Tortoise age can be difficult to estimate, but understanding growth patterns and physical markers helps you make a more accurate assessment. Tortoises are famous for living long lives. For example, a Seychelles tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) named Jonathan lived for […]
Many pets make a variety of sounds—sometimes to the absolute dismay of their keepers. Barking dogs, meowing cats at 3 AM, chirping birds that never seem to stop. These noises can fray even the most patient pet parent’s nerves. Tortoise
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 have unquestionably strange body composition. They have thick, elephant-like legs, a parrot-like beak, and of course, those massive shells. They’re arguably the most oddly constructed vertebrates in the entire animal kingdom. Here’s what makes tortoise anatomy so fascinating: every
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 tortoise temperature requirements are critical to digestion, immunity, and long-term health, making proper heat management one of the most important parts of their care. Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) are some of the most interesting tortoises in the world, and
Tortoise cost goes far beyond the initial purchase price and includes housing, food, heating, veterinary care, and long-term upkeep. Buying a new tortoise means you’ll have to buy a lot of different things, including the actual animal and everything necessary
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
Russian tortoise pet ownership is popular because of this species’ manageable size, hardy nature, and engaging personality. 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 husbandry involves satisfying a range of biological needs, but if there’s one thing that impacts your Hermann’s tortoise more than anything else, it’s diet. Getting Hermann’s tortoise diet right isn’t just about what you feed—it’s also about how often
