How to Care for a Desert Tortoise Hatchling

The desert tortoise is a species native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically areas around the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert. The population of the desert tortoise is declining and it is illegal to remove a desert tortoise from the wild; however, you may adopt one from a pet store or adoption agency. While tortoise hatchlings can make independent pets, they require specific care. Make sure you have a proper living environment ready before you adopt a hatchling.

Instructions

    • 1

      Construct a suitable housing area for your young tortoise outdoors. Build the housing area to keep out predators, such as cats, dogs, foxes and birds. The best way to do this is to cover the housing pen with metal wire that will still allow in sunlight. It is important that hatchlings are exposed to the outside environment because direct sunlight helps to harden their shell. Situate the pen in an area that will provide sunny as well as shady areas. Decorate the pen with a few small plants, natural grass and wildflowers to simulate a natural outdoor environment.

    • 2

      Expose hatchlings to proper environment temperatures. Avoid sudden temperature changes in their habitat. Recommended temperatures range from 75 to 90 degrees during the day and 70 to 75 degrees during the night. If the outside temperature drops below 70 degrees, apply a low-setting, heat pad to one side of the housing pen. You can also use UVB light bulbs, but monitor the temperature often. Artificial heat sources can overheat your hatchling if left unattended for too long. If the outside temperature exceeds 90 degrees, place a shallow water dish in the housing area. Fill the water dish with about one-half inch of water so the hatchling can soak and cool off. Also, relocate the housing pen to a shady area. You can move the pen back once the temperature cools down.

    • 3

      Provide an abundance of food for your young hatchling. Feed your young hatchling at least three times a day. Hatchlings require a large daily intake; however, they can only eat a little at a time so only offer your hatchling small meals. A desert tortoise diet consists of a mixture of grass, weeds, flowers, vegetables and greens. Avoid giving your hatchling pet-store food. Instead, give it turnip greens, primrose, dandelions, grass, clover, chickweed and kale. Vitamin supplements are not necessary if you feed your tortoise natural plants and foods. However, to help stimulate shell development, you can leave crushed calcium carbonate pills in the housing pen for the hatchling to eat at will.

    • 4

      Allow your hatchling to soak in a pool of water twice a week. Just as in extreme temperatures, place a shallow water bowl in the housing area. Fill the bowl with about one-half inch of water. Monitor your hatchling while it is soaking. Hatchlings can drown when left unattended near pools of water.

    • 5

      Drinking water should be available every day, especially in extremely hot or dry conditions.