- Food and Water. Indian star tortoises are herbivores. Feed them a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruit, so the tortoises get the necessary vitamins to stay healthy.
- Handling. Indian star tortoises are shy and do not like to be handled. Handling them can cause severe stress and will result in illness.
- Common Health Issues. The Indian star tortoise is susceptible to health issues common among tortoises. Health issues usually occur when the terrarium conditions are not at the right parameters.
What do star tortoises eat?
In general, at least 90% of star tortoises’ diet should consist of grasses, weeds, and other high-fiber green stuff. Mixed grasses, dark greens, garden weeds, coarse leaves, and succulents should make the bulk of star tortoises' diet. A diverse diet is most important. Offer as large variety of food items as possible. Rotate or mix foods.
How much should I give my star tortoise?
Give less than 10% of the total diet, if any. In general, at least 90% of star tortoises’ diet should consist of grasses, weeds, and other high-fiber green stuff. Mixed grasses, dark greens, garden weeds, coarse leaves, and succulents should make the bulk of star tortoises' diet.
What kind of greens are good for star tortoises?
Fresh greens good for tortoises include kale, endive, parsley, dandelion greens, escarole, spineless cactus leaves, and mustard greens. The goal with selecting greens is to find varieties with a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, to ensure your star tortoise's health.
How to take care of an Indian star tortoise?
We sprinkle calcium on the food twice a week or provide tortoise bone (a tortoise calcium supplement / turtle calcium supplement )also known as a cuddlebone ). Indian Star Tortoises also sometimes mistakingly called indian star turtles, or indian turtles are some of the smallest species of tortoise for sale in the world.
How much should I feed my Indian star tortoise?
Feed your tortoise about as much as they can eat in 15-30 minutes every day. Another good gauge for how much to feed the tortoise is to feed about as much food as the size of their shell.
How do I keep my star tortoise healthy?
Indian star tortoise care sheetHousing: a wooden vivarium or a wooden tortoise table.Heating: basking temperature of 100oF.UVB Lighting: desert strength 10%-12% UVB fluorescent tube.Diet: herbivorous mix of leafy green vegetation.Decoration: dry substrates to keep humidity down.
What is the best thing to feed a tortoise?
Although these species are classed as omnivores, we suggest feeding your tortoise greens, flowers, vegetables and fruits as the main bulk of their diet. You can give them dandelions, mustard greens, or even hibiscus flowers, as well as other leafy greens.
Can Star tortoises eat fruit?
Avoid giving too many sweet foods, like fruit, to your star tortoise. They are "junk food" for herbivorous tortoises and may possibly cause colic, protozoan parasite "blooming" (increase in numbers), and other problems if fed in excess. Many star tortoise keepers feed no fruit at all.
Does Indian star tortoise drink water?
Instead, I soak the tortoise in slightly warm water about once a week, where it will drink and often defecate. If you do provide a shallow water dish, be sure to keep it clean and change the water as often as necessary.
Can we feed papaya to star tortoise?
Fruits: Approximately 5 percent of the diet may include fruits, such as tomatoes, apple, papaya, melon, mango and banana.
What can tortoises eat list?
Food ListCollard, turnip, rape, and mustard greens.Kale, cabbage, kohl rabi, chard.Endive, Escarole, green-leaf, red-leaf lettuces.Red or curly lettuces.Arugula, rocket, 'corn salad', 'lamb's lettuce'Parsley, watercress.Carrot or radish tops.Sprouts.More items...
Can tortoises eat banana?
Bananas can be eaten, and cherries, in strict moderation. Always remember to remove the cherry stone beforehand. These fruits should only be offered in moderation as part of a mixed diet to rainforest species such as the Red footed tortoise and Yellow footed tortoise. Any excess can easily result in diarrhoea.
Do tortoises eat everyday?
Healthy tortoises do eat every day but can easily skip a meal or two. On the colder months they do not necessarily eat every day. When tortoises hibernate, they do not eat for weeks as their metabolism slows down significantly.
Can star tortoises eat rice?
All legumes and grains are prohibited food for turtles such as beans, corn, rice, pea pods, lentils, chickpeas and others. They should not be offered to tortoises in any form.
What is the Favourite food for star tortoise?
Star tortoises are herbivores. Give plenty of fresh and dark leafy greens and grasses. Timothy hay, Bermuda grass, orchard grass, ryegrass, alfalfa, and fescue are all acceptable. Never feed your Indian star tortoise dog or cat food.
Can star tortoise eat tomato?
