About Tortoises

Tortoises, also referred to as land turtles, are reptiles that live on the land and members of the Testudinidae family. They are cousins of sea turtles and are protected from predators by their thick shell coverings. They have a large variation in sizes. Some tortoises are extremely small and only a couple of centimeters long, while other tortoises can be up to two meters in length.

  1. Identification

    • Tortoises can be as long as a couple of meters and as short as a couple of centimeters. The top part of their shell is called the carapace, and it is used to protect tortoises from predators. There are growth rings on the carapace. If they are herbivores, they have dull snouts. If they are carnivores, they have sharp snouts. They might have webbed feet for swimming purposes. They come in many skin textures and colors.

    Types

    • There are many different, diverse types of tortoises out there. Some of the many types of tortoises include African spurred (sulcata) tortoises, leopard tortoises, red-footed tortoises, yellow-footed tortoises, Russian tortoises, Greek tortoises and an assortment of other different varieties.

    Theories/Speculation

    • If you are considering getting a pet tortoise, it is important to know about how to care for them. Mediterranean, red and yellow foot, sulcata and leopard tortoises are most common for pets. They have very specific diet, light, temperature space and air moisture requirements. They are impossible to house train and require ample amounts of space to roam and be free.

    Warning

    • For those interested in pet tortoises, it is important to be aware of which kinds of health ailments to which they are highly susceptible. Common health problems for tortoises are parasites, abscesses, pneumonia, runny nose syndrome, liver and kidney disease, shell damage, egg binding, colic, mouth rot, prolapses and intestinal obstructions.

    Considerations

    • Tortoises can live for an extraordinarily long time, with some species living up to a hundred years. Their life spans are very similar to those of humans. When looking to purchase a tortoise, try to get a healthy one. Tortoises die slowly, so it's usually simple to spot a tortoise that is having health issues. Look out for breathing issues through the nasal passage as well as nasal discharge. Healthy tortoises walk firmly, have clear eyes, no discharge and no shell flaking. Look for healthy pink tongues and mouths, also.