Are you thinking of getting a Russian tortoise as a pet? Sure, these small and hard creatures have a lot of personality and charm. But do Russian tortoises like to be held, cuddled, and petted like some other animals do? Well, not really. Russian tortoises are not very affectionate animals, and they do not seek…

Like other reptiles, tortoises rely on their broad innate immune system to defend themselves against infections. However, their immune system can become compromised, making them more vulnerable to diseases like mouth rot. But what is tortoise mouth rot? Also referred to as stomatitis, mouth rot in tortoises is an infection in the mouth with many…

Tortoises are enigmatic creatures, having a lifespan of almost double that of humans. They have lived on Earth for 200 Million Years! Their existence on this planet has resulted in them having unique qualities that you might not know of. Did you know that temperature determines a tortoise offspring’s gender? Yes, you heard it right….

Shells are an important part of a tortoise’s physiology. It provides them with much-needed protection from the rough and tough environment. Though tortoise shells can have a lot of strength, they are still prone to bacterial infection and other diseases. A lot of individuals also state that their pet tortoise’s shell might be rotting. Yes,…

Because of the hard shell, you would logically think tortoises are invincible. No animals should be able to prey on them. But some animals do eat tortoises.  So, what eats tortoises? Well, tortoises face varied predators like coyotes, sharks, jaguars, and humans. Specialized tortoise eaters include Gila monsters, monitor lizards, and giant otters that use…

Pooping regularly is a sign that your tortoise is leading a healthy lifestyle. However, many new tortoise owners are not aware of their pet’s execution rate. So, how often do tortoises poop? Pooping is dependent on diet, age, and their species. If you are giving wet food, then your tortoise will poop more frequently. If…

Tortoiseshell- a camouflage for the species, is a mineral reservoir, defense organ, and armor to the muscles that helped them survive the extinction. These reptiles even outlived dinosaurs with the protection of their robust shell.  So, can you imagine how strong a tortoiseshell is? An average tortoiseshell possesses 36.4 MPa m1/2 fracture resistance, tensile strength…

Russian tortoises are charming reptiles that have become popular as pets. These tortoises are known for their hardy nature and endearing personalities, making them a favored choice for reptile enthusiasts. However, potential owners should know the costs of caring for a Russian tortoise. So, the Russian tortoise cost: how much do you need to pay?…

Tortoises sometimes keep their eyes closed due to natural reasons. But sometimes, the closed-eye issues orient due to physical problems. Nevertheless, the problem needs to be addressed quickly to ensure overall well-being. So, why are tortoise eyes closed? Should you be worried? Your pet tortoise’s eyes are closed due to  Additionally, some of these little…

Tortoises are considered great pets and these reptiles tend to respond to various sounds you make, even when owners call them by names. But, the absence of visible ears can make you confused about their hearing abilities. So, do tortoises have ears? Yes, tortoises have ears. But their ears aren’t external like other animals. They…