Everything You Need to Know to Keep a Tortoise as a Pet
April is the time when the tortoise finally comes out of the hibernation. Tortoises are not particularly natives to the UK still the pet lovers have a particular liking for this loving reptile. So it is one of the endearing family pets commonly kept in the country. They are mainly imported from Spain and Greece and are popular choices for the ones who love to keep pets. During the winter months, they go for hibernation and so it is essential to take special care of them during this time. Here are some essential things to know for raising a tortoise with care.
Which are the species that suits the British gardens the best?
Four tortoise species can be kept as pets. Here they go,
· Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise
· Hermann’s Tortoise
· Marginated Tortoise
· Horsfield Tortoise
Want to buy a tortoise
They can be bought from reputed breeders or from rescue homes who provide them for rehoming.
Handling the Hibernation Period
The hibernation process constitutes the most critical part of keeping a tortoise. They must get optimum care during this period to remain healthy. During the summer months, they must gain weight to hibernate safely. Autumn is the time when the tortoise goes through a process of winding down. It lasts for four-five weeks. The tortoise stops eating during this time and looks miserable. As winter emerges and the temperature falls in November, there are specific special arrangements to be made by you. They are as follows,
· Buy hibernation boxes ideally with 30cm depth and 40 cm width. It should have air holes for proper ventilation. They must be tightly linked with polystyrene chips or shredded paper.
· Place the box in a cold shed, a greenhouse, or a garage.
· Use a digital thermometer to make sure the temperature stays between 3°C and 7°C. Do not bring the box within the home as it will be too warm for it.
· Check your tortoise weekly to make sure that it hasn’t woken up. If it has, then it cannot be put to pre-hibernation, and you will have to bring it indoors and warm it up using a heat lamp over a tortoise table.
· Arrange for some bedding with newspaper or straw and keep the temperature at 30°C under the light and 20°C.
· You will also need a UV lamp to provide them with a daylight condition until they go outside. Make sure that the light should never shine directly on their eyes.
· During spring, as they wake up, bring them out and put them in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to help them acclimatise.
Things required for raising a tortoise
· Tortoise table
· Basking lamp
· Outdoor run
· Outdoor shelter
· Water bowl
· Hibernation box
· Thermometer
What a tortoise eats?
Most tortoises will eat all types of salad leaves like cauliflowers, cabbages, spring greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and courgettes. They love fruits so strawberries, plums, and peaches can be given as occasional treats. Avocados and aubergines are poisonous for them. They need a weekly dose of calcium and vitamin supplement added to the food as well.
So, now you know all the essentials about keeping a tortoise. Follow good hygiene and handwashing practices after handling them to prevent any risk of infection.
Which are the species that suits the British gardens the best?
Four tortoise species can be kept as pets. Here they go,
· Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise
· Hermann’s Tortoise
· Marginated Tortoise
· Horsfield Tortoise
Want to buy a tortoise
They can be bought from reputed breeders or from rescue homes who provide them for rehoming.
Handling the Hibernation Period
The hibernation process constitutes the most critical part of keeping a tortoise. They must get optimum care during this period to remain healthy. During the summer months, they must gain weight to hibernate safely. Autumn is the time when the tortoise goes through a process of winding down. It lasts for four-five weeks. The tortoise stops eating during this time and looks miserable. As winter emerges and the temperature falls in November, there are specific special arrangements to be made by you. They are as follows,
· Buy hibernation boxes ideally with 30cm depth and 40 cm width. It should have air holes for proper ventilation. They must be tightly linked with polystyrene chips or shredded paper.
· Place the box in a cold shed, a greenhouse, or a garage.
· Use a digital thermometer to make sure the temperature stays between 3°C and 7°C. Do not bring the box within the home as it will be too warm for it.
· Check your tortoise weekly to make sure that it hasn’t woken up. If it has, then it cannot be put to pre-hibernation, and you will have to bring it indoors and warm it up using a heat lamp over a tortoise table.
· Arrange for some bedding with newspaper or straw and keep the temperature at 30°C under the light and 20°C.
· You will also need a UV lamp to provide them with a daylight condition until they go outside. Make sure that the light should never shine directly on their eyes.
· During spring, as they wake up, bring them out and put them in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to help them acclimatise.
Things required for raising a tortoise
· Tortoise table
· Basking lamp
· Outdoor run
· Outdoor shelter
· Water bowl
· Hibernation box
· Thermometer
What a tortoise eats?
Most tortoises will eat all types of salad leaves like cauliflowers, cabbages, spring greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and courgettes. They love fruits so strawberries, plums, and peaches can be given as occasional treats. Avocados and aubergines are poisonous for them. They need a weekly dose of calcium and vitamin supplement added to the food as well.
So, now you know all the essentials about keeping a tortoise. Follow good hygiene and handwashing practices after handling them to prevent any risk of infection.
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