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Intro: |
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A terrarium Some sand, moss, or crushed bark (see Step 2) A water dish A food dish A lamp with a UV bulb A shoebox or a store bought shelter Access to a pet store Access to a reptile veterinarian Vegetables and fruits for feeding (see Step 3) Optional: Access to the Internet or a library A package of calcium lactate powder |
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| About 2 hours to learn about your particular species, another 2 hours to set up its terrarium, and 15 minutes a day to check and maintain the tortoise's health and environment |
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Don't judge a tortoise by its shell Although fairy tales do sometimes come true, it's probably not the best idea to train your tortoise to race against a hare. Nevertheless, tortoises make great pets. They take up a relatively small amount of space, they're quiet and easy to care for, and they probably won't have an accident on the living room carpet. Besides, a tortoise can be an educational opportunity, as it provides a fascinating glimpse into reptilian behavior. With a small initial investment for supplies (less than $100 U.S.) and a time commitment of about 15 minutes a day, you can provide your tortoise with a reptilian Club Med. We'll show you how.
It's important to know the difference between a tortoise and a turtle, because if you treat one like the other, you could actually kill it. Basically, tortoises are land-dwelling vegetarians that can easily drown if placed in too much water. Turtles, on the other hand, eat meat and live both on land and in the water. Also, keep in mind that there are countless species of both tortoises and turtles, and each requires a slightly different diet and habitat. It's crucial to find a reliable local pet store and a reptile veterinarian--not only for answering your questions, but also for obtaining supplies and any needed medical treatment for your tortoise.
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#0705:
Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
#0417:
Care for a Pet Bird
#0576:
Set Up a Hamster or Gerbil Cage
#0931:
Care for a Pet Rabbit