For example, can tortoises eat tomatoes? Ripe tomatoes are safe to feed many tortoises, but they aren't necessarily good for them and should only be offered occasionally. Tomato plants and unripe tomatoes are toxic to tortoises and should never be fed.
What should you not feed a star tortoise?
Never feed your Indian star tortoise dog or cat food. Fresh greens suitable for tortoises include kale, endive, parsley, dandelion greens, escarole, spineless cactus leaves, and mustard greens; these greens have a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is healthier for the star tortoise.
How can I take care of my tortoise at home?
Tortoises love the sun and need at least 10-12 hours a day of exposure to sunlight, or artificial UVB light, as well as a basking spot. Unsupervised roaming outside of the enclosure. Direct contact with heating sources. Keep them away from cat and dog food, as well as insects, or toxic sprays.
How many days can a star tortoise live without food?
In general, a healthy adult tortoise can live for as much as 6 months to 3 years without food, provided that they have access to drinking water and their other needs are met. We have a full article on how long a tortoise can go without water here, how long can a water go without water?.
Is it good to keep star tortoise at home?
Benefits of keeping tortoise at home Tortoise figurines attract positive energy. It is believed that keeping it in your bedroom can help fight insomnia. Tortoises also attract wealth, prosperity, peace, good fortune and strength. The long life cycle of the tortoise symbolises immortality.
What do star tortoises eat?
In general, at least 90% of a Star tortoise's diet should consist of grasses, weeds, and other fiber rich green stuff. Mixed grasses, dark greens, weeds, coarse leaves, and succulents should make the bulk of Star tortoises' diet. Stars tend to like broadleaf weeds better than grasses.
Can you feed baby greens to grocery stores?
Market foods - endive, escarole, radicchio, baby greens, dandelions, squashes (sparingly) Ideally, do not feed grocery store greens exclusively. Use them as secondary foods only. Choose organic produce if possible. Mix grocery store greens with dried salad hay or dried weeds to up the fiber content.
Can star tortoises eat salad hay?
Star tortoises will eat salad hay better when it's mixed with more palatable plants. You can always keep a plate of chopped salad hay in the enclosure. This way, tortoises can nibble on it at will if they feel hungry. Salad hay also replicates what's available in the nature during the dry season.
Can you feed a star tortoise too much fruit?
They are "junk food" for herbivorous tortoises and may possibly cause colic, protozoan parasite "blooming" (increase in numbers), and other problems if fed in excess. Many Star tortoise keepers feed no fruit at all. Give less than 10% of the total diet, if any.
Can star tortoises eat animal products?
Animal products -- NOT. In the wild, Star tortoises are mostly herbivorous, but may occasionally eat some animal matter as well. That said, a 100% vegetarian diet is recommended for captive Stars. Do not feed animal products. For example, no dog or cat food.
Do tortoises like cactus?
Most tortoises seem to have a taste for cactus. My Star tortoises like it, too. :O) For human culinary purposes, Opuntia ficus-indica cactus (aka Nopal, Indian Fig Opuntia, Mission Cactus, Prickly Pear) is used most often. Nopal is native to Mexico, but missionaries planted it around most missions in early California.
Why is the Indian star tortoise so popular?
Its name comes from the star-like patterns that feature on its high-domed shell. Because of these very distinctive patterns and its highly rounded shell, the Indian star tortoise is popular in the world's trade in exotic pets. The attractive markings on its shell, aside from looking very pretty, serve to help this tortoise more easily blend in ...
What is the purpose of the shell of an Indian star tortoise?
Fun Facts for Kids. The Indian star tortoise’s shell enables it to pull its vulnerable head and legs into the shell for protection. The radiating lines on the Indian star tortoise’s carapace break up the shell shape when it hides amongst tufts of grass.
What senses do tortoises use?
Perception and communication appears to be mostly visual, though tactile and olfactory senses are also used during feeding, courtship, male competitive behavior, and nesting, and a male tortoise will vocalize to a female during mating.
What are the threats to star tortoises?
Natural threats to this species are predation and flooding, but humans have drastically reduced their numbers through loss of habitat and collection for food and for the exotic pet trade. In much of India, Indian star tortoises are important as a food source. They are also an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, and they are susceptible to disease, particularly pneumonia, respiratory diseases, and overgrowth of parasites when stressed by handling, collection and shipment, often under inhumane conditions. Many specimens caught to be sold as pets will die from unsuspected disease.
How long does it take for a tortoise to hatch?
Incubation is for 47 - 180 days. Once the eggs are laid, there is no care given to eggs or hatchlings. Females in the wild may reach maturity in 8 - 12 years while male are mature within 6 - 8 years, but the time may be much shorter for captive tortoises.
