Is a tortoise right for you?
The tortoise is a much loved exotic pet, popular for its prehistoric appearance, plodding nature and gentle disposition.
However, while tortoises are hardly attention seekers, you have to remember that they can live for up to 100 years, and, like any creature, they have specific needs in order to stay happy and healthy.
The popularity of tortoise ownership has steadily increased and dealers solved their supply problems by selling wild Mediterranean tortoises into captivity. In 1984 this practice was banned and now it is illegal to own certain breeds of tortoise without a certificate that states your pet was born in captivity.
So if you’re interested in keeping a tortoise, you’ll need to be aware that a certificate is required for a Hermann, a Spur-Thighed or a Marginated type.
There’s evidence that smugglers have since flaunted the ban and that there is still a black market in tortoise sales, which only serves to contribute to the depletion of already vulnerable species.
It’s a myth that tortoises can survive outdoors in the UK all year round, although with our current climate changing so rapidly, a sensible owner will keep up to date with the latest recommendations made by experts in the field of pet care.
Providing an indoor enclosure for your tortoise is recommended, although this can consist of a simple cardboard box with a UV light or a tortoise table rather than an expensive vivarium, which some experts suggest is an unhealthy and unnatural environment for a tortoise.
Overcrowding tortoises or keeping them in over-humid conditions can result in a viral infection known as Runny Nose Syndrome, which is part of the herpes family and will require antibiotic treatment.
In the wild, tortoises eat a diet of vegetation that is high in calcium and fibre but low in protein and fat. Complete dry foods are available in pet stores, but tortoises enjoy greens such as dandelion leaves and watercress and most owners offer a calcium supplement to encourage optimum health. It’s also worthwhile remembering that while complete foods claim to be nutritionally balanced, they are not what the tortoise would access in the wild.
Some owners provide a cuttlefish bone for their tortoise to chew on, which is an excellent natural source of calcium. Like most pets, tortoises need fresh water in a clean bowl and should not be given inappropriate foods or treats that are not right for them.
Tortoises are not keen on being handled, and they need calm, gentle treatment. It might come as a surprise that they have nerve endings in their shells and are quite sensitive creatures. They like having plenty of space to forage and some types can be quite active and may even enjoy clambering over small obstacles.
Given the proper care and attention, a tortoise can be a loyal, entertaining pet and if asked, most owners would say that they wouldn’t be without these quirky companions.