About Tortoise (4)
The Red-Footed Tortoise is not a large turtle. It is not small either, being in the middle of the size range for turtles. This said, the Red-Footed Tortoise needs a very large area to live in a healthy manner. A minimum size for a habitat for these creatures should be roughly 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres. The best place to house these turtles is outside. There are several things that need attention though. The humidity should always be between 60% and 85%, and the temperature should never be below 50 degrees F. If any or all of these conditions can not be met, you must house them inside, and simulate the conditions.
When keeping them outdoors, make sure you offer them plenty of protection from the sun. They will also want plenty of tall grass, plant life and a shallow but heavy dish of water. Red-Footed Tortoises are land based turtles, and do not need deep water.
When keeping the tortoises indoors, there is a set of guidelines you must follow. You can use whatever material you see fit, but wood is the most common. Make sure the floor of the enclosure is waterproof, in case any water is knocked over. A wooden floor may cause problems, as the water will seep into the wood, and over time could cause mould problems. If on concrete, never leave the floor bare. This has been noted as a cause of health problems in turtles, the most common being penis prolapse. This said, the bottom, whatever material it is, needs to be covered with a more natural substrate. Much type substrate works well. Peat moss, sphagnum moss and play sand are recommended. A mixture of peat moss and sand is the best substrate. Make sure the sides of the enclosure are tall enough to prevent the turtles from getting out. Like most reptiles, Red-Footed Tortoises require hiding places. They will also need an area that has increased humidity. A large container, on its side, with dampened substrate works well. When needed, the tortoise will crawl inside to get to the humid area.
You must also provide your tortoises with a heat gradient. This can be achieved by placing a basking lamp on one end of the enclosure. The cool side should be kept around 73 degrees F, and the hot end should be kept around 87 degrees F. If you have multiple tortoises you will need to provide multiple basking spots. Drop the temperature at night to be 57 degrees F to 60 degrees F, and like outdoors, never let this temperature drop to or below 50 degrees F.
Aside from the heating lights, full-spectrum fluorescent lighting is necessary for proper synthesis of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is needed to properly use calcium in the tortoise’s body. You should always bring your turtles outside on warm days, as the natural sunlight provides the best vitamins you can get from light.
By Turtles Zone
For turtle care information, head on over to the Turtle Zone. We provide information on caring for turtles in captivity.
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Read more...Charles Darwin is most famously known for his theory of evolution. He is less known for his 5 year voyage (1831-1836) around the world as an anthropologist.
Below, is an excerpt from his diary of this journey, describing the unusual behavior of the giant tortoise on the Galapagos islands. It also describes Darwin's early 19th century methods of study, which were perhaps "a little" different than today's.
October 8th 1835
TORTOISE MEAT
We arrived at James Island. Mr Bynoe, myself, and our servants were left here for a week, with provisions and a tent, whilst the Beagle went for water.
We found here a party of Spaniards, who had been sent from Charles Island to dry fish, and to salt tortoise-meat.
About six miles inland, and at the height of nearly 2,000 feet, a hovel had been built in which two men lived, who were employed in catching tortoises, whilst the others were fishing on the coast. I paid this party two visits, and slept there one night....
While staying in this upper region, we lived entirely upon tortoise-meat: the breast-plate roasted with the flesh on it, is very good; and the young tortoises make excellent soup; but otherwise the meat to my taste is indifferent.
Mr. Lawson, an Englishman, and vice-governor of the colony, told us that he had seen several so large, that it required six or eight men to lift them from the ground; and that some had afforded as much as two hundred pounds of meat.
FRESH WATER AND THE TORTOISE
I have already shown, from the numbers which have been caught in a single day, how very numerous they must be. Some grow to an immense size: The old males are the largest, the females rarely growing to so great a size: the male can readily be distinguished from the female by the greater length of its tail.
The tortoises which live on those islands where there is no water, or in the lower and arid parts of the others, feed chiefly on the succulent cactus.
The tortoise is very fond of water, drinking large quantities, and wallowing in the mud. The larger islands alone possess springs, and these are always situated towards the central parts, and at a considerable height.
The tortoises, therefore, which frequent the lower districts, when thirsty, are obliged to travel from a long distance. Hence broad and well-beaten paths branch off in every direction from the wells down to the sea-coast; and the Spaniards by following them up, first discovered the watering-places.
When the tortoise arrives at the spring, quite regardless of any spectator, he buries his head in the water above his eyes, and greedily swallows great mouthfuls, at the rate of about ten in a minute.
