best pets. The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is clearly among these, and the species’ popularity has only
Tortoises are ancient reptiles that belong to the family Testudinidae. They are characterized by their tough shells, slow locomotion, and long lifespans. They play a vital ecological role in their native habitats, often acting as keystone species that help shape
Understanding how to tell if a tortoise is male or female is important for a variety of reasons. In breeding programs, sex determination ensures the formation of suitable pairs. Regarding health management, knowing the sex is needed for diagnosing and
Stomatitis, commonly known as ‘mouth rot’, is a common condition caused when pathogens such as bacteria, fungi or viruses get into an open sore in the mouth and cause infection in the oral tissues. This unpleasant condition is most common in
When discussing the size of different tortoises, most people refer to straight-line shell length. This makes sense, as a tortoise’s length is generally the metric by which enclosure size is determined. It’s also easy for many people to estimate length.
Buying your first pet tortoise is certainly an exciting endeavor. However, you’ll need a variety of supplies to ensure your new pet remains healthy and enjoys a high quality of life. In this article, I’ll be explaining some of the
