Tortoises

Reptiles are cold blooded - they must utilize their environment to properly regulate their body temperature. It is critical that captive reptiles are able to both warm up, and escape the heat as they wish.

For most tortoises, keepers should establish a thermal gradient ranging from 100°F on the hot side to 75°–80°F on the cool end of the enclsoure.

The thermometer should be on the ground (where the tortoise is!), not the wall.

Keep thermometers on both the hot and cool side of the enclosure at all times. We strongly recommend a min/max thermometer on the cool side so you can monitor how cold overnight temperatures are getting.

If cool-side or night time temperatures drop too low, your tortoise may start to refuse food.

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Tropical tortoises: offer a small, shallow water bowl and mist down the enclsoure lightly once a day.

Desert tortoises: no standing water in the habitat. Soak all baby tortoises in very shallow tepid water for about 30 minutes once a day; soak adults about once a week.

Provide a hide for your tortoise just big enough for your tortoise to fit under. Other mindfully placed decor may be used to make the enclosure aesthetically pleasing and enriching for the tortoise.

Enclosures made from PVC, wood, melamine, and standard glass 'aquarium-style' can all be good options so long as environmental requirements are met. Solid top enclosures are useful in that they retain heat and/or humidity; if using a screen top enclosure, consider covering up the mesh to prevent heat and moisture loss. Enclosures must be escape-proof: secure screen tops with reptile cage clips and put the drop pin in sliding tops.

Enclosure sizing needs vary by species and their average size range, but even the smallest tortoise species will require the floor space of a 40-gallon enclosure. An adult African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) would benefit from being given an entire back yard! The bigger, the better for these animals! 

Desert species: a dry, absorbent substrate works well, such as screened pine shavings, sani chips, or dry peat moss.

Tropical species: damp peat moss, coco coir, cypress mulch, soils, or other moisture tolerant loose substrate.

There are more than 40 distinct species of tortoises on earth; they're found on every continent excluding Antarctica and Australia. Tortoises vary greatly in habitat preference, ecology, and size across the globe. From the iconic giant Galapagos tortoise which can grow more than 3.9ft in length, to the diminutive speckled Cape tortoise who seldom exceeds 2.7 inches long - this group of reptiles is a favorite for many reptile keepers.

Did you know that tortoises are some of the most long-lived reptiles on earth? It is not uncommon for most tortoise species to live 80-150 years! Keep this in mind when taking on one of these incredible pets.

Desert species eat mostly (95%) dark leafy greens, grasses and other legumes: baby greens, spring mix, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, romaine, alfalfa sprouts, edible cactus pads - variety matters. Fruit and other occasional foods make up the remaining 5%.

Tropical species often take less greens (75%) and a little more fruit and protein (25%), with a balanced protein once or twice a month.

Feed babies daily and adults no less than every other day.

Lightly dust all food with a 50/50 mix of calcium and multivitamins at every feeding. Without them, tortoises can develop vitamin or calcium deficiencies that can be fatal.

Provide your tortoise with a full-spectrum UVB light for 10 to 14 hours a day. This critical lighting simulates sunlight, aids in the metabolism of key vitamins and minerals, and helps regulate circadian rhythm. Time outdoors in natural sunlight is great for your tortoise.