Tortoises at a glance look like turtles at first. Nobody can opine many differences between a tortoise and a turtle without any prior differentiating knowledge about them. So, how to identify a tortoise? The legs of the tortoise are quite elephantine and big. Noticing the shell, you’ll find it mostly round and plain with no…

From a distance, tortoises seem extremely calm and gentle. However, once you become a tort parent, you start to learn about their many different shenanigans. Headbutting random objects is one of those quirks that are often scary to new tort parents. Now the question is, why do tortoises headbutt? It’s a completely natural behavior for…

Red Foot Tortoises make excellent lifetime pets. It’s best to get them at an early age and care for them. However, you have to properly care for them to grow healthy and meet their life expectancy, around 50 years or more.  So, how do you care for the baby Red Foot tortoise? Provide a warm…

Tortoises are classified as reptiles and are known to live for up to 150 years, reproducing every year. They are characterized by a hard shell that develops from the day the eggs hatch. They mate throughout the year from different partners. But how do tortoises mate? Tortoise mates by the male mounting on the female’s…

The Russian tortoise is a one-of-a-kind species in the reptile family. A small, hibernating creature with a lifespan of over 100 years, the tortoise is an intriguing creature.  However, do Russian tortoises hibernate? Yes, indeed. One of their main modes of existence is hibernation. The Russian tortoise is a native species to Central Asia and…

Tortoises are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. The shell of a tortoise is one of its most distinguishing features, as it provides both protection and support.  Have you ever wondered what would happen to a tortoise without shell? Will it survive? How it looks? Well, the short answer is no;…

Tortoise hibernation is a fascinating process that has intrigued humans for centuries. Many species of tortoises undergo hibernation as a natural response to changes in temperature and light. As a tortoise owner, it is essential to understand this process to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. So, tortoise hibernation: how, when and how…

Substrates are the materials that line up the bottom of tortoise habitats. They provide the tortoise with a natural, insulated, and safe environment. Substrates also help regulate moisture levels within the enclosures. So what is included in tortoise substrate options for common tortoises? It includes natural topsoil, soft sand, coconut fiber, cypress mulch, and wood…

The diet and eating habits of animals can change due to the presence or absence of teeth. Thus, in the case of tortoises, you also consider if they have teeth or not and need to take care of them accordingly. So, do tortoises have teeth? No, they have strong, sharp, or ridgy beaks instead of…

Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) are fascinating creatures with unique markings and decades-long lifespans. Though most animal lovers admire this species, many hesitate to pet one because of a misconception about its care. They think taking care of leopard tortoises is critical. And this thought process is specially applied to baby tortoises.  But in reality, is…