As development and urbanization encroach on their natural habitat, Texas tortoises are becoming more popular as household pets. But before you go out and buy one, there are a few things you should know about their care. First, it is…
Keeping a pet tortoise indoors is possible, but do you know how much space they really need? As a rule, a tortoise enclosure should be at least 10 times longer than the length of the tortoise’s shell, 5 times wider…
Pet tortoises are amazing creatures. If you keep your tortoise inside in an enclosure, how often should you clean it? As a general rule, indoor tortoise enclosures should be cleaned on a schedule that includes spot cleaning daily, dish cleaning…
Tortoises may not get bored, but they do need enrichment in order to live their best lives. Tortoise enrichment can come from two primary mechanisms; environment and feeding. Tortoise environment enrichment can include increased area, live plants and grasses, terrain…
Are you thinking about getting a pet tortoise? They are fantastic creatures, long-living, hard-shelled herbivores that can bring much joy and laughter when cared for well. But, tortoises are not for everyone. There are financial, care after your death, safety,…
When we got our first Russian tortoise, we were undoubtedly beginners and needed to know where to start. There are so many opinions on the internet and many conflicting recommendations regarding what lighting Russian tortoises need. Be sure to know…
Tortoises are some of the oldest, longest living animals on earth today. They come in many sizes and colors and are like modern day dinosaurs. You are about to learn 21 cool, fascinating facts about tortoises. Use them for your…
Why is my tortoise bobbing its head? That is a question that gets asked often by new tortoise owners. Tortoises bob or nod their heads for four reasons, to challenge other males, attract females for mating, normal breathing, and respiratory…
Tortoises squeak for six reasons, nares (nose) debris, overgrown beaks, startled response, male mating, environmental issues, and respiratory infections. The first time I heard a tortoise squeak, my mind immediately worried about a respiratory infection. Thankfully, there are many reasons…