Tortoises are very old animals. They lived alongside dinosaurs and are one of the oldest groups of animals on Earth.
Unlike other turtles, tortoises are built for life on land. They have strong, bent legs and dome-shaped shells with high arches. Their shells protect them and help regulate their body temperature.
Tortoises are known for their long lives, with some living up to almost 200 years. They have different shells that distinguish males and females. Males have concave shells that are useful for mating.
Female tortoises lay eggs in sandy soil, and hatchlings use a temporary tooth to break out of their eggs. Unfortunately, not many hatchlings survive because they are preyed upon by birds and other animals.
Adult tortoises are adaptable and live in many environments, from deserts to forests. They eat plants, but some also eat animals in wetter forests.
Tortoises are smart animals that can find their way through mazes and might even remember faces. They have adapted to save water and can stay underwater for quite a while.
Tortoise’s scientific name:
The different kinds of tortoises have their own scientific names. For example:
- African Spurred Tortoise: Its scientific name is Centrochelys sulcata.
- Gopher Tortoise: Its scientific name is Gopherus polyphemus.
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise: Its scientific name is Aldabrachelys gigantea.
5 things to know about your tortoise:
- Size: Tortoises can grow up to 10 inches long.
- Diet: They are vegetarians, eating plants like leaves and flowers.
- Habitat: Tortoises live on land and do not swim like turtles do.
- Temperature: They are cold-blooded, so they rely on the sun to stay warm.
- Lifespan: They can live over 50 years. The oldest tortoise on record lived to be about 189 years old!
Taking care of a tortoise:
Taking care of a tortoise is similar to caring for other reptiles. They need warmth, usually from a heat lamp, and outdoor tortoises should have shelter. Outdoor areas must be well enclosed with fencing both above and below ground because tortoises are diggers.
Each species has specific dietary needs, so it’s important to give them the right nutrients. You can use commercial tortoise food and supplement it with fresh fruits and vegetables.
What Should I Feed My Pet Tortoise?
- Power Greens:
- Give them spring mixes, dark leafy greens, and grasses or hay. Mix these with calcium powder 2-3 times a week and with reptile multivitamins 2 times a month. Take out any leftover fresh food after a few hours.
- Pellet Tortoise Food:
- Use commercial pellets made for these tortoises. It’s an easy and balanced option.
- Fruits:
- Give them fruits like berries, melons, kiwis, and others as treats. Do not give too much.
- Water:
- Make sure they have fresh water every day. They also need shallow water to soak in.
- Hay:
- Give your tortoise Timothy and alfalfa hay for extra fiber and enjoyment.
Following these steps will keep your tortoises healthy.
How Often Should You Feed Your Tortoise?
- Hatchlings and Young Tortoises: Feed daily, dividing the daily portion into morning and afternoon feedings.
- Adult Tortoises: Feed daily, or you may choose to skip feeding once a week.
How Much Should You Feed Your Tortoise?
- In the wild, tortoises often need to find food in hot, dry places, so they are used to eating small amounts.
- When keeping tortoises as pets, give them food in moderation to avoid overeating, which can cause health problems such as shell deformities.
- Guidelines suggest feeding your tortoise as much as they can eat in 20 minutes once a day, or enough leaves and flowers to cover their shell like a blanket.
- Keep an eye on your tortoise’s growth. For types like Hermann’s, Greek, Iberian, Marginated, and Horsfield’s tortoises, aim for slow and steady growth, about 1g to 3g per month on average.
- Adjust feeding amounts based on your tortoise’s growth and health indicators over time. If it’s gaining too much or too little weight, adjust its diet accordingly.
Habitat:
Some tortoise species can be wonderful pets with lots of personality, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. They love to dig, so they might try to escape from your yard. Some types can grow very big, which might be too much for your home. Tortoises also live a long time, so owning one is a big commitment.
Make sure your tortoise is bred in captivity, not taken from the wild. Common pet species include leopard tortoises, spur-thighed tortoises, red-foot tortoises, and Indian star tortoises.
Behaviour:
Tortoises usually live alone and wander by themselves. They move slowly and eat grass, fruits, and plants. When it gets too hot, they hide in their underground homes.
Their burrows are important for other animals too, making tortoises a big part of many places. Keystone species like tortoises have a big effect on their environment, like sea otters in the ocean.
Lifespan:
The lifespan of turtles and tortoises varies greatly depending on the species:
- Some species live 10 to 20 years in captivity, while others can live up to 150 years.
- Most turtles and tortoises can live into their 50s with proper care.
- In the wild, they face challenges like finding food and avoiding predators, which can shorten their lifespan.
- When kept as pets, they can live longer with good care, including a proper diet and environment.
- Aquatic turtles usually live 20-30 years in captivity, but some can live much longer.
- Tortoises are known for their longevity, with some species living over 100 years.
These are some common species and their approximate lifespans:
- Box turtle: 20-50 years
- Red-eared slider: 15-30 years
- Leopard tortoise: 100 years or more
- Greek tortoise: 100 years or more
- Russian tortoise: 50-100 years
- Sulcata tortoise: 30-50 years commonly, up to 120 years
FAQs
How Do Turtles Sleep?
- Aquatic Turtles: These turtles may sleep on dry land or with their heads out of the water. They can also sleep underwater for short periods, coming up for air when needed.
- Land Turtles: Unlike aquatic turtles, land turtles and tortoises can sleep anywhere on land and do not swim. They find a safe, comfortable spot to rest.
Does a Tortoise Have Lungs?
Yes, tortoises have lungs.
Their lungs are large and spongy, taking up a big part of the space inside their shells.
How long do tortoises live?
Tortoises can live over 50 years. Some can even live up to 150 years or more.
Can Tortoises Hold Their Breath?
Yes, tortoises can hold their breath for long periods of time.
Do tortoises have teeth?
No, tortoises do not have teeth. Instead, they have hard, sharp edges in their mouths, like a bird’s beak, which they use to bite and eat food.
