Pet Tortoises and Pet Turtles

Among the common reptiles kept as pets are tortoises and turtles. Many people perceive tortoises and turtles to be the easiest to maintain and care for since they tend to move a bit slower than other animals. However, this is not necessarily true as tortoises and turtles have special habitat and dietary needs that are unique to their species and not always obviously apparent to the owner.

our stock room One popular type of turtle that is commonly kept as a pet is the box turtle. Box turtles are mostly terrestrial but do enjoy having water around. Many potential box turtle owners are shocked to find out that their lifespan can be between 50 and 100 years! Taking on a box turtle as a pet therefore requires a long term commitment to the animal. When picking out a box turtle, it is always best to find one that has been raised in captivity since a box turtle that has been captured in the wild will be more prone to shock and stress. Be sure to have the turtle checked out as soon as possible by a veterinarian to make sure that it is free from parasites and that it is in a healthy condition.

If you live in a warmer climate, an outdoor pen can be appropriate for a box turtle as long as it has plenty of water, is not in a place susceptible to predators, and has adequate humidity and foliage. If you must keep your turtle indoors for most of the year, you must provide adequate lighting, heat and moisture, and a large enough enclosure so that the turtle will be comfortable. Box turtles hibernate and so their conditions must be acceptable for this behavior. However, turtles that are not in good health should be kept from doing so until their health returns as the slowing process that their body goes through during the hibernation process can actually cause more damage than help.

Box turtles have a diet that consists of both animal protein and plant matter but, like humans, each turtle will have its own preferences. These preferences can even change as the turtle ages or during different times of year. They tend to like a large variety of vegetables and fruits such as apples, grapes, carrots, peas, broccoli, and melon. Their favourite foods consist of insects such as mealworms, caterpillars, earthworms, and crickets. There are also commercially-manufactured turtle food options available, but most experts agree that fresh food is greatly preferred.

Tortoises are also popular pets and there is an abundance of different types, including Desert Tortoises, Chaco tortoises, Hermann’sTortoises, and Leopard Tortoises. They also like a variety of foods as well and owners must constantly be aware of their phosphorous/calcium intake as they have special dietary requirements. Like box turtles, tortoises can get fairly large and must have an appropriately-sized enclosure. Depending on your location, you may need to bring tortoises inside during cooler months.

Tortoises live very long lives, up to 100 years so owners must be aware of the possibility that their pet will not only be a lifelong commitment but also may even outlive them.

Turtles and tortoises are interesting reptile pets, to say the least, and proper care for these animals presents interesting challenges to the owners. While tortoises and turtles can certainly make great additions to a household as a pet, it is best that potential owners make a very thought out and educated decision on whether this pet is right for them.