Why do tortoises flip back?
If food becomes scarce, as it tends to in the seasonally hot, dry periods, these animals will become inactive and not eat for a long time. Mathematicians think that the shape of the Indian star tortoise shell enables them to easily flip back the right way if they are accidentally tipped upside down.
What supplements do Indian star tortoises need?
Indian Star tortoise for sale – Baby Indian Star tortoise supplements. Tortoises must be given calcium and vitamin supplements several days per week, and it is best if that includes supplemental levels of vitamin D3. The calcium/vitamin dust is sprinkled lightly onto the salad (like salt on chips).
What is the substrate for baby Indian star tortoises?
Baby Indian Star Tortoise – substrate. The enclosure needs to have an unscented substrate (bedding) on the bottom that is designed for retaining humidity. Because of this, it can also offer the tortoise something to grip onto. Also, this can allow them to dig shallow nests and is safe if accidentally eaten.
What is the cutest baby tortoise?
Star tortoise babies are some of the cutest baby tortoises for sale in the world! Firstly, as baby Indian star tortoise s, these youngsters, they have beautiful yellow butterfly-shaped markings on a rich, black background. Secondly, as they grow, the yellow markings extend into narrow star rays.
What do Indian star tortoises hide under?
Indian star tortoises often hide beneath bushes in nature and appreciate having many items to hide under in their enclosures. Ideally, all made of something the tortoise can grip on, such as cork bark. They are relatively poor at climbing, and should not have to climb over ornaments. Ornaments must be safe for reptiles, and must not be made of pine. Live plants are not recommended, but if used, they must be safe for the tortoise to eat. More often than not, the live plants will rapidly be eaten or destroyed by the tortoise.
How long do Indian star tortoises live?
Most noteworthy, Indian Star tortoises normally live for about 30-50 years. In comparison but the current record is 55 years in their natural habitat. Lastly, in common tortoise terminology, they are tortoises, not turtles, as they do not live in water.
What are the different types of tortoises?
Small tortoise species include 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 tortoises eat cuttlefish?
It also serves as a secondary source of calcium if the tortoise is craving it. It must not be the only source, as they may not eat it until some time after they needed it. This could possibly cause health problems.
What do you feed an Indian star tortoise?
Give plenty of fresh and dark leafy greens and grasses. Timothy hay, Bermuda grass, orchard grass, ryegrass, alfalfa, and fescue are all acceptable. Never feed your Indian star tortoise dog or cat food.
What greens do star tortoises eat?
Fresh greens suitable for tortoises include kale, endive, parsley, dandelion greens, escarole, spineless cactus leaves, and mustard greens; these greens have a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is healthier for the star tortoise. Dust an additional calcium powder on their greens daily.
Why can't my tortoise grow?
If a tortoise doesn't get enough calcium, its shell may not grow at an average rate. Older star tortoises with metabolic bone disease may have difficulty walking and suffer bone fractures. These medical conditions are treatable by an exotics veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Why are star tortoises sick?
Still, a sick tortoise also may appear lethargic and have excess mucus around its mouth and nasal passages. 3. Star tortoises, like most other turtles and tortoises, are susceptible to metabolic bone disease, which occurs when the animal isn't getting the proper balance of calcium and phosphorous. Tortoises and most other reptiles need exposure ...
How to keep a tortoise from climbing in and out?
Humidity. Provide a moist hide box that reaches up to 80 percent relative humidity and an abundant water bowl with a graduated slope, making it easy for the tortoise to climb in and out. A substrate that maintains humidity like peat moss or soil can also help add moisture to your pet's enclosure.
How tall should a tortoise enclosure be?
Outdoor enclosures should be roughly 6 feet by 6 feet with walls that your tortoise cannot see over.
What temperature should a tortoise be?
If you have an outdoor enclosure, the temperature needs to reach at least 90 degrees. Your tortoise needs a basking spot from 90 to 95 F. At night, the temperature can drop to the 70s, but no lower than that.
Minimum terrarium size for Indian star tortoises
As with most tortoises, it’s best to keep them outdoors whenever possible. The pen should be at least 4’ x 4’, although much larger is preferred. Although they are poor climbers and diggers, the wall of the pen should be opaque and at least 8” high to discourage pacing. Part of the enclosure should be shaded at all times.
Do Indian star tortoises need UVB?
Yes, Indian star tortoises require exposure to UVB in order to maintain good health. Tortoises housed outdoors do not need artificial UVB lighting, as they get all the UVB they need from exposure to sunlight. However, tortoises housed indoors do need artificial UVB lighting.
