Also known as the spur-thighed tortoise, this tortoise is one among the favourites when it comes to choosing a tortoise as a pet. This is a hardy, yet friendly tortoise. The Greek tortoise is adapted to living in semi-arid and rocky areas. However, it adapts easily to new environments too, thus making it a suitable choice for a pet.
Caring for a Greek tortoise is very important. A well-cared tortoise can live up to 50 years or more in captivity. Read through the following diet and housing tips that will make caring for your pet tortoise a simple and easy task.
Greek Tortoise Diet:
Greek Tortoise Housing:
These are some simple tips to take care of your Greek tortoise. Follow these simple pet care tips to keep you pet happy and safe.
Caring for a Greek tortoise is very important. A well-cared tortoise can live up to 50 years or more in captivity. Read through the following diet and housing tips that will make caring for your pet tortoise a simple and easy task.
Greek Tortoise Diet:
- These tortoises love to to eat. So they eat veggies, fruits, small insects and sometimes, even animal feces.
- Offer them a salad with greens and vegetables, which has been sprinkled with mineral-vitamin supplements.
- Provide them with a cuttlebone to chew on, as this will work as a calcium supplement. However, you can also choose a to give a calcium-supplement along with its daily diet.
- Also include hay, dandelions, weed (non-toxic) and prickly pear cactus in your pet tortoise's diet.
- Fruits should be avoided as far as possible. However, you can give a fruit (twice in 15 days), when the temperature is too high.
- Provide water in a shallow bowl that is big enough for the tortoise to immerse itself whenever it feels like.
Greek Tortoise Housing:
- Remember to create a dry and warm environment for your pet tortoise. The standard size of the enclosure should be at least 4 by 2 inches.
- The bottom of the enclosure can be filled with a mixture of peat moss and sand. (¼ & ¾ respectively). One corner of the enclosure, which is away from light, can be filled with hay, where the tortoise can relax.
- Lighting can be provided by fixing a UV-emitting bulb. Tortoises need the ultra-violet rays for production of Vitamin D3, calcium absorption as well as growth.
- These tortoises love to dig, so provide ample space for it to dig. Sometimes this tortoise might hibernate too.
- Indoor Shelter: Avoid using glass enclosures. Wooden or plastic tubs are a good choice.
- Outdoor Shelters: They are the best for a tortoise. However, care should be taken to keep away predators away and should not give the tortoise a chance to wander away.
These are some simple tips to take care of your Greek tortoise. Follow these simple pet care tips to keep you pet happy and safe.
