Desert Tortoises

Desert tortoises are endangered in the wild and are protected under Federal and State laws. It is illegal to purchase or sell desert tortoises without obtaining a State permit. It is also illegal to take a desert tortoise from the wild, or to release one back into the wild. If one is interested in owning a desert tortoise, they should contact the local Fish and Game Department for information on obtaining a permit; permits are usually free. Fish and Game can also help people find a home for a tortoise they may not be able to care for.

Construction of a Desert Tortoise

Desert tortoises are born within two to four months after their mother lays their eggs. Typically, female tortoises lay between one to thirty eggs at night in a buried nest. She then leaves the eggs permanently. The tortoise hatchling uses its egg tooth to break out of its shell and begins life all on its own. Hatchlings are born with an egg sac which offers them nutrition for up to a week after birth, when they are able to begin foraging.

Desert tortoises are protected from predators by their shell, the top part which is called a carapace and the underside which is called a plastron. Tortoises have both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton and vary greatly in size, from a few inches long to a few feet. It can be difficult to determine whether a tortoise is a male or female, although females generally have smaller tails that drop downward, while males have longer tails that are pulled up and to the side.

Tortoises are capable of surviving even longer than the normal life span for humans; many tortoises have been recorded as living over one hundred years of age and longer. Before deciding to purchase a desert tortoise, consider that it not only requires special feeding and care, but may also outlive its owner.

Feeding a Desert Tortoise

Desert tortoises feed on a variety of lettuce, grasses, weeds, roses, hibiscus, alfalfa, squash, carrots, kale, mixed vegetables, dandelions, and some fruits. Some tortoises will consume worms or insects, but too much protein should be discouraged as it can cause shell deformation and other problems. Tortoises should not be fed cat or dog food as they are also too high in protein. Tortoises also have a high calcium requirement, so their food should be sprinkled with a powdered calcium supplement or other calcium supplement. Tortoises also need shallow dishes of water to both drink and wallow in. Overall, it is best to consult a veterinarian before planning a tortoise’s diet.

Taking Care of a Desert Tortoise

Tortoises require adequate space, light, and temperatures to be healthy. Tortoises ideally should not be kept in a terrarium because the inability to escape causes them undue stress. Some species need to hibernate, which requires special conditions (see below). If housed outside they must be secured in a strong outdoor pen or fence, since they are strong enough to knock down weak enclosures. Make sure the space is relatively flat, as trying to climb steps or other objects can cause tortoises to tip onto their backs, which can kill them. Some enjoy shelter and dark spaces as well. Also, make sure there are no poisonous plants in the yard and do not use any chemical pesticides in their pens. Tortoises also thrive on sunlight and love to bask, but should be kept out of direct sun during extremely high temperatures. Special care should be taken to protect tortoises from dogs, cats, birds, or other predators.

Hibernation

In hibernating tortoises, owners may notice that by the beginning of November their pet will begin to eat less and appear lethargic. Owners will need to prepare a special place for their tortoise to hibernate. Tortoises require an insulated, enclosed environment such as a doghouse filled with shredded newspaper, soil, and leaves. Cover the hutch with a tarp to ensure insulation. Tortoises should not be allowed to burrow in a place that can possibly be flooded during rainfall, and they should be checked periodically through the hibernating months. Tortoises will begin to awaken around March when the weather gets warmer. After acclimating they return to normal activities shortly. If a tortoise is sick or injured, it should not be allowed to hibernate and should be brought indoors to regain health.

Overall Health of Tortoises

While tortoises are generally hardy creatures under the proper care and nutrition, they can be susceptible to respiratory problems. Warning signals of respiratory disease are a runny nose, loss of appetite, and gasping. Respiratory problems can be cured if a tortoise is taken to the veterinarian immediately, otherwise it may pass away. Worms and other parasites can also be a problem for tortoises, so they should be watched for a loss of weight or lethargy.

It can be rewarding to care for a complex creature like a tortoise. However, proper permits, as well as knowledge about their required care and feeding, need to be carefully researched.

Desert Tortoise

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