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 […]
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.
Beginning tortoise keepers have a lot to learn about the biology of their pets – especially some of the common signs and symptoms of potential illness. As is the case with most animals, the appearance of a tortoise’s poop can
Tortoises are very prone to conjunctivitis, or the swelling of the eyelids. Many cases of conjunctivitis are caused by bacterial infections and need prompt diagnosis and treatment to get better. In this article, I cover the most common tortoise eye
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
Understanding tortoise poop and its role in health monitoring is fundamental to ensuring the well-being of your tortoise. This article explores all the key characteristics surrounding tortoise poop. Understanding this delicate and often under-discussed subject means you’ll be equipped as
