- 90%
pasture or lawn grasses, flowers (roses, hibiscus. nasturtium, etc.)
and weeds (dandelion greens especially). Tortoises normally graze on
vegetation in the desert. A similar diet allowing the tortoise to
graze on lawn grasses is healthiest. The diet can be supplemented
with vegetables and fruits. Powdered calcium from tablets or
cuttlebones is also a good addition. Many tortoises are harmed by
diets which are high in water, protein or fat content and can
develop bladder stones or bone disease. Tortoises soak in and drink
water when it rains in the desert. It is a good idea to provide a
large, shallow water dish for your tortoise to sit in occasionally.
ENCLOSURE -An escape-proof, solid fence that does not
allow the tortoise to dig under, see through or climb out. There
should be a barrier across the bottom 18" of any gate to
prevent escape when the gate is open. The area should be large and
well planted with grass, weeds, native bushes and non-poisonous
plants. The tortoise needs access to shelter and shade, as well as a
place to bask in the sun.
SHELTER - It is too damp in our area for tortoises to be
allowed to dig burrows for shelter, as they do in the wild. The
exposure to the humidity will eventually make them ill. We recommend
an outside house, such as a doghouse, where the tortoise can come
and go at will. The house can be heated during the day, or a 25 watt
bulb could be left on to burn out any humidity. You can also bring
the tortoise inside each evening and take him out in the morning.
HIBERNATION - Tortoises need a dry place to hibernate for
three to five months during the winter. The optimum temperature for
hibernation is a constant 55 to 60 degrees. A cardboard box with
shredded newspaper in a cool closet works well. Tortoises allowed to
hibernate in underground burrows in San Diego often get sick due to
the humidity. Tortoises, hibernating in uninsulated outdoor houses
or garages, are exposed to temperatures which fluctuate and can be
too cool, or too warm, causing stress to the animal.
SAFETY - Tortoises should have no access to swimming
pools, spas or ponds. They need protection from most dogs, raccoons,
ravens and other animals. Other hazards can include poisonous
plants, stairs, equipment, and storage areas.
HEALTH - We recommend that you quarantine your new
tortoise for a short period unless this is the first tortoise to
occupy your yard. Turtles and tortoises should be contained
separately because they have different habitats and eating habits.
Many tortoises experience stress and can develop a runny nose.
Usually this will clear up in a few days if the tortoise is kept
warm and quiet. If the runny nose is persistent or turns into
wheezing, coughing or other medical problems, the tortoise will
probably need antibiotics, which can be given orally.
ADOPTIONS - California Desert Tortoises are a threatened
species in the wild. It is illegal to own one without a permit or to
return one to the wild. The San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society
often has desert tortoises available for adoption to homes which can
meet the requirements listed above.
COMMITMENT - Tortoises can live well beyond one hundred
years. If you adopt a tortoise, you need to make arrangements to
return the tortoise to the Society if you move out of the area or
cannot continue to care for the tortoise.
