Habitat
Tortoise Habitat
How To Keep A Tortoise Outdoors?
In this article, we’ll look at exactly what you need to provide for a pet tortoise to be healthy and happy outside! Amongst other things, you’ll need to know the right time of the year for a tortoise to be outside, how to keep them safe, and how to set up the best habitat.
Do Tortoises Like Rain (And Is It Safe?)
Tortoises do tend to like the rain! Some species are more acclimated to it than others, given that they are native to tropical rainforests, but all can have a bit of fun in the rain! In the wild, tortoises are outdoor animals so exposing them to safe amounts of rain will replicate many of their natural habitats.
Tortoises Do Enjoy Some Rain
Based on behavior and the testimonials of many tortoise owners, they do in fact like the rain. Think of it as a little shower. They get to enjoy rinsing off and drinking from the fresh little puddles that will form.
Many tortoises enjoy being gently sprayed with a hose, mister, or sprinkler, and this is just the natural version of that.
How Much Space Do Pet Tortoises Need?
There is a common misconception that tortoises don’t need a lot of space. While it’s true they don’t need a huge yard to run in, they do need a significant amount of space to explore, bathe, eat, relax, and sleep.
Smaller tortoises can be kept in 8ft X 4ft (244cm X 122cm) enclosures. Permanent enclosure sides should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) higher than your tortoise while standing on his hind legs. For tortoises that are expected to get large as adults, they need more space and higher walls.
To prevent your tort from escaping and getting injured, keep all climbable decorations away from the sides of the cage.
Are Tortoises & Turtles Good Classroom Pets? (It Depends)
Tortoises and turtles can make excellent classroom pets for certain kids. They require some specialized preparation, but once they are established in the classroom, they are fun to care for and can provide a wide variety of valuable lessons to children.
Calming Influence
Tortoises are docile, sweet-natured, and calm animals. They can both bring a slow and certain serenity to a sometimes-chaotic environment. By explaining to kids that tortoises can get upset by too many loud noises or too much activity, having a tortoise in the classroom can help kids stay calmer and more focused. Nobody wants to hurt their little friend, so most older kids will keep things calm and quiet for them.
Are Tortoises Better In Pairs?
In the wild, tortoises live relatively solitary lives. They usually come together for breeding purposes but live most of their lives alone. Female tortoises may guard their nests, but they do not protect or raise their babies. That means even very young tortoises naturally live on their own.
That said, some tortoises can learn to live peacefully with other members of their species. A very select few even seem to prefer spending time with other tortoises. I once knew a pair of tortoises who grew up together. One fell ill and passed away after many years, leaving his tankmate alone. The remaining tortoise, while physically healthy in all regards, had some subtle personality changes after the death of his pal.