This post is sponsored by petMD Reptile Center, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Reptile Ownership, but Daily Dog Tag only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. petMD and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.
Last month I introduced you to Tato, my son’s Red-Footed Tortoise. Tortoises are one of my top favorite non-dog pets. I never thought I would be a reptile person, but my kids have had a lizard gecko, a chameleon, and two tortoises. Tortoises are my favorites since they don’t require crickets. Special thanks to Alice G Patterson Photography for these photos!
Tato spends the majority of the time in his tank, and his needs are pretty minimal. Nowadays, it is easy to find reliable information regarding reptile care. Two great resources are the brand new reptile center on petMD® (all of its content is either written by a veterinarian or approved by one for accuracy and factual information) and PetSmart’s® Guide to Choosing A Reptile.
Seasonal Living with A Red Footed Tortoise
The weather in my area is too harsh for Red Footed Tortoises to survive the winters outside, so Tato can only be outside in the warm weather. My son is very concerned that the temperature is just right before he’ll take Tato outside.
Summer
In the summer, Tato gets to go outside and graze on the pesticide-free weeds and grass in the yard. Tortoises are faster than you might think, and he needs to be constantly monitored. Tortoises can also dig under a fence, so don’t leave one unattended. A local tortoise recently broke through his fence and is missing. Hopefully, he is found and returned safely!
Even when Tato has spent some time outside during the day, my son still feeds Tato fresh veggies with a calcium supplement in the evening.
Winter Care
This winter, Tato had some trouble with his eyes. We went on vacation and moved Tato to a different room to make it easier for the pet sitter. When we returned home, we discovered that the room was too dry for him. Fortunately, he recovered once we established the proper humidity. We found out via PetSmart that a tortoise should have a hygrometer, and now we can adequately monitor the moisture.
In the winter, we let Tato out in my son’s room for a “stroll.” However, my son keeps a close eye on him, so he doesn’t get lost in the house. Our dogs and cat don’t really have much interest in Tato. However, I’d never leave Tato alone with Theo. We also have a rabbit, and occasionally my kids will have a “tortoise and the hare” race. Basically, they see which one will make it to a certain point in the room first. Usually, Tato wins because he is quite confident and walks around. The rabbit takes a little longer to get her bearings.
Tato doesn’t make noise except when he clunks into the side of the aquarium (infrequently), but he seems to have good hearing. He walks over to the side of the tank when my son enters the room and usually stays where he is if it is someone else. (Normally, only my son feeds Tato.)
Tato loves to soak in a pie pan filled with water. We have hard water, and I noticed that Tato has hard water stains on his shell. The vet said this wasn’t anything to worry about. Tortoises should have regular vet visits.
Turtles and Tortoises: What’s the difference?
Many people have trouble differentiating tortoises from turtles. Here’s a quote from
PetSmart to help distinguish the two: “While both turtles and tortoises are reptiles, have scales, and are cold-blooded, the main difference between the two is their habitat and diet. Most turtles spend much of their time in the water, tend to have webbed feet, and are omnivores. Tortoises are land-dwellers, have round, stumpy feet like an elephant’s, and are herbivores.”
Red Footed Tortoise foot
Here are a few photos of a turtle photographed during a senior portrait session with Alice G Patterson Photography. The turtle is much more streamlined than Tato.
Turtles need a tank with a larger amount of water than a tortoise, and it is best if their tank has a filter system. You can learn some fun facts about turtles by watching this video from petMD.
Living with reptiles has been a lot more fun than I expected it to be. Have you ever lived with a reptile? I’d love to hear all about your experiences!
About Alice G Patterson Photography: Based in Syracuse, Alice specializes in senior portraits (with their pets), dog photography, and photography for small business women (products and portraits.) Alice has three dogs of her own.
Love your blog — and the photos! Thanks for sharing about turtles. I’ve often thought turtles might be the pet for me, so it’s good to get more info on what it takes.
My aunt had pet tortoises when she was younger and still has them today at age 65+. They’ve been part of the family for a long time!
