Claire

I've spent the last ten years dedicated to the study and care of tortoises. My passion for these extraordinary animals extends beyond basic care; it is a devotion to understand and meet their intricate needs by combining scientific study with practical husbandry.

How to Sex a Sulcata Tortoise
Breeding

How to Sex a Sulcata Tortoise

The Sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is also known as the African spurred tortoise. This is due to the ‘spurs’ or ‘spikes present on their hind legs. It is native to Africa and is the third-largest species of tortoise in the […]

Indian Star Tortoise Care Guide
Care Guide

Indian Star Tortoise Care Guide

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a member of the Testudinidae family and is one of the smaller tortoise species, measuring around 7-12 inches in length, with adult females being larger than males.  Native to the dry areas of

burmese star tortoise care
Care Guide

Burmese Star Tortoise Care Guide 

Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynotan) are beautiful chelonians that are beloved by many tortoise enthusiasts. Clad in a stunningly patterned shell, these tortoises are often hardy and have endearing personalities that make them a joy to maintain.  Unfortunately, having fallen

Metabolic Bone Disease Tortoises
Healthcare

What Causes Metabolic Bone Disease in Tortoises?

Metabolic bone disease (MDB) is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that make up bones.  Typically, this is abnormal levels of calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D and UV. This imbalance can lead

Elongated Tortoise Care
Care Guide

Elongated Tortoise Care Guide

Also known as yellow tortoises, elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) are not only interesting to look at, they also make great pets for dedicated keepers. While very rare in the wild (they’re listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Redlist of

indoor sulcata tortoise enclosure
Habitat

How to Set Up an Indoor Sulcata Tortoise Enclosure

Setting up a sulcata enclosure in an indoor space can be challenging, but for some keepers, it is a better option than maintaining their pet outdoors. In fact, it’s the only option for keepers living in regions that don’t have

russian tortoise enclosure
Habitat

How to Create the Ideal Russian Tortoise Enclosure

While tortoise species vary in their suitability as pets, one thing is clear: Russian tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii) are certainly contenders for the title of “best” pet tortoise.  Small, hardy, and amusing Russian tortoises make fantastic pets for the right owners.

tortoise incubation guide
Breeding

Tortoise Incubation Guide: How to Incubate Tortoise Eggs 

Watching hatchling tortoises crawl out of their eggs for the first time is one of the most rewarding experiences keepers can enjoy. Successfully breeding your tortoises is not only a wonderful achievement, but it also means you’ve been taking exceptionally

is it cruel to keep a tortoise as a pet
Buying Guides

Is It Cruel to Keep a Tortoise as a Pet?

It is clear that many animals – especially domestic animals like dogs and cats — live long, healthy, and happy lives as pets. But many people wonder if the same can be said of exotic, non-domesticated species, such as tortoises.

leopard tortoise care
Care Guide

Leopard Tortoise Care Guide

The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is one of the largest tortoise species commonly kept as pets. Its popularity mostly comes from its ornately spotted shell—the inspiration for its feline moniker—and relaxed temperament.  Leopard tortoise care can be trickier than species