Exotic pets need special care and attention than ordinary pets. They come from places with different climates and ecology and may require special types of food and habitation when bred in captivity. Pet tortoises are one of the favorites among exotic pet owners. Here are some top ten things to remember when taking care of your pet.
1. Identify what species your pet belongs to. There are different species of tortoises available in the pet market and each has its own diet and habitat needs depending on where it originally came from. Take the time to study the habits and dietary needs of your pet.
2. Provide them proper nourishment. A tortoise diet consists mainly of grass, vegetables, leafy greens and moderate amounts of fruits and edible flowers. Most types do not need animal protein so keep them away from dog or cat food. They can be usually fed with dandelion greens, grass, hay, weeds, Bermuda grass, timothy, thistles, flowers and pads of cactus, lettuces, cabbages and broccolis. Calcium and vitamin D3 helps maintain their shell and digestive process.
3. Build a safe and comfortable outdoor enclosure. Most tortoises are grazers and burrowers. Imagine them as small bulldozers which like to dig, eat and bask under the sun. Their enclosures should give them enough space to graze and wander around. Wooden fences should be sunk under ground to keep them from escaping under their pens. They tend to be good climbers as well, so the fences should be twice their height. Landscape their enclosure with edible grass, surfaces and terrains to encourage exercise.
4. If indoors, mimic outside temperatures. Do not keep your pet tortoise indoors for long periods of time. Purchase UVA/UVB lamps to control the temperature inside their pen. Depending on what they need, you may use sand, soil, cypress bark or paper as substrate.
5. Some tortoise hibernates during colder months. This could be a stressful time for your pet and requires special conditions to be done properly. They tend to hibernate for about 4-5 months. Ensure that proper temperatures are maintained and keep them safe from any predators that may bother their hibernation period.
