World Turtle Day on May 23rd is the perfect time to think about these amazing reptiles. While many people use “turtle” and “tortoise” interchangeably, they’re quite different. Tortoises are land animals, whereas turtles spend a lot of their lives in water. If you’re considering a shelled reptile as a pet, a tortoise might be on your mind. But Can You Have A Pet Tortoise? The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand what’s involved.
Understanding Tortoises: Not Just Turtles
It’s crucial to start by distinguishing tortoises from turtles. Tortoises are specifically adapted for life on land. They have dome-shaped shells and sturdy legs built for walking on terra firma. Turtles, on the other hand, are more aquatic or semi-aquatic, often with flatter shells and webbed feet or flippers for swimming. When we talk about pet tortoises, we’re focusing on these land-dwelling reptiles and their unique needs.
Meet the Tortoise Crew: Different Species, Different Needs
Just like dogs or cats, different tortoise species have different sizes, personalities, and care requirements. One tortoise enthusiast has a diverse group of shelled companions, illustrating this point perfectly. There’s Gallop, a small Russian tortoise, weighing in at just a pound. Then there are Norman and Sheldon, red-footed tortoises of 5 and 7 pounds respectively. Finally, there’s Elliott, a substantial 60-pound African spurred tortoise, also known as a sulcata tortoise.
Housing different tortoise species together can be tricky, and it’s generally not recommended, particularly with sulcata tortoises. However, in a unique situation, these tortoises have learned to coexist peacefully. This isn’t typical, and careful introduction and supervision were key to this unusual success story, highlighting the importance of understanding tortoise behavior and needs.
Setting Up the Right Habitat: Indoor and Outdoor Tortoise Care
One of the appealing aspects of tortoise ownership is their relatively straightforward care, especially when it comes to temperature. When the weather is warm (70 degrees Fahrenheit and above during the day, and above 50 at night), tortoises can enjoy the outdoors. This outdoor time is vital for their health, providing natural sunlight for Vitamin D production and access to grazing opportunities.
Outdoor Enclosures: Natural Sunlight and Diet
Being outside is incredibly beneficial for tortoises. Around 80% of their diet can be fulfilled by grazing on grass and safe plants in your yard during warmer months. This natural grazing not only simplifies feeding but also enriches their environment. However, managing a large tortoise like Elliott outdoors presents its own set of challenges.
Large tortoises can significantly impact your backyard. Patio furniture becomes playthings, fences are constantly tested for weaknesses, and escape attempts are surprisingly common. They are adept climbers and diggers, capable of creating burrows and rearranging your landscaping to their liking. Reinforcing fences and accepting a less-than-manicured yard are often necessary realities when owning a larger tortoise.
Indoor Enclosures: Creating a Winter Haven
When tortoises can’t be outside, indoor accommodations become essential. Creating a suitable indoor habitat requires specific elements: heat, space, and specialized lighting. During colder months, a dedicated room or large enclosure with heat lamps and UVB lamps is necessary. UVB lighting mimics sunlight, which is crucial for vitamin D synthesis and overall health, even when they are indoors. A custom-built wooden shelter provides a secure retreat for tortoises to hide and regulate their temperature.
Winter feeding also changes. The availability of free forage like dandelions and clover disappears, increasing food costs. A weekly grocery bill for tortoises can rise considerably, especially when feeding larger tortoises. Their diet consists of leafy greens, vegetables like zucchini and cucumbers, and some fruits. Calcium supplementation is also important and can be provided through a special powder sprinkled on their food.
Hydration is another aspect of indoor care. While some smaller tortoises might soak themselves in water dishes, larger tortoises like sulcatas may require assistance. This can involve soaking them in a tub or using a hose to spray them down, ensuring they stay properly hydrated, as they don’t always drink from standing water like other pets.
Why Tortoises Make Great Pets (But Are They Right for You?)
Despite the specific care needs, tortoises offer unique rewards as pets. Unlike many reptiles, tortoises can be quite interactive and develop distinct personalities. They can recognize their owners by sight and voice, forming genuine bonds. Some species, like sulcata and red-footed tortoises, are known for being particularly social and may even seek out interaction. Russian tortoises tend to be a bit more reserved.
Large tortoises, like African spurred tortoises, are often called “heirloom pets” due to their exceptional lifespan, often exceeding 100 years. This longevity means they can become long-term family members, sometimes even requiring inclusion in wills to ensure their continued care. Smaller species, with lifespans around 50 years, can also be significant commitments. Red-footed tortoises are particularly popular due to their personable nature and relatively easier care compared to giants. Their diet is relatively simple, consisting of leafy greens, produce, and commercial tortoise pellets. For housing smaller species, a large container can suffice indoors, supplemented by outdoor access when weather permits.
A Quick Word on Turtles (World Turtle Day Reminder)
While the focus here is on tortoises, it’s World Turtle Day, so a brief mention of turtles is fitting. Common pet turtle species include red-eared sliders, African sideneck turtles, and painted turtles. Turtle care differs significantly from tortoise care. Turtles require large aquariums with ample swimming space and a basking platform to get out of the water. They also need heat and UVB lighting. Feeding turtles can be messier as they often eat in the water, requiring robust filtration systems to maintain water quality. While generally not keen on handling, some turtles can be trained to take food from hand.
Conclusion
So, can you have a pet tortoise? Yes, owning a pet tortoise can be a rewarding experience. They offer companionship, personality, and a unique connection to the natural world. However, it’s essential to be fully prepared for their specific needs, including habitat, diet, and long-term commitment. Whether you choose a smaller species or a giant “heirloom pet,” responsible tortoise ownership means providing the right environment and care for these fascinating creatures to thrive.
