Greek Tortoise – Tips To Care For Your Pet

Pet Care

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 12:40

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:

1. These tortoises love to to eat. So they eat veggies, fruits, small insects and sometimes, even animal feces.
2. Offer them a salad with greens and vegetables, which has been sprinkled with mineral-vitamin supplements.
3. 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.
4. Also include hay, dandelions, weed (non-toxic) and prickly pear cactus in your pet tortoise's diet.
5. Fruits should be avoided as far as possible. However, you can give a fruit (twice in 15 days), when the temperature is too high.
6. Provide water in a shallow bowl that is big enough for the tortoise to immerse itself whenever it feels like.

Greek Tortoise Housing:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. These tortoises love to dig, so provide ample space for it to dig. Sometimes this tortoise might hibernate too.
5. Indoor Shelter: Avoid using glass enclosures. Wooden or plastic tubs are a good choice.
6. 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.