The inhabitants say each animal stays three or four days in the neighborhood of the water, and then returns to the lower country; but they differed respecting the frequency of these visits.
The animal probably regulates them according to the nature of the food on which it has lived. It is, however, certain, that tortoises can subsist even on these islands where there is no other water than what falls during a few rainy days in the year.
THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
The tortoises, when purposely moving towards any point, travel by night and day, and arrive at their journey's end much sooner than would be expected. The inhabitants, from observing marked individuals, consider that they travel a distance of about eight miles in two or three days.
One large tortoise, which I watched, walked at the rate of sixty yards in ten minutes, that is 360 yards in the hour, or four miles a day--allowing a little time for it to eat on the road. ...They were at this time (October) laying their eggs.
DEATH OF A TORTOISE
The female, where the soil is sandy, deposits them together, and covers them up with sand; but where the ground is rocky she drops them indiscriminately in any hole: Mr Bynoe found seven placed in a fissure.
The egg is white and spherical; one which I measured was seven inches and three eighths in circumference, and therefore larger than a hen's egg.
The young tortoises, as soon as they are hatched, fall a prey in great numbers to the carrion-feeding buzzard.
The old ones seem generally to die from accidents, as from falling down precipices: at least, several of the inhabitants told me, that they never found one dead without some evident cause.
TORTOISE RODEO
The inhabitants believe that these animals are absolutely deaf; certainly they do not overhear a person walking close behind them.
I was always amused when overtaking one of these great monsters, as it was quietly pacing along, to see how suddenly, the instant I passed, it would draw in its head and legs, and uttering a deep hiss fall to the ground with a heavy sound, as if struck dead.
I frequently got on their backs, and then giving a few raps on the hinder part of their shells, they would rise up and walk away--but I found it very difficult to keep my balance.
There can be little doubt that this tortoise is an aboriginal inhabitant of the Galapagos; for it is found on all, or nearly all, the islands, even on some of the smaller ones where there is no water; had it been an imported species, this would hardly have been the case in a group which has been so little frequented.
About the Author
Michael Kerrigan is the author or co-author of over 200 books on history, politics and literature. This article is part of an extract from his book: Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle. The full extract can be read at http://www.browsebooksforfree.com/books1-3
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Gentle giants, the rare and endangered Galapagos Tortoises are the largest tortoise species in the world. Spotted by Bishop Tomas de Berlanga, when he discovered the Galapagos Islands by accident in 1535, these islands were named after them. Galapago which means ‘saddle’ in Spanish refers to the tortoise’s saddle-shaped shell.
Growing over four feet in length and weighing in at roughly 500 pounds, these huge vertebrates have an impressive lifespan. The oldest Galapagos Tortoise was said to have lived for 152 years. However, the exact lifespan of these huge reptiles is yet to be determined as they have not been observed long enough. Another interesting fact about the Galapagos Tortoise is that they keep on growing for 30 to 40 years before they reach adulthood.
A strong population of over 250,000 in the early 19th century, today there are between 10,000 to 15,000 Galapagos Tortoises left in the wild. Innocent victims of poachers, these endemic tortoises have also been captured and killed by sailors and pirates for their meat. Another reason for a dwindling tortoise population has been attributed to the introduction of new mammal species on the islands such as goats, pigs and dogs, which step on or eat tortoise eggs, or feed off the same vegetation as tortoises do, thus causing food scarcity.
Having been reduced to near extinction, presently just 11 of the 15 tortoise subspecies exist in the Galapagos today. And while research has shown a likelihood of just 13 subspecies, many scientists believe that there were 15 Galapagos Tortoise species in total. Five subspecies of tortoises can be found on Isla Isabela, while the other six can be found on the islands of Española, Pinzón, Pinta, San Cristóbal, Santiago and Santa Cruz. It is more than likely that the tortoise subspecies on Isla Pinta will die out soon as only one male tortoise remains. Lonesome George, as he is affectionately known, is the last of the Pinta tortoises. He is currently being kept at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Isla Santa Cruz in an effort to help him mate. However, so far all attempts have been unsuccessful.
While there are different subspecies of Galapagos Tortoises, there are also different types as well. Differentiated by their size, color and the shape of their shells, one can spot three different kinds of Galapagos Tortoises. Dome-shaped tortoises have shorts limbs and necks, while their shell have a round or dome shape. Saddle-backed tortoises on the other hand have longer limbs and necks with a raised shell. The third tortoise type is known as an intermediate tortoise and is a mix between a saddle-backed and dome-shaped tortoise.
