California desert tortoises... (CDT)
Desert Tortoises are legal to own,
but only with a permit issued by California Fish and Game. It is illegal to remove
them from, or return them to, the wild.
They are the official reptile of the State of California and listed as an endangered species.
Solitary by nature, they do well by themselves. Captive breeding is illegal in California, so care must be taken to remove all possibility of mixing genders.
Desert Tortoise Conservation Poster
The Desert Tortoise average size is 13-14˝, but can reach 15". The
front feet are quite muscular and used for digging, while the rear legs are
stout and almost elephant-like. The mud brown, high-domed shell is well
suited to this desert dweller.
These tortoises are found in dry, arid environments in California, Arizona,
Nevada and Mexico. There is a Texas species as well. They dig
burrows which provide shelter from extreme heat in Summer and a place to
hibernate in Winter.
Their diet consists of 90% grasses and weeds and they benefit from an
occasional soaking. The rest of their diet would include flowers,
cactus and dark greens. Incorrect diet will display in the formation
of soft shell, or shell pyramiding ("spiking.") Poor diet and
hydration may also contribute to the development of bladder stones.
Desert Tortoise (and Texas Tortoise) Care Sheet
Help sheet for keeping Desert Tortoises in San Diego County
California Desert Tortoise Permits (required)
Quick and easy Tortoise House Plans
AVID Identification Microchips to protect your Tortoise