I’m happy to see a post on reptiles that is actually factual. Calling a tortoise a “turtle” is one of my pet peeves, even though “turtle” is the common nomenclature these days in the U.S. for anything with a shell and four legs, I’m too old school for that haha! We also have reptiles (7 snakes & 2 geckos) and have had both turtles and tortoises in the past. Tortoises are easier than turtles by far! I think they’re more fun too. I’ve been thinking about getting a tortoise again. They’re just so cute!
My youngest son is a diehard turtle/tortoise lover. He has about 12 stuffed turtles we’ve picked up from various places, and they’re all named “Coffee.” He would be over the moon if we ever got a pet turtle.
Of all of our pets, tortoises are the easiest to take care of.
I love that they are all named Coffee!
Great photos and information. Tato is adorable! We have a sulcata tortoise, and, yes, they do move faster than you think. It’s amazing the personalities they have. Our Fluffy is quite an eater, and if I don’t give him enough (to his liking), he taps at the window. So funny!
Aww, love the pics! I’ve always wanted a tortoise but their long-life spans gives me pause. 🙂
It is a long commitment! My understanding is you can also adopt older tortoises so the lifespan won’t be quite so long.
So cute. My son used to have 5 small turtles. He had to give them away when we had to move.
Maybe one day the situation will be right to add more reptiles to the family.
Tato is such a cool guy! I love his colors. I think if I had a reptile, it would probably be either a turtle or a tortoise too. It’s great that he gets to go outside in the summer. A little fresh air can do a lot of good! 🙂
Wow they are gorgeous! I’ve always wanted a tortoise or turtle and one day I will get around to rescuing one!
You will love having one when the time is right!
Not all tortoises are herbivores. It depends on each species. Redfoots should have some animal protein in their diet, such as soaked turtle chow (Mazuri and Omega One are good), a little plain cooked chicken, or even an occasional earthworm. Some tortoises, like redfoots, can have fruit in the diet, but others, like sulcatas, shouldn’t. There are tortoises for adoption on Petfinder.com.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
I often look on petfinder for tortoises, because I’d love to add another one to the family!
Thanks for the additional information!
Amanda,
Consider adopting! Some rescues get in tortoises or box turtles that are 10, 20, or even 30 years old. You can find turtle societies and clubs, reptile rescues, and even animal control facilities and humane organizations that have turtles and tortoises for adoption.
Your rabbit/tortoise race story made me laugh!
Turtles & Tortoises are definitely my favorite reptile as well! PetMD is a great resource for reptile care. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
What a great post & photos! Tato is so handsome. Do you know how big he is ultimately going to get? I adore Tortoises. It’s interesting what they say about turtles, as I my favorites are box turtles, but they really are land dwelling tortoises as well. Come visit sometime my friend.
Love, Pixel
http://www.pixelblueeyes.com/2015/08/joy-of-pet-turtle-love-Pixel-Fun-Info-ReptileCare.html
Tato should get to be about 12″ when he’s full grown. I was wondering if box turtles were actually tortoises. Thanks for clearing that up!
Tato will probably be 12 inches when he’s fully grown.
Never had a tortoise, but we did have a turtle (red eared slider) for the longest time. We even built him his own pond in our back yard! We had designed it where he could get out and sun himself, or stay hidden behind a small waterfall, but was unable to actually leave the pond proper (he needed a bigger area than the tank he was in). One day after doing some errands we went to feed him and realized he was missing. We knew he couldn’t get out so we are assumeing he was stollen. (this was over 10 years ago now) 🙁 After losing Reggie (the turtles name) we never did get another one.
We have never had reptiles, but I would love to have a tortoise… luckily my vet specializes in them.
That’s really awesome, I hope you can get one sometime. Of all the pets we’ve had (birds, rodents, cats, rabbits, lizards,fish and dogs, tortoises and birds tie for second.) Obviously, dogs are number one!
Thanks for clearing up Turtle vs. Tortoise! How would you add more humidity to a reptile tank if it was needed?
We switched to a reptile mulch which really helps with the humidity. If needed we can mist it and helps hold the moisture in the tank.
Great post and great information! I love that you emphasized the importance of regular check ups for turtles too! Love the up close pictures of the shell, so beautiful.