Best temperature for Indian star tortoises
Like other reptiles, Indian star 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 Indian star tortoises
Indian star tortoises do best between 40-75% humidity as adults, but as juveniles, they need higher levels of humidity for good health and proper development: 70-80%. This is why they generally do best in an indoor terrarium for their first couple years of life.
Best substrate for Indian star tortoises
Indian star tortoises need a substrate/bedding that replicates their natural habitat and provides something for them to dig in as desired. Plain topsoil mixed 60/40 with play sand works well indoors and outdoors. It should be at least 6” deep and completely replaced every 6 months. Remove poop and urine daily, along with all contaminated substrate.
How to decorate an Indian star 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 an Indian star tortoise
Indian star tortoises are herbivores, which means that they need a high-fiber, plant-based diet to stay healthy. Variety is key to good nutrition, but your tortoise’s diet should still be about 90% grasses and weeds, and about 10% “salad” greens and vegetables. Flowers can be used as treats, but fruit should be avoided.
What do you need for an Indian star tortoise terrarium?
Water. The final thing you need in the terrarium is a water bowl. Indian star tortoises don’t really drink from containers, but the bowl will serve many other purposes. It will help with humidity, thermoregulation, and more. Choose a large water container that’s big enough for the tortoise to climb in.
How long does it take to care for an Indian star tortoise?
This is a sensitive species that requires a lot of time and dedication to keep healthy. You may be spending upwards of 45 minutes to an hour every day with husbandry tasks! Caring for this tortoise isn’t complicated, per se.
How much humidity do Indian star tortoises need?
Indian star tortoises require a very high level of relative humidity. The enclosure should have humidity levels around 80 percent throughout the day. This is one of the trickier parts of keeping this species. Use a hygrometer and check the habitat regularly.
How do Indian star tortoises get their name?
Those scutes flare out slightly from the carapace for added protection. The Indian star tortoise gets its name from the distinct pattern on the carapace. The base color of the shell is dark brown or black, and each scute is lined with bright yellow streaks.
How long do tortoises live?
It’s even said that these tortoises can live to be up to 80 years old. However, there are no reliable reports about captive tortoises living that long. As always, there are no guarantees when it comes to lifespan. This is especially true with a species as sensitive to disease as the Indian Star.
What is the name of the Indian star tortoise?
There’s no denying the beauty of the Indian star tortoise. This species (scientifically known as Geochelone elegans) is one of the most sought-after in the reptile scene. Known for their gorgeous shell and docile nature, the tortoise is a favorite among collectors and hobbyists.
How hot can Indian stars get?
Expert Tip: Indian stars can tolerate a temperature drop of about 10 degrees at night. However, you can’t let the ambient temperatures fall below 70 degrees. This applies to both outdoor and indoor locations. Consider installing a heat emitter, or under-tank heating pad to raise temperatures to a safe level at night.
Indian Star Tortoise Overview
Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, the Indian star tortoise is one of the most popular species of pet tortoises due to their striking appearance and docile nature. These tortoises are considered endangered in their native habitat.
How Much Do Indian Star Tortoise Cost?
As we discussed, Indian star tortoises cannot be legally caught and sold from the wild. Fortunately, these tortoises breed well in captivity so there are many captive-bred tortoises available for sale.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
Unlike many tortoise species, the Indian star tortoise is not territorial or aggressive. Several tortoises, either male or female, can be safely kept together provided their enclosure is large enough. Indian star tortoises are not big diggers or climbers like many other types of tortoises.
Appearance & Varieties
A big reason why the Indian star tortoise is so popular is its beautiful markings. Indian star tortoises feature a dark brown or black shell, with a pattern of ridges along the back and sides. Each of these ridges is marked with bright yellow streaks, forming the star patterns that give this tortoise its name.
How to Take Care of Indian Star Tortoise
Indian star tortoises can be a bit tricky to care for. While their needs aren’t too complicated, they won’t tolerate if they don’t have just the right living conditions and may become sick or unhealthy. Here are some guidelines on how to properly care for your Indian star tortoise.
Does The Indian Star Tortoise Get Along with Other Pets?
Indian star tortoises get along very well together, unlike many species of tortoise. Even male Indian star tortoises can live together without aggression or becoming territorial. Several male and female tortoises can happily co-exist in a large enough (usually outdoor) enclosure.
What to Feed Your Indian Star Tortoise
Indian star tortoises are herbivores and natural foragers who will eat a range of plants and vegetables. To keep your tortoise healthy, you should feed a high-fiber, calcium-rich diet with as much variety as possible.
