Dos and Don’ts of Keeping A Tortoise
Sulcata tortoises, like every living thing, have their dos and don’ts. For their health and happiness’ sake, if you keep to the rules you and your pet should be just fine.
The Do's
- Offer them befitting shelter; Though they enjoyed staying outside, they needed to survive extreme weather conditions.
- Provide them with a stimulating environment; If you want your Sulcata happy and healthy, provide them with stimulating housing.
- Provide sufficient plant; Ninety percent of tortoise food comes from fresh grass. Ensure they have plenty of grass since they feed on plants. They love greens!
- Make sure water is available; Water will keep a tortoise hydrated, but be careful to prevent drowning as they do not swim like the turtle.
- Provide them with shade; While a Sulcata tortoise loves sunshine, it needs a shady area to rest and play when the sun becomes too hot to bear.
- Provide them with supplements; When properly fed, a tortoise will get all the required nutrients from its food. However, a supplement can cover any deficiency in nutrients.
- Take care of their medical needs; Access to a veterinary service will keep a tortoise safe. Arrange for a vet visit once a year for general check and prevention against any form of the disease.
The Don’ts
- Leaving unattended; Never leave your Sulcata pet with a dog unattended.
- Access to the pond; Let your garden pond be off-limit to your pet.
- Free movement; Resist the temptation to allow your Sulcata free.
- Protein-rich diet; Tortoises are herbivores, and a high protein diet may be lethal.
- Overfeeding; Provide natural gracing or a meal a day that will keep them healthy and happy. Anything more is not ideal and could make them sick.
- Sugary fruits; Veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, or anything sugary is not good for tortoises.