So What Makes Tortoises Reptiles?
Tortoises are reptiles because they have scales and dry skin, they are cold-blooded, and they are descended from dinosaurs.
Do Tortoises and Turtles Need Vaccinations?
Tortoises, turtles and other reptiles do not need vaccinations or frequent vet visits, but they might need a little help sometimes. Tortoises and turtles do need some vet care but not as often as a cat or dog.
Can a Tortoise be Potty Trained?
Tortoises can be potty trained to some extent but it’s not an easy task. Potty training tortoises is more like convincing them to do a natural behavior when you ask and less about teaching something completely new.
Do Tortoises Smell Bad? A Guide to Pet Tortoises Odours
Tortoises do not smell bad and they don’t have much of a natural odour. At most, they may smell musty or just have an outdoorsy, musky smell. However, their enclosures can sometimes become breeding grounds for bacteria and other odor-causing organisms if you don’t clean them well enough. A stinky tortoise could be a sign of infection or illness.
No! Please Don’t Paint That Tortoise’s Shell!
It is absolutely NOT safe to paint a tortoise shell. Painting a tortoise’s shell poses a lot of dangers and it can even be fatal.
Can a Tortoise Choke? (9 Must-Read Vital Tips)
A tortoise can choke and die on a variety of objects. Hatchings are especially susceptible to choking as they haven’t learned what’s safe to eat and how much they can fit in their mouths. Older tortoises or those with other health conditions may choke as well.
Do Tortoises See in the Dark? Here’s What the Science Says
Tortoises do have night vision, and are able to see in the dark when they need to. This is due to the extreme amounts of rod cells they have in their retinas in comparison to humans as well as most other animals.
Tortoise Anatomy: What Tortoises Are Made of & Why
Tortoises are crazy cool animals, but a lot of people are confused about their anatomy and what goes on in that shell. Consider this your one-stop-shop for all questions on what makes a tortoise a tortoise. In this article we will talk about all the crazy and not so crazy things that may be on, or in, your wonderful pet tortoises.
Do Pet Tortoises Need Toys?
Pet tortoises need an environment that encourages a healthy body and mind. Some may call these items toys while others may consider them enrichment. No matter what they’re called, tortoises do need a variety of interactive objects to stay healthy and happy. Logs, rocks, bathing dishes, moist hides, and dirt mounds are good choices for toys and enrichment.
Tortoises Can Bite: Here’s What You Need To Know
Yes, tortoises do bite. While they are typically very docile and peaceful, they are able to use the strength of their beaks to bite each other, other pets and sometimes humans for a variety of reasons.