Can you have a backyard tortoise?

Can you have a backyard tortoise?

Many tortoise species are fairly large and need a decent sized enclosure, preferably outdoors. Because of these preferable housing arrangements, pet tortoises are best suited for areas with milder climates. Most pet tortoises will also need some shelter outdoors, such as a dog house (many owners often heat these).

Do pet tortoises outlive their owners?

Animal welfare volunteers in Southern California and Nevada are dealing with a glut of captive tortoises that need homes. But since tortoises live as long as 80 years, many of pets outlive their owners. And they breed in captivity.

How to take care of a outdoor tortoise and Turtle?

When you house your turtles and tortoises outdoors, you need to either add a top to your pen or build an over night secured pen. The later is the most practical option if you have a large expansive pen. The top should be sturdy and have a latch. A lock is often a good idea since sometimes humans can be one of the predators.

Is it OK to house a baby tortoise outside?

These animals live a long time, and you should be prepared to house them for their entire lives. Try to pick a species that will not only be size appropriate, but also one that will be able to survive outdoors where you live. SIZE & AGE. Baby tortoises should never be housed outdoors.

What do you need to build a tortoise habitat?

The base for the habitat is preferably a deck, porch, concrete slab, or any other hard surface. Soil, sand, grass, hay, etc. can be added to the habitat if needed, however a hard ground is preferred since tortoises like to bury and will dig their way out if given the opportunity.

Can a tortoise escape from an outdoor enclosure?

However, in an outdoor setting, escapes not only seem more common, but also of much more consequence. If your tortoise enclosure is built directly on the ground, you should assume that at some point your animals will try to dig out.

When you house your turtles and tortoises outdoors, you need to either add a top to your pen or build an over night secured pen. The later is the most practical option if you have a large expansive pen. The top should be sturdy and have a latch. A lock is often a good idea since sometimes humans can be one of the predators.

How to build a habitat for a tortoise?

Taking these into consideration, as well as considering shade and burrowing, you can embark on your habitat creation. Pallets are a great way to build a shelter for very cheap or even free. Check out this shelter that I built several years ago. It is roofed, but we also have tarp over it for extra protection.

However, in an outdoor setting, escapes not only seem more common, but also of much more consequence. If your tortoise enclosure is built directly on the ground, you should assume that at some point your animals will try to dig out.

Can a baby tortoise live outside in the wild?

Try to pick a species that will not only be size appropriate, but also one that will be able to survive outdoors where you live. Baby tortoises should never be housed outdoors. Instead, they should be reared indoors under controlled conditions until they are certainly large enough to fend for themselves outside.

Do tortoises need to be outside?

No, the best place for a tortoise is outdoors, in the fresh air, exposed to natural UV from the sunlight. Hatchling tortoises will happily live outdoors in warmer weather, provided that they have shade, shelter and a totally secure enclosure. All tortoises need somewhere warm and dry when the weather is not so good.