Living on a diet of fruits, cacti, grasses and vegetables, Galapagos Tortoises are herbivores. They are able to store water and food in their bodies letting them live for up to a year before they eat or drink again. Mostly found in elevated areas where the humidity is higher and there are grassy fields, many subspecies of tortoises also live on dry hotter islands where grass is sparse. Playful by nature, these cold-blooded reptiles spend much of their day basking in the sun, while at night they rest half submerged in either mud or water to stay warm.
Incredible creatures, the Galapagos Tortoises today have played a key role in helping us understand how our world has evolved. Capturing the hearts and minds of all those who visit here, these gentle playful creatures should be taken care of so as to preserve them for all future generations to enjoy.
More details on Galapagos Tortoises at http://www.govisitgalapagos.com/darwin/tortoises.asp A key Galapagos travel website, http://www.GoVisitGalapagos.com has been providing tourists with invaluable content on this fantastic national park. A comprehensive website with detailed guides, tours and cruise information, http://www.GoVisitGalapagos.com is the best place to plan your Galapagos Vacation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Gonsalves
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Also known as Horsfields Tortoises, these are among the most commonly seen tortoises in the pet trade today. Thousands of juveniles are exported from Russia every year. Russian tortoises are small, reaching approximately 15cm long or a maximum of 20cm. Being a Russian species, they make an excellent choice for UK pet keepers. They can tolerate the English weather and will hibernate over the winter period. The shell is a light olive brown colouration, with darker brown blotches. The head and legs are a lighter, yellowish brown.
Housing
It is recommended that for the first few years of your Russian tortoise life, you keep it indoors in a controlled environment. A perfect enclosure would be an open top, box style enclosure measuring L120cm x W60cm x H45cm. This box can be constructed from a number of materials, although melamine coated wood is preferable.
These tortoises need a dry substrate with the ability to dig. They are persistent diggers and like to build their own burrows to hide in. It is not essential to provide a deep substrate, but preferable. The choice of substrate really depends on you as a keeper, however you must bare in mind that it must be kept dry at all times. Horsfields tortoises do not tolerate damp surroundings and will slowly deteriorate if kept under these conditions. Sand, soil, mulch, fine gravel and Repti-turf are all good substrates for your tortoise.
Heating and lighting is vital for your tortoise to grow a healthy shell and live a long life. Russian tortoises are a diurnal species and therefore require UVA and UVB rays normally gained through the suns rays. A two in one heat / UV bulb is the best option and should sit no further than 12” higher than where the tortoise will bask. This heated area should reach approximately 90˚F, allowing the opposite end of the enclosure to drop to around 75˚F.
Decor is an important part of enriching your tortoise’s life. By placing some foliage, rocks, wood and other items in your enclosure, your tortoises mind will be more stimulated and it will allow for more exercise. Be careful not to place any objects in the enclosure where the tortoise could accidentally fall up-side down in an area where it could not turn itself upright again.
Many keepers choose not to place water into the enclosure. Rather, they bathe the tortoise every few days allowing for an adequate drinking and cleaning session. It does not matter too much whether you do this or not. However, water must be accessible to your tortoise at least twice a week. If you place a water bowl in your enclosure, it must be shallow and have easy access in and out of it. Be careful not allow spillage either, as damp surroundings is not tolerated well.
Feeding
Russian tortoises are generally very good feeders, and eat almost anything you could put in front of it. Many keepers will place a variety of foods into a shallow bowl and place it in the same spot every day. Try to stay away from this habit; it is important to stimulate the tortoise and make it work for its food. Spread the food out across the enclosure and offer different feeding methods. For instance, put a cabbage leaf higher up on the wall of the enclosure. This will force the tortoise to stretch its head upwards and pull chunks off the leaf.
Most fruit and vegetables can be fed with little problem. However, certain foods should be avoided. Such foods include iceberg lettuce and tomato. These have little nutrition and will often give your tortoise diarrhoea. Some of the best foods include: greens, romaine lettuce, kale, shredded carrots and kale. Fruits such as apple, banana, strawberries, blackberries and pears can also be fed, although should be limited. Specialist tortoise diets are an excellent addition to a tortoise keeper’s cupboard. They can be fed every day, although this is not stimulating for your tortoise and should only be fed sporadically between fresh food feedings.
Supplementing your foods with calcium and mineral dusting powders are vital, along with UV rays these will help ensure your tortoises shell and bones are kept strong and healthy. Reptavite dusting powder, specially formulated for tortoises is an ideal supplement.
By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Jones
Chris M Jones - EzineArticles Expert Author
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