Tortoises are famous for living long lives. For example, a Seychelles tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) named Jonathan lived for an estimated 191 years, and there is no shortage of anecdotal accounts of other, much older, chelonians. And this often means […]
Many pets make a variety of sounds – sometimes to the chagrin of their keepers. Barking dogs, meowing cats, and chirping birds can fray even the most patient pet parent’s nerves. Tortoise keepers, by contrast, can rest easy in the
As ectothermic (“cold-blooded”) animals, tortoises differ significantly from dogs, cats, and other endothermic (“warm-blooded”) animals. For example, while mammals and birds heat their bodies from within, tortoises and most other reptiles must rely on external sources. And while mammals must
Tortoises (and their water-loving relatives, the turtles) have unquestionably strange body composition. They have thick, elephant-like legs, a parrot-like beak, and, of course, large shells. They’re arguably the most oddly constructed vertebrates in the entire animal kingdom. The unique composition
Given their immense size and incredible personalities, sulcata tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) are some of the most beloved tortoises in the world. And over the last 20 years or so, they’ve become remarkably popular with tortoise lovers. But before you buy
Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) are some of the most interesting tortoises in the world, and they’ve only grown more and more popular with chelonian enthusiasts over time. But while these massive tortoises can make fantastic pets for the right owners,
Buying a new tortoise means you’ll have to buy a lot of different things, including the actual animal and everything necessary for her care and maintenance. And unfortunately, none of these things are free. This leaves many prospective keepers wondering
Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) are remarkable animals, who not only reach large sizes but also sport incredible, leopard-like patterns, which give the species its common name. These two facts, along with their interesting personalities, have made leopard tortoises very popular
Despite being relatively small and often drab-looking, Russian tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii) often catch the attention of people who’re interested in buying a pet tortoise. By and large, that’s a good thing, as these cute little chelonians have a lot of
Tortoise husbandry is a multifaceted endeavor, which requires keepers to satisfy a range of different biological needs. For Hermann’s tortoise diet is critical, not only in terms of the foods you offer, but also the frequency and manner in which
