2torial #0455:
Learn2 Care for a Pet Tortoise (continued)

Set up a habitat

To properly care for your tortoise, you must provide a habitat that resembles its natural domain. A terrarium for one tortoise should be at least seven times its adult size and should include a minimum of the following conditions:

Wooden walls. A tortoise will try to walk through anything it can see through; if its habitat has glass walls, the tortoise will continually bump its head. For this reason, most tortoise terrariums are made of wood. Also, look for a terrarium with rounded corners on the inside. Square corners appeal to tortoises as ways to climb up and escape. To further safeguard against this, get a terrarium with a screened roof that you can easily remove and securely reattach when necessary.

A hiding place. A tortoise needs a place to hide. An empty shoebox with a hole cut out that's big enough for it to get into and out of is a perfect dark, private place for your pet. You can also visit a pet supply store or go online to buy an imitation tree or branch with space for a tortoise to crawl inside.

A hot spot. Tortoises depend on external heat sources. If they can't warm up, their digestive systems won't work properly. Depending on the species, optimum temperatures range between 80 and 95F (27 to 35C). To make sure your tortoise is warm and happy, provide it with at least 6 hours of heat per day. Most pet stores sell heat lamps that emit healthy UV rays for this purpose. You can also purchase ceramic heaters for tortoises that need hotter temperatures.

A feeding area. Your tortoise should have access to clean water at all times. Set up a water dish in a corner of the terrarium, and make sure it's shallow enough (no deeper than the tortoise's feet) so your tortoise won't accidentally drown in it. The feeding area should remain consistent; always put food and water in the same place.

Good traction. What you cover the terrarium floor with will depend on what kind of tortoise you have. Desert species will need a sandy, well-drained substrate, while tropical species require moist leaf litter, moss, or crushed orchard bark.