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Sheets |
| We also have a collection
of Desert Tortoise
pictures. |
| Description:
Approximately 95% of a Desert Tortoises life is spent
underground in its burrows. Because of this it has become
very good at digging into the ground. It is also on
the endangered species list. |
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| Lifespan: |
80 to 100 years |
| Estimated Size: |
9" to 15" long, 4"
to 6" tall, 8lbs to 15lbs |
| Natural Location: |
Deserts of south-west USA and northern
Mexico |
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Desert
Tortoises will get their main food supply from any grass,
weeds and dandelions that it finds in your yard. As long as
these have not been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizer
they will be safe for your tortoise. You can also feed them
a supplement of vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini and
romaine lettuce.
Turtles have a relatively high calcium requirement,
so it is best to sprinkle their food with a calcium supplement
every couple days. |
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Lighting
should not be a major concern if you are housing your tortoise
outdoors. It will get sufficient amount of direct sun rays
this way, just ensure that it has an area of shade at all
times. That way your desert tortoise will be able to decide
when it wants to bask.
If you live in a region that is not as warm
as where Desert Tortoises are from you will need to bring
it in during the cold months or at least provide a house for
it outside. If you are leaving it outside an area for your
tortoise to burrow must be provided so they can escape the
cold. |
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If you
wish to have a healthy and thriving desert tortoise it must
live outside in your yard. You can fence off a section of
your yard for your tortoise, but it is best if you can allow
it in the whole yard. Make sure all areas are escape-proof,
and any pools are fenced off from your tortoise. Any poisonous
plants must be removed from your yard and you will not be
able to use pesticides on the lawn. |
