Greek Tortoise Pet

The Greek tortoise is great fun to have as a pet. The color of this tortoise varies and can range from olive with dark spots in middle of each scute to golden which gives an entirely yellow appearance. It is also commonly known as spur thigh tortoise.

Native place:- This tortoise is from turkey and not Greek as the name suggests. It is called as Greek because of the markings. It is a native of Southern Spain, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Middle East

Size and weight:-

1. Adult Greek tortoise is about 6-7 inches
2. Hatchlings are 1-2 inches

Life span:- If Greek tortoises are taken proper care of, they may live up to 50 years

Tortoise housing:- Tortoise housing is very important for keeping tortoises in captivity. It can be indoor enclosure, an outdoor one or a combination of both

1. If you can provide your pet tortoise with an option of outdoor housing it would be great for your pet
2. Outdoor habitats are more advantageous and can provide natural environment for your pet during warm days
3. Care should be taken to see that it is predator proof

1. The most useful form of indoor housing for Greek tortoise is the turtle table
2. The comfortable size for a hatchling would be 2 foot by 3 foot
3. As the tortoise grows, the size can be increased accordingly
4. For an adult the size would be 4 foot by 2 foot
5. Holes can be provided at the bottom for the sinking of food, water and eventually nesting containers flush with the surface for easy access to the tortoise
6. Water dish should be large for it to soak and small to prevent it from drowning

Substrate:- Substrate should be of topsoil and children’s play sand or cypress bark. A hide box should also be placed in the corner away from the basking area

Temperature:- This tortoise needs a temperature of 75-80 F. basking area should have a temperature of 95 F, Temperatures at night time can be as low as 75 F

Heat and light requirements:- Reflector clip lamp should be placed to provide basking spot of 90F. The housing should have a spectrum fluorescent light to provide UVB for vit D3 synthesis

Hibernation:- Greek tortoises hibernate in nature. You should provide your Greek tortoise pet with hibernation facilities for continued health and well being

Tortoise food:-

1. Tortoise food should always be very high in fiber
2. It should be low protein and calcium rich as it will ensure proper nutrition to the animal
3. Greek tortoises thrive well on leafy greens like dandelions, clover, endive, etc
4. Calcium supplement can be given or food may be sprinkled with calcium powder
5. Vit D3 should also be provided if the animal is maintained indoors
6. If they are fed on cat food or dog food, they may suffer from renal failure due to solidification of urates

Greek tortoise is really a very good tortoise for children to have as their first pet. This article on Greek tortoise pets gives you the required information on Greek tortoises. You can find your pet tortoise from one of the tortoise breeders