Today we’re going to take a look at five of the more common types that might make great options for your family. Each breed (and especially each individual) has different personalities and traits, and each require different types of care. Before adopting a turtle or a tortoise, be sure you’re very clear on their specific needs and what type of care each requires (including diet, supplements, type of habitat, humidity levels and basking time).
(Spoiler alert: You will probably be surprised at the level of care required for a happy, healthy turtle!)
Russian Tortoise
The Russian Tortoise is one of the tortoise types considered an excellent choice as a pet due to easy keeping and great personality. The female may grow reach 8-10 inches in length, while the adult male measures slightly smaller at 6-8 inches. If you’re in a temperate climate, the Russian will do quite well in an outdoor enclosure (be sure it contains concrete footings for extra security – this species LOVES to dig).
Its habitat must have a daytime temperature of between 70°F to 80°F, and should stay between 65°F to 75°F during the evening. You will also need to provide a basking spot with an 85°F temperature.
The Russian’s primary food consists of clover and grasses, with a moderate intake of fruits to prevent indigestion. Their diets must contain high calcium and fiber, with low levels of protein. Click here to discover a few Quirky Things We Learned from Our Tortoise.
African Spurred Tortoise
The African Spurred tortoise is quite large, and requires a high fiber diet, enjoying mixed salads of vegetables and greens. They enjoy a plant-based diet. You should only offer fruits once every 1-2 weeks. Provide them with artificial warmth by placing a lamp, with a heat-emitting bulb, inside their enclosure. (It must be hung at least 12 inches above the housing substrate). You’ll also need to provide a basking area, with a temperature of 90º to 95º F, complete with a water dish.
Make sure that the housing is free from predators to keep your pet safe. Pets love to flip these guys over which can be fatal to your turtle or tortoise.
Red Footed Tortoise
The Red-footed tortoise requires pet owners to follow a diet consisting of 80% fibrous vegetables and 20% fruits and vegetables, including endive, mustard greens, and dandelion greens, and avoiding iceberg lettuce, spinach, and kale. You’ll also need to make sure they are receiving enough vitamin D3 and calcium, so you’ll want to include supplements in their meals. Your tortoise may be slow to adapt to life in an enclosure, but will gradually develop a new eating regimen as soon as it adjusts to its new habitat.
If keeping your tortoise outdoors, make sure that the daytime temperature is between 90° to 95°F, and maintain a 65° to 70°F temperature during the night. This species prefers slightly more humid surroundings, so make sure to use adequate ground cover (about 2-3″ of coconut husk bark and wood chips or moss). You’ll need to monitor the moisture levels often, so be sure you select a hygrometer to keep in his habitat and check it frequently.
Hermann’s Tortoise
This species is used to leaving its enclosure early in the morning to look for food. During midday, it goes back to its home to cover and protect itself from the direct rays of the sun. They go out again late in the afternoon to eat, and will then spend the day’s remaining hours resting. This pattern makes it amenable for this species to be kept in outdoor enclosures. Its diet includes leafy greens and grasses. It must also be fed moderate amount of fruits, such as melons, grapes, strawberries, and apples.
Hermann’s Tortoises also enjoy vegetables, such as cauliflower, cucumber, broccoli, dandelions, and carrots. Take note that these are just four main tortoise types inhabiting the planet. Some of these tortoises are considered to be endangered species, and laws have been enacted to regulate their purchase and sale to protect them. Prior to purchasing your pet tortoise, make sure you check your state’s regulations regarding which types of turtles and tortoises you can legally keep as pets.
Learn more about Tortoises:
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