Diet
All tortoises will benefit from a varied diet and there is plenty to choose from to keep yours happy. Some species will benefit from eating protein such as earthworms, boiled eggs, carrion etc. Some keepers will routinely feed their tortoises protein but in the wild, they are opportunists and will only eat it as and when they stumble across it so we feel that there is no need to create a routine with it but offer it occasionally as part of their varied diet. With captive tortoises, it is also good practice to supplement their food. With the amount of research that has gone into supplements, there are many to choose from to ensure that your tortoises are getting the best you can offer to promote healthy, strong growth.
Please click the button which will direct you to a comprehensive database of foods.
Enclosures and Equipment
The age old debate of vivarium versus tortoise table can be quite a heated topic amongst keepers. We personally use vivariums as we feel that we can better control their environment, especially when it comes to humidity and keeping species such as Indian Star tortoises, where their natural habitat regularly reaches temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) with severe rainfall.
However, if you are able to replicate this with a tortoise table and your tortoises are happy and healthy then that is all that matters.
We personally use Herptek vivariums or our own manufactured aluminium ones as they are impervious to moisture, easy to clean and maintain and they offer plenty of ventilation, with excellent thermal properties.
We always use Arcadia Pro T5 kits for UVB (variation in size and UV percentage depending on enclosure and species) and Microclimate EVO thermostats with heat lamps on a dimmer setting to control temperatures. Depending on budget, there are many variants and options to suit your needs but most importantly, to offer the correct environment for your tortoises.
There are many places online to purchase equipment but we would always recommend that you purchase from your local reptile shops as they need our support now more than ever. Not only that, most shops are happy to demonstrate how equipment works and will likely put together a whole setup for you and they always offer ongoing support and advice.