How many varieties of tortoise
are there?
Two species of Mediterranean
tortoises are the most popular: Testudo graeca (the
Greek tortoise) is sometimes called the Mediterranean
spur-thighed tortoise; and Testudo hermanni is
sometimes called the spur-tailed tortoise. As these names
suggest, one is identified by a claw-like spur on each
hind-limb and the other by a similar projection on the
tail.
What is special about the
anatomy of the tortoise?
The shell is made of bone,
covered with horny plates or shields. Five plates extend
over the spinal region, with 8 costal plates arranged
around. These are surrounded by 23 smaller, marginal
plates around the edge of the shell. The tortoise has the
same number of plates throughout its life, with each one
growing larger with the size of the shell. Growth rings which
are present in the plates give some indication of the age
of a tortoise, with each ring approximately representing a
year.
Do I need to supply drinking
water?
Water should always be
provided in a shallow dish. They would have difficulty
drinking from a puddle or bowl. Tortoises need to reach
forward to their drinking supply as apposed to down. The
best solution is a very shallow saucer with a few stones
around the rim to stabilize it.
What do tortoises eat?
Tortoises are the least
well-equipped of all reptiles to take live animal food. As
such, they are predominantly herbivorous, although have
been known to eat the odd slug. Tortoises have no teeth,
but use their horn-covered jaws to tear food into small
enough pieces to swallow. Favorite foods are pulses such
as peas and beans; greens such as lettuce, cabbage and
grass; and roots such as carrot or turnip. They also enjoy
fruits such as banana, plum and strawberry; and flowers
like rose and poppy. Each individual has preferences, but
most tortoises will enjoy eating from the procession of different
plants and flowers in the garden. Most will need a dietary
supplement in the form of cereal, which can be provided by
brown bread soaked in milk, or bran breakfast cereal. A
cuttlefish may also be provided as a calcium supply.
What exercise
does a tortoise require?
Ideally, tortoises should be allowed
to roam freely in a well-enclosed garden. By this means,
they can select their own food, which will be much better
suited to their dietary needs. They should be fenced off
from areas which could possibly harbor chemicals such as
pesticide, or from precious plants or vegetables. Several
times per day. it will be necessary to check that they
have not fallen helplessly upside down with their
ambitious climbing. Tethering a tortoise is never recommended.
Sometimes it is safer to keep your tortoise in an
enclosure. Make sure that at all times he has a shelter to
which he can retreat in extreme heat, cold or rain.
When does a tortoise
hibernate?
The spade-like limbs of the
tortoise are well-suited to digging, and the claws of some
older individuals will show wear-and-tear. In nature,
tortoises burrow into the ground to hibernate, but this is
not recommended in captivity. Although it varies in every
country, tortoises will normally stop feeding in early
winter, perhaps October or November, in the UK, Us and
Canada. When this happens, it is recommended that you prohibit
your tortoise's movement so as to allow him to maintain
body weight.
What do I do when he is ready
to hibernate?
Your tortoise needs to be
placed in the middle of a large, strong box, packed with
insulating material such as straw, shredded paper or dry
autumn leaves. The box needs to be fitted with a strong
but well-ventilated lid.
Where should I store my
tortoise during hibernation?
It is best to keep the box in
a cool, but well-ventilated place such as a garden shed.
The box containing your tortoise must be protected from
frost - this can usually be achieved by being raised
slightly from the ground. You must also take precautions
against fume-inhalation (i.e. a garage is not suitable);
and attack by pests. Rats, mice and cats may pose a
serious threat to your tortoise.
When will my tortoise 'wake
up'?
When they rouse from
hibernation in the spring, tortoises need to be cared for
indoors for several weeks to warm up and reach an active
state again. Attempt to bathe open the eyes and mouth, and
give a warm bath in a shallow bath of warm water. When the
tortoise's body temperature rises above 15 degrees Celsius,
a tortoise will begin to feed again.
What dangers are involved when
a tortoises 'wakes up'?
It is very dangerous to let
your tortoise lapse back into its hibernation state.
Although it will appear perfectly healthy, your tortoise
will quickly die of malnutrition if it does not eat after
rousing and then slips back into hibernation. Supply
plenty of your tortoises favorite food soon after it
awakes in springtime.
Are tortoises prone to any
specific ailments?
Tortoises are frequently
subject to colds, showing symptoms of labored breathing,
watery eyes and a discharging nose. Keep him in a warm
environment, and bathe the eyes and nose periodically. If
there is no improvement after a week, seek medical advice.
When a tick is found on one of the tortoise's limbs, dab
it with a few drops of methylated spirit. This treatment
will mean it gradually loses its grip until it can be
safely pulled out with a pair of tweezers.
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