Tortoise As Pets: Types That Are Suitable

Pet Care

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 12:20

Planning to get an exotic animal for a pet? Then why not try getting a tortoise. The tortoise (a reptile) is one of the animals, which has a very long lifespan. There are many species of tortoises and each vary with respect to size, weight and diet. Therefore, before you choose to have a tortoise for as pet, its best to know what types are there and what their needs are, so that taking care of them is not a very difficult task.

Check out the different types of tortoises that can be kept as pets.

Russian Tortoise: The main reason as to why this tortoise is very preferred as a pet is that it is comparatively smaller and is also available legally. In captivity, this tortoise can live up to 50 years and weighs about 10 kilograms. The space it occupies and the dietary requirements make this tortoise a favourite among exotic pets.

Leopard Tortoise: These are some of the largest among tortoises. Thought they are small when they are born, but in very rare cases, they can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh about 100 pounds. Due to their size it is very important that you plan well to take care of them, once they reach their full size. They can also live for about 100 years.

Hermann"s Tortoise: This straw-yellow or beige coloured tortoise is very often considered when looking for keeping tortoises as pets. Again, the size and diet are usually easy to follow, when it these tortoises are kept as pets. They grow up to 7 inches and a weigh up to 35 kilograms.

Greek Tortoise: This species of tortoise is very fun to have as a pet. In captivity, