- Leafy greens and different types of lettuce—romaine, iceberg, long lettuce, Boston lettuce—are all good for them.
- Broccoli, dandelion greens, pak choi are also good options.
- Thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots also make a great addition to their diet. Try as much as possible to give them something different every day,
- Other than vegetables you can also feed them fruits though that should make up only 10% of their diet. They love thinly sliced strawberries, raspberries and even apples.
What do you feed your Greek tortoise?
We feed our Greek tortoises a simple but very high quality diet of Dandelion Greens (usually available at super market or produce market, just ask someone!)
What can I Feed my tortoise to grow faster?
Tortoises are herbivores. Years ago tortoise owners would feed their pets canned cat and dog food to make them grow faster. But it has since been discovered that a diet high in protein is harmful to tortoises; a diet low in protein and high in fiber is much healthier than food meant for carnivores.
What vegetables can tortoises eat?
You can feed your tortoise a variety of green vegetables every day. Leafy greens and different types of lettuce—romaine, iceberg, long lettuce, Boston lettuce—are all good for them. Broccoli, dandelion greens, pak choi are also good options. Thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots also make a great addition to their diet.
What is the best substrate for a Greek tortoise?
Reptile-safe mulch, aspen wood shavings, and dirt mixtures are good substrate (or bedding) options for Greek tortoises. Just make sure the food they eat is offered on a plate or other surface, so they don't accidentally ingest their bedding. Greek tortoises are herbivores and do best with a diet that’s high in fiber and low in protein.
What does a Golden greek tortoise eat?
Greek tortoises are herbivores and do best with a diet that's high in fiber and low in protein. A variety of dark, leafy greens and other vegetables should be the majority of your tortoise's diet: collard greens, endive, fresh parsley, dandelion greens, zucchini, broccoli, and shredded carrots.
Do Greek tortoises drink water?
Greek Tortoise Water Regardless of their origin, all Greek tortoises need to stay hydrated. A shallow water dish should be available at all times for drinking and soaking, and it should be cleaned/changed frequently. Tortoises defecate in their water, so keeping the supply clean is a must.
What can tortoises not eat?
Food tortoises can't eatDaffodil (narcissus pseudonarcissus)Azalea (Rhododendron species)Foxglove (Digitalis species)Avocado (Persea species)Buttercup (Ranunculus species)Auricula (Primula auricula)Bean sprouts (various)Citrus fruit (Citrus species)More items...•
How long does a Golden greek tortoise live?
The Golden Greek tortoise lives a long life. It is important to consider this when purchasing a golden greek tortoise for sale. They can live for about 125 years if properly cared for.
Should I spray my tortoise with water?
As well as bathing the tortoise regularly you can provide your tortoise with a suitable microclimate to prevent fluid loss from the body. You can do this by making the substrate deep enough so that the tortoise can dig down, and you can mist it daily using a water sprayer.
Can Greek tortoises eat fruit?
Thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots also make a great addition to their diet. Try as much as possible to give them something different every day, Other than vegetables you can also feed them fruits though that should make up only 10% of their diet. They love thinly sliced strawberries, raspberries and even apples.
What is tortoise Favourite food?
Fruits - These tortoises can eat fruits like berries, melon, kiwi and more. Water - Their water should be refreshed at least once a day. Hay - Tortoises also like Timothy and alfalfa hay.
Can my tortoise eat carrots?
Greens and vegetables: Vegetables should be about 10-15% of the diet. These can include: grated raw carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, corn on the cob; greens such as collards, dandelions, escarole, romaine, kale.
Can a tortoise eat cucumber?
Cucumber can be offered to help with hydration, or prescribed medication can be hidden within it and offered to the tortoise as a tasty treat. The leaves and flowers of the Cucumber plant may be fed in small amounts to all species.
How often should you feed a Golden Greek tortoises?
The greek tortoise is strictly herbivorous. They require a high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet. Dark leafy greens such as kale, dandelion, mustard, collard and turnip greens should be fed regularly, and spring mix can be fed up to 3-4 days per week. Natural grasses and hays can also be provided.
Are Golden Greek tortoises rare?
You may be surprised. Notes: This is the nominate form of Testudo graeca and despite the fact that the name "Greek tortoise" is thrown around in the global hobby, they are actually quite rare in American collections.
Can Greek tortoises eat tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are safe for tortoises to eat as a treat. They're good for hydrating tortoises and giving them medication. Unripe tomatoes and other parts of the plant, including the leaves, stem, and tops, are poisonous due to the high amounts of solanine and tomatine.
Why does my tortoise not drink water?
Yes, as you might imagine if healthy tortoises can drink water, then healthy, wild tortoises will drink water too. Again, they often won't drink very much water because they can find it in their diet and they will give themselves a regular soak when water is available too.
How long can tortoises go without water?
A tortoise can go without fresh drinking water for a maximum of one week in low humidity environments. Longer than two days is already difficult for a tortoise as it should take in fresh drinking water every day.
Can tortoises drink tap water?
Tortoises should be given water that's free from chlorine, additives, flavorings, sweeteners, and contaminants. They can drink tap water, bottled water, hard water, and soft water. Avoid tap water if it's heavily chlorinated or distilled, as it can leach minerals from the body.
Do tortoises need water swimming?
Conclusion. With their bent legs and clawed toes, tortoises aren't designed to swim. They may be found near water or even getting a drink or taking a quick bath, but they are not aquatic reptiles and they do not swim.
What do Greek tortoises eat?
We feed our Greek tortoises a simple but very high quality diet of Dandelion Greens (usually available at super market or produce market, just ask someone!) Spring mix (a blend of various greens and lettuces normally consisting of an even ratio of:Baby lettuces (baby green romaine lettuce and red romaine lettuce, tango lettuce, baby green oak lettuce and red oak lettuce, lolla rosa, baby green leaf lettuce and red leaf lettuce, baby green butter lettuce and red butter lettuce), baby greens (red swiss chard, mizuna, tatsoi, baby spinach, arugula), frisee and raddichio. Both our Greek tortoises and our Greek tortoises for sale are fed the same diet.
What are the different types of tortoises?
Other species of tortoise for sale offered here include giant tortoises like the Aldabra tortoise, Sulcata tortoise, Burmese mountain tortoise and more. Medium size species include the leopard tortoise, red-footed tortoise, yellow foot tortoise, mountain tortoise, Burmese star tortois e and the giant leopard tortoise. Small tortoise for sale includes Hermann’s tortoise, Greek Tortoise, Indian Star tortoise, Pancake Tortoise, Russian tortoise and the Egyptian tortoise . Above all, we’ve got the widest selection of tortoise for sale in the USA, including baby tortoise, juveniles and adult tortoises for sale.
Can you feed a Greek tortoise?
Well, a lot … but in all seriousness, feeding them properly is key to a healthy pet Greek tortoise. Feeding them is also SIMPLE. The best things you can feed are simple, easy to find and honestly better for the tortoise than going crazy with all types of veggies and even fruits which you should avoid altogether.
What do Greek tortoises eat?
Food and Water. Greek tortoises are strict herbivores that require a diet that is high in fibre and low in protein. You can feed your tortoise a variety of green vegetables every day. Leafy greens and different types of lettuce—romaine, iceberg, long lettuce, Boston lettuce—are all good for them. Broccoli, dandelion greens, pak choi are also good ...
What is tortoise rock food plate?
The tortoise rock food plate is ideal also because it is an eco-rock slab close to nature and when they walk over it, it helps in grinding their nails and beaks easily which otherwise trimming their nails can be a difficult task to do.
What happens if a tortoise falls upside down?
However, if your tortoise falls upside down on his shell, as they grow, they learn to tackle that too but if you see this give them a helping hand and put them back straight. Tortoises breathe through their shells and if they are upside down for long it makes it hard for them to breathe which could be fatal.
How to get rid of dirt on tortoise shell?
Give Them Weekly Baths. Once a week you can soak your tortoise in warm water. This is good for them in so many ways as it is a way for them to remoisten their skin, absorb the water in the cloaca and just to cool off. You could use a toothbrush and lightly scrub their shell to scrub off any dirt.
How do you know if a tortoise is getting diarrhea?
Tortoises can get diarrhea which will be in white liquid form. When you see this, it is a sign that something in his diet you are giving hasn’t agreed with him. I’ve encountered this situation once or twice and from my experience, it was when too much fruit is given.
Why do tortoises have sticky eyes?
Try to observe your tortoise’s eyes when you can, they should be able to open and close their eyes easily. If the right temperature is not being maintained, you may notice that your tortoise’s eyes get dry and may tend to be sticky whereby making it difficult for them to open and close their eyes. As soon as you notice this ensure to get them tortoise eye care which will re-wet the eye with a sterile liquid. The main reason for this could be too much humidity or heat in their enclosure. Having his water bowl topped up from time to time will also help regulate the humidity in his home.
Do tortoises need bones?
Besides food, just like us humans, tortoises also need their regular dose of vitamins. Turtle bones are also good to have in your tortoise enclosure. They are a good source of calcium which is essential for your tortoise. Having one in their enclosure is also another way to help trim their beaks and avoid overgrown beaks.
What can you use to keep a Greek tortoise from climbing?
You can use one made out of molded plastic or wood. Overturned half-logs or hollow rocks work well, too. Greek tortoises aren’t big climbers like other species, but you should limit bulky decor that they could use to escape. Keep the habitat open to give the tortoise plenty of room to roam.
What is a Greek tortoise?
The Greek tortoise ( Testudo graeca) is a friendly reptile with a lax personality and friendly demeanor. Thanks to their beautiful shells and easygoing nature, these tortoises have become quite popular in the pet trade.
How long can a Greek tortoise live?
This is especially true when kept in captivity. The typical pet Greek tortoise lifespan is around 50 years! But that’s not the limit. These reptiles are fully capable of living upwards of 125 years. Some reports have even claimed that they can live up to 200 years. However, those claims are not verified.
How hot should my tortoise be outside?
If you plan on keeping your tortoise outside, the temperature should not dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Using a basking lamp, raise the temperature in one corner of the habitat to roughly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the lights on throughout the day.
How tall should a tortoise enclosure be?
The main priority for the enclosure is floor space. For a single tortoise or bonded pair, the enclosure should measure at least six feet long by three feet tall. As for height, you only need about 18 inches. This is the bare minimum when it comes to enclosure size.
Why are Greek tortoises called Spur-Thighed Tortoises?
Greek tortoises are sometimes referred to as Spur-Thighed Tortoises. That’s because they have raised, pointy scales on both sides of the scales and their inner thighs.
What is the shape of a tortoise shell?
Overall, the shell is tall and rectangular-shaped. It has a pretty steep curve, which is common in many tortoise species. The legs and head of the body are covered in thick scales. The scales are biggest around the legs, which also have sharp claws for digging into the soil. Meanwhile, the head is round and blunt.
What do Galapagos tortoises eat?
Their diet would consist of two thirds or three quarters in grasses or hay. The rest of their diet should be flowers, weeds, and greens.
What is a tortoise's diet?
Generally speaking, a tortoise’s diet is going to be made up of mostly leaves and various plants.
How do tortoises show affection?
They may walk toward you or pace the enclosure to get your attention. Tortoises may touch their nose to your hand or arm to show affection. This is a common behavior in the wild and is a social behavior. A tortoise or turtle roaming the house or garden may show affection by following you around.
What do giant sulcata tortoises eat?
A giant sulcata tortoise, for example, will have a diet that consists of mainly grasses and weeds. That’s great, considering their size and weight make them an outdoor kind of tortoise instead of one that lives inside with you. Think of them like slow lawnmowers.
What are some examples of Mediterranean tortoises?
An example of a Mediterranean tortoise is the Greek tortoise. A species of tropical tortoise would be the star tortoise. There are a lot more species of tortoises though. We only mention these two to show how similar, yet very different tortoise species can be. Honestly, their classifications get a little crazy.
What are the two groups of tortoises?
To help, this article will divide tortoises into two groups: Mediterranean tortoises, whose scientific Latin names all begin with testudo. These tortoises take up a large percentage of the tortoise population. Tropical tortoises, whose scientific Latin names generally start with geochelone.
What is a curious tortoise looking for?
A curious tortoise will likely be poking around and looking about its enclosure. She may be looking for something tasty to nibble on or just getting those steps in . A girl’s gotta keep up on that gorgeous figure after all.
Minimum enclosure size for Greek tortoises
The minimum acceptable enclosure size for a Greek tortoise is 12 sq feet of floor space. Since tortoises are poor climbers, floor space is the most important dimension to pay attention to. Because Greek tortoises prefer a drier habitat, they can do well in “tortoise table” style indoor enclosures as long as they have humid retreats.
Do Greek tortoises need UVB?
Yes, a moderate level of UVB lighting is required for Greek tortoises to maintain good health. The best UVB bulbs for Greek tortoises are:
Best temperature for Greek tortoises
Like other reptiles, Greek tortoises are cold-blooded, which means that they rely on external temperatures to manage their own body temperature and metabolism. A reptile’s enclosure should offer a range of temperatures to allow them to thermoregulate effectively.
Best humidity levels for Greek tortoises
Adult Greek tortoises don’t need much in the way of humidity except for a designated humid area on the cool side. A hide box lined with moistened sphagnum moss works well for this purpose.
Best substrate for Greek tortoises
Providing a thick layer of naturalistic substrate (“bedding”) will help maintain correct humidity levels and also provide something for your tortoise to dig in as desired. We recommend the a 50/50 mix of play sand and topsoil as substrate for Greek tortoises:
How to decorate a Greek tortoise enclosure
An empty terrarium makes for a bored tortoise, reducing its quality of life. Keep your pet entertained and engaged with its environment with the strategic use of décor items that encourage it to exercise natural behaviors!
What to feed to a Greek tortoise
Greek tortoises are herbivores, which means that they need a high-fiber, plant-based diet to stay healthy. Variety is key to good nutrition, but most of your Greek tortoise’s diet should be an assortment of leaves and grasses, with occasional flowers. Avoid fruit.
What do tortoises eat?
A variety of dark, leafy greens and other vegetables should be the majority of your tortoise's diet: collard greens, endive, fresh parsley, dandelion greens, zucchini, broccoli, and shredded carrots. Feed your tortoise a few different choices of veggies each day.
What is the best substrate for Greek tortoises?
Reptile-safe mulch, aspen wood shavings, and dirt mixtures are good substrate (or bedding) options for Greek tortoises. Just make sure the food they eat is offered on a plate or other surface, so they don't accidentally ingest their bedding.
How much humidity do Greek tortoises need?
Greek tortoises need a humidity level between 40% and 60%. Use a hygrometer (humidity gauge) to monitor the enclosure’s moisture level. Maintain humidity by misting the tortoise every other day or as often as needed. Plus, keeping your tortoise's water dish filled at all times will add humidity.
What temperature do Greek tortoises like?
Greek tortoises prefer an environment that’s between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. One section of your tortoise’s enclosure should be for basking with a heat lamp that maintains a temperature between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime. At night, the enclosure temperature can be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If kept outside, these tortoises can handle night temperatures that drop to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In the wild, they usually hibernate through cooler winter temperatures.
How big should a Greek tortoise enclosure be?
Tortoises don't need the height tanks offer, only the floor space. An enclosure that’s at least 3 feet by 6 feet with walls around 18 inches tall is adequate, though bigger is always better. Make sure you remove uneaten food and other visible waste from the enclosure daily, and scrub all surfaces of the enclosure with a reptile-safe cleaner weekly.
How do you know if a tortoise is infected?
Symptoms include wheezing and lethargy. Incorrect habitat humidity is often the culprit of these infections. In terms of their behavior, as long as you respect your tortoise’s desire not to be handled, you should coexist peacefully. But be warned a tortoise might bite or scratch if it feels threatened.
How long does a tortoise need to be in a heat lamp?
Light. In addition to a heat lamp for the basking area, the tortoise also needs UVB-emitting lighting for around 12 hours per day. This light promotes vitamin D production in the tortoise, which helps to metabolize calcium and strengthen bones.
Species Summary
Lifespan
Average Greek Tortoise Size
Appearance & Colors
Greek Tortoise Care
Enclosure Size
Habitat Setup Recommendations
Temperature & Lighting
Humidity
Water
- It’s necessary to provide a large, shallow water dish for your Greek tortoise. The tortoise will use the water dish in a few different ways. They may drink from it directly, bath in it to cool off, or defecate in it. Whatever the case may be, make sure to check on it throughout the day. Cleaning the dish out regularly prevents bacterial issues and ...