Pets are a proven source of healthy diversion from your daily stressful routine. Keeping a tortoise as a pet is an intriguing idea, and if this idea has occurred to you, then you must learn some basic facts about owning a tortoise as a pet.
Tortoises are incredible creatures with a unique sense of calmness. They make fascinating companions with their slow and deliberate movements, mysterious eyes, and rare charms.
But before you look for places with tortoises for sale, you must know their needs and consider the lifestyle changes involved in caring for a pet tortoise. So, let’s delve into the details of keeping pet tortoises.
Are tortoises and turtles the same?
Before you get a tortoise, you must know the difference between turtles and tortoises, as both come from the same reptilian family.
A turtle is a water-loving animal with a thin shell and feeds on a diet of vegetation and small creatures including fish and crabs. On the other hand, tortoises live on dry land with minimum humidity, bear heavy shells, and feed on a variety of plants and fruit as well as some protein.
There is a range of tortoise species, from as small as 5 inches to mighty large ones. So it would be best if you are specific in picking a type, considering the amount of time and care you can provide to your new friend.
What Spacing and Habitat Does a Tortoise Need?
The space requirements of your tortoise should be kept in mind while setting a stable residency for them. The adult size of a tortoise plays a vital role in designing its habitat. Therefore, a healthy habitat for a tortoise includes proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature regulations.
You’ll need to mimic the natural habitat of a tortoise as much as possible. Some species like to wallow in mud and burrow; others follow hibernation for a long time. Considering such facts will help you create a healthy habitat for your tortoise.
Which diet to follow?
Tortoises are herbivores and love dark leafy stuff like alfalfa or orchard grasses. Vegetables like celery, cabbage leaves, kale, cucumber, and bell peppers can also be fed to them. On the other hand, animal-based diets and dairy foods are not suitable for them.
However, calcium-rich foods and supplements are suitable for their shells and must be included in their diet. You can feed your tortoise daily or divide the daily dosage into two meals per day.
Affordability And Extra Expenses
As per the diversity of tortoise species, their cost varies accordingly. Some common species cost from about $150 to $300. Other versatile ones can be extraordinarily expensive as well with albino sulcata tortoises costing as much as $2000.
Tortoises are well-known for their longevity. They are undoubtedly low-maintenance animals, but caring for them may cost you $20 to $50 per month. So go for your favorite type keeping in mind your budget.
Final Thoughts
Having a pet tortoise is not a difficult task. Tortoises are calm and quiet pets that only need a few specific requirements, like proper enclosure, lighting, and a healthy diet, to live a long and healthy life. If you can keep good track of these requirements, you are ready to look for pet tortoises for sale and add them to your lifestyle anytime!
