Meet the Tortoise, an ancient, docile, and rewarding animal companion who has grown in popularity over the last few years. With their unique personalities, long lifespan, and simple needs for reproduction, they truly are the embodiment of a lifelong friend!
Of course, just like with any animal, it’s essential to know more about their specific needs and requirements for them to live long and happy lives.
With this guide, you’ll learn some pointers on Tortoise care, and after reading, you’ll hopefully be able to replicate the ideal environment for and offer proper nutrition to your shelled friend.
4 COMMON TORTOISE COMPANIONS IN PH
The first step, like with any animal companion, is to do your research before committing. Each Tortoise species comes from different environments, so it’s not always one-size-fits-all. Here are some common Tortoise companions in the Philippines.
SULCATA TORTOISES
- ENVIRONMENT: Dry, semi-arid grasslands, and the savannah
- ESTIMATED ADULT SIZE: Can reach around 25 inches in length
- SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Sulcatas are the third largest Tortoise in the world and can grow a considerable size within a few decades, so it’s best to prepare a suitable home plan for them beforehand.
LEOPARD TORTOISES
- ENVIRONMENT: Dry, semi-arid grasslands, and the savannah
- ESTIMATED ADULT SIZE: at least 18 inches in length
- SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Although smaller, they prefer a really dry environment similar to the Sulcata tortoises and don’t need overly moist substrate in their home.
RED FOOTED TORTOISES
- ENVIRONMENT: Dry and wet forest areas as well as grasslands and savannahs
- ESTIMATED ADULT SIZE: Around 13 inches
- SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Compared to Sulcata and Leopard tortoises, Red Footed Tortoises prefer a more humid and wet environment where they can soak, and they tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. What’s most interesting is that they’ll even require a bit more protein in their diet as they age, which is why they can eat eggs, Chickens, Pinkie Mice, and even insects.
ALDABRA TORTOISES
- ENVIRONMENT: Coastal, mangroves, swamps, and grasslands
- ESTIMATED ADULT SIZE: At least 48 inches or 4 feet
- SPECIAL ATTRIBUTE: Aldabra Tortoises are actually the second largest Tortoise species in the world. They have an impressive lifespan, with some speculating that they can live an average of 150+ years!
7 ASPECTS OF TORTOISE CARE
HABITAT
For any animal, it’s essential to provide enough space for them to thrive. A Tortoise requires enough room where they can roam free. Indoor enclosures are manageable for the first decade or so; however, many Tortoises prefer outdoor setups where they can bask, dig, and hide as they please.
TEMPERATURE
Just like with any reptile, heat is essential to their wellbeing since they’re cold-blooded. Make sure to provide them a warm basking area as well as a cooler area where they can move about and regulate their temperature when needed.
UVB
Both heat lamps and UVB bulbs are essential to mimic natural sunlight, which is important for their overall health, growth, and development.
If you don’t provide the right amount of UVB, your Tortoise will be at risk of developing health concerns down the line, such as metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal if not addressed quickly.
DIET
Tortoises are primarily herbivores and mainly consume leafy greens such as saluyot, kangkong, mulberry, and the like. They also need a variety of vegetables, as well as fruits as treats.
Ensure that your Tortoise has access to a shallow water dish at all times so that they can drink and soak regularly. This helps keep them hydrated and adds a bit more humidity in their environment.
QUICK TIP
If you’re having a hard time getting your Tortoise to drink water, consider spraying the food you give them with drinking water so that they can “drink” while eating.
HEALTH
Like with any animal companion, it’s important to regularly observe your Tortoise’s health. Be aware of common symptoms, such as runny nose, wheezing, loss of appetite, shell rotting, and lethargy. If you suspect they’re behaving out of the ordinary, bring them to your nearest exotics vet as soon as possible.
QUICK TIP
If you have the time, try to regularly weigh your Tortoise and take note of the changes. Sudden loss of weight is a clear sign that there’s a problem, and you should have them checked as soon as possible.
SOCIALIZATION
What’s great about Tortoises is that they’re all pretty much slow moving and docile – very convenient for those caring for them for the first time. They do benefit from gentle and infrequent handling, just like with other reptiles. This greatly reduces stress.
LIFESPAN
Tortoises tend to live very long lives – many even outlive their owners. It’s therefore important to consider the long-term commitment needed. Create a plan on how to care for them in the future.
DO TORTOISES NEED COMPANIONSHIP?
Tortoises can either live alone or in a group – both are completely fine. However, the downside with a group is that you must make sure to provide adequate space for them all, or else they will most likely start displaying territorial disputes that may injure them.
LIFELONG COMPANION
Caring for a Tortoise can be a rewarding experience. However, they need your dedication and knowledge. By understanding their individual needs, you can best support your Tortoise in living a long, healthy, and happy life.
Make sure to take the initiative to learn about their care. It might also be a good idea to consult with experts and veterinarians when needed. With the right care and love, your Tortoise can thrive and bring joy to your life for many years to come.
