This
page is intended for beginners but also for those who have kept tortoises
for many years. It is surprising the number of well-intentioned tortoise
owners who, for example, are still giving their tortoise the wrong diet
or hibernating it incorrectly, etc. Inexperienced tortoise owners should
consider the following:
Do you own a tortoise? It is important to know
whether it is a tortoise, turtle or terrapin that you own, as their needs
are different.
Do you know what species it is? This is an important piece of information to know if you have more than one tortoise.
Do you know whether it is male or female? Again, if you have more than one tortoise, this is an important piece of information to know.
Are you providing it with the correct diet? Contrary to popular belief, tortoises do not require just lettuce. They need a variety of foods, vitamins and calcium.
Do you keep a record of its weight and length? Tortoises should be a certain weight for their length. An underweight tortoise should not be hibernated as it may die or sustain severe injuries. Any sudden loss in weight is an indication that something is wrong.
Would you know what to do if your tortoise laid eggs? Tortoises are bred successfully in captivity but their eggs have to be kept in certain conditions if they are to hatch.
Would you know what to do if your tortoise stopped eating? Tortoises stop eating for a number of reasons but, usually, it means that the tortoise is unwell.
Who looks after your tortoise when you go away on holiday? It is important that the person you ask to look after your tortoise is reliable and aware of its requirements.
Would you know how to care for a sick tortoise? If your tortoise becomes ill it is important to find out exactly what the problem is and to administer the correct treatment.
Did you know that certain species of tortoise are protected
by law? To sell or exchange one you need a licence from the relevant
authority.
Bearing the above in mind, it is recommended that you join a group, society or other organisation who specialise in tortoises. These organisations produce care sheets, newsletters and books on tortoise care. Their members also have many years experience in tortoise keeping and are only too willing to be of assistance.
Please feel free to
Email Slowcoach if you
have any problems or require information or assistance.
