World Turtle Day on May 23rd is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate these shelled reptiles. While many appreciate turtles, my true passion lies with tortoises – the land-dwelling counterparts. It’s important to remember that tortoises are distinct from turtles; tortoises are terrestrial animals, spending their lives on land, whereas turtles are primarily aquatic or semi-aquatic. However, in the spirit of World Turtle Day, we can broaden our appreciation to include all shelled creatures, especially when considering them as pets.
Discovering the World of Pet Tortoises: My Personal Experience
My journey into the world of Tortoise Pets began with four unique individuals, representing three different species. Gallop, a petite Russian tortoise, is the smallest of the group, weighing in at just around a pound. Norman and Sheldon, a pair of red-footed tortoises, are next in size at 5 and 7 pounds respectively. The gentle giant of the group is Elliott, a substantial African spurred tortoise, also known as a sulcata tortoise, who tips the scales at 60 pounds.
Alt text: Elliott the sulcata tortoise exploring the backyard, showcasing his size and active nature.
While I’ve been fortunate that my diverse group coexists peacefully, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t the norm. Housing different tortoise species together, especially male sulcata tortoises with other species besides female sulcatas, is generally not recommended. My unique situation arose when Elliott seemed unwell, possibly due to loneliness, as suggested by Dr. Cherney. After careful consideration and supervised introductions, the tortoises surprisingly formed a harmonious group. However, it’s essential for prospective tortoise pet owners to know that separate housing is usually necessary for different species and even individual tortoises to avoid stress and potential conflict.
Creating an Outdoor Haven for Your Tortoise Pet
One of the appealing aspects of tortoise pet ownership is their relatively straightforward care needs, particularly regarding outdoor time. When daytime temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 21 degrees Celsius) or higher, my tortoises enjoy basking in the natural sunlight outdoors. They can remain outside as long as nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (about 10 degrees Celsius). Natural sunlight is vital for tortoises, providing essential UVB radiation necessary for Vitamin D synthesis and overall health. Furthermore, access to a yard environment allows them to graze on grass and various plants, contributing significantly to their diet.
During warmer months, approximately 80 percent of their nutritional needs can be met simply by spending time in a suitable outdoor space. The main challenge with outdoor tortoise care, especially with a large breed like a sulcata, is management. Caring for a large pet tortoise like Elliott requires significant effort and can be quite physically demanding.
Navigating Life with a Large Tortoise Pet and Backyard Dynamics
Living with Elliott, my large tortoise pet, has meant adapting to some significant changes in my backyard aesthetics. Patio furniture is frequently found overturned or rearranged, casualties of Elliott’s determined explorations. Despite having a fenced yard, Elliott constantly patrols the perimeter, searching for any vulnerabilities. A noticeable dirt track has formed along the fence line, marking his persistent circuits in search of escape routes.
Tortoises are surprisingly adept escape artists, possessing unexpected climbing abilities. In Elliott’s case, his size and strength allow him to simply bulldoze through obstacles. Therefore, robust reinforcements are necessary to secure his outdoor enclosure.
Alt text: A close-up of a red-footed tortoise showcasing its vibrant red markings and curious expression.
Burrowing is another natural behavior that impacts backyard aesthetics. Elliott is an enthusiastic digger, creating large, excavated patches in the grass. He often abandons these burrows to start new ones elsewhere, seemingly preferring areas with newly grown grass. Consequently, maintaining a pristine, magazine-worthy backyard is not a realistic expectation for someone owning a large tortoise pet.
Crafting an Indoor Sanctuary for Your Tortoise Pet
Providing adequate indoor accommodations for a tortoise pet involves more specialized requirements, including supplementary heating, ample space, and specialized lighting. While the setup can be extensive, it’s a worthwhile investment for the well-being of these fascinating reptiles.
During colder months, my tortoises reside in a dedicated room equipped with multiple heat lamps and UVB lamps. UVB lamps are crucial indoors, as they mimic natural sunlight, enabling vitamin D production essential for calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease. They also have access to a large, custom-built wooden house, a thoughtful creation by my father, providing a secure retreat when they seek privacy.
Winter months also bring increased food costs, as access to naturally occurring edible plants like dandelions, plantains, clover, and flowers diminishes. Last winter, my grocery expenses for the tortoises alone averaged around $40 per week.
Their diet consists primarily of leafy greens, supplemented with zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, and small amounts of fruit. While these food items are readily available, the quantities required for four tortoises, especially a 60-pound sulcata, accumulate quickly. To ensure adequate calcium intake, I supplement their vegetables with a special calcium powder twice weekly.
While the Russian and red-footed tortoises have water dishes available for self-soaking, Elliott requires more assistance with hydration. He dislikes being submerged in a tub but enjoys being sprayed with a hose. Regular soaking or spraying helps maintain hydration, as tortoises do not consistently drink water from a dish like typical mammalian pets.
The Unique Appeal of Tortoise Pets: Companionship and Personality
Alt text: A Russian tortoise with its characteristically rounded shell and alert gaze, highlighting its smaller size and engaging nature.
Unlike many reptile species, tortoise pets can develop surprisingly social bonds with their human caregivers and exhibit distinct personalities. My tortoises recognize me by sight and sound. Various tortoise species are available as pets, with varying degrees of social interaction. Sulcata and red-footed tortoises are particularly known for seeking out interaction, while Russian tortoises tend to be more reserved.
Elliott, remarkably, responds to his name and enjoys climbing onto my lap to sit. Tortoises are gentle and intelligent animals capable of forming bonds with their entire families. African spurred tortoises, in particular, are often called “heirloom pets” due to their exceptional lifespan exceeding 100 years, often necessitating their inclusion in estate planning to ensure continued care across generations.
Smaller tortoise species have lifespans around 50 years and are generally easier to manage than giant breeds. Red-footed tortoises are known for their amiable disposition and personable nature. Their diet primarily includes leafy greens, various produce, and commercially available tortoise pellets. For housing, a simple large Rubbermaid tote can suffice, although they also greatly benefit from outdoor access during warmer weather.
A Brief Note on Turtles
While the focus here is on tortoise pets, World Turtle Day prompts a brief mention of turtles. Common pet turtle species include red-eared sliders, African sideneck turtles, and painted turtles. Turtles require large aquariums providing ample swimming space.
Although they are aquatic, turtles also need a dry basking platform with access to both heat and UVB lighting. Most turtles require water to eat, which can lead to significant tank fouling, necessitating a robust filtration system to manage waste buildup. While generally not enjoying handling, turtles can be trained to accept food from hand.
Rachel Shadle has contributed to Den Herder Veterinary Hospital since 2013, following her studies at the University of Northern Iowa. Her diverse skills range from reception duties to veterinary assistance and wildlife rehabilitation. She has experience with a wide array of creatures. Rachel and her partner Cody share their lives with numerous dogs, four tortoises, a rabbit, and a bird.
