Adopting a tortoise / turtle as pet is important decision. It is important to know the reasons for owning one and the responsibilities for keeping one. Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters. Tortoises tend to be diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures.
Tortoise
They are generally reclusive animals. Tortoises can eat fresh grass from outside but be sure it doesn’t contain any chemicals which can be harmful. For “outside tortoise,” build a covered shelter for him, but it has to have a roof to keep him from being preyed upon. Also, depending upon the temperature, the temperature of the tortoise house should be controlled, as tortoises can be very sensitive to temperature. Some points should be take into account while buying a turtle or tortoise:-
- You need fresh fruits and vegetables to properly care for a turtle or tortoise,
- Turtles require clean, fresh water and bedding. You should spend at least half an hour each day caring for the turtle.
- Turtles and tortoises are a long term commitment. They can live for a very long time, often 25 years or longer.
- Some species need to hibernate, which is sometimes quite stressful for the turtle.
- Most turtles grow fairly large and need correspondingly large tanks or enclosures.
- Turtles and tortoises do not interact with or particularly like humans.
- Turtles and tortoises are not recommended as suitable pets for most children because of the risk of salmonella infection.
- Turtles and tortoises should have exposure to ultraviolet light, either through the use of UVA/UVB producing bulbs.
- You should handled tortoises very gently when they are young.