How to Care for a Large Tortoise

It is important to care for a large tortoise properly when you keep one as a pet. Tortoises make interesting pets and can live long lives in the right conditions. A tortoise can easily outlive its owner, living to around 150 years. So, when you take on a large tortoise as a pet, you have to consider who will care for it if it outlives you. Tortoises are available for purchase at many pet stores, from breeders and online.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your large tortoise with a large outdoor pen or fence in your yard to give it plenty of room to move around in and get exercise.

    • 2

      Place a shelter inside the pen to provide shade during the hot part of the day and a place to sleep at night. Face the opening facing the north, away from the sun.

    • 3

      Grow things such as wildflowers, grass, dandelions, chickweed and hibiscus flowers in your yard or the tortoise's pen for it to forage on.

    • 4

      Supplement your large tortoise's diet with healthy foods three days per week. Large tortoises love squash, carrots, lettuces and endive. Give it Bermuda grass hay to add fiber into its diet.

    • 5

      Give your tortoise access to fresh water at all times.

    • 6

      Watch for any signs of illness, such as a runny nose or loss of appetite. If you suspect your large tortoise is ill or becoming ill, call your veterinarian immediately.