Published By: Riya Banerjee

Thinking of getting a pet tortoise? Here is what you need to know

If you want a pet for a lifetime then you can undoubtedly adopt a baby tortoise…

Often when people make the decision to own a pet, they either go for dogs or cats. But have you ever thought of going for something more unique? We are talking about adopting a little baby tortoise! Yes, it may seem weird at first and a lot of responsibility but trust us, once you know how to take care of it, you will love having a tortoise around for years. They live from 25 years up to almost a 100! So here we will tell you what all to know before you commit to adopting a little tortoise…

Tortoises need a lot of space – This is one of the most important things you should follow through if you are really thinking about getting a tortoise as a pet. Pet stores might sell you baby tortoise in a small aquarium but you need to make sure once you bring them home they have plenty of space to roam around in.

Follow a specific diet – Tortoises basically feed on plants so you can feed them any leafy vegetables like kale, peppers, spinach, bean sprouts, avocado, etc. You can also occasionally give them fruits such as apples and grapes! Also make sure to feed them some calcium every now and then.

They need to be in heat – Since the natural habitat of a tortoise is either desert or rainforest, you need to make sure they stay in enough warmth. However refrain from putting them out in direct sunlight during summers. Purchase a UVA or UVB bulb to simulate the light that they need for survival. You can even install a bulb to make sure heat is consistent.

Imminent health issues – Keeping a tortoise means it may often have some or the other health issues. They can have bone disease, breathing problems, mucus formation around mouth and even lose a lot of weight. Nothing to be worried, a regular visit to the vet will surely solve everything!

Find a proper shelter when you are away – While dogs and cats are easier to shelter when you go away on a vacation, finding a home for a tortoise may not be that easy. So make sure before you adopt a tortoise that you have an available person to take care of your pet when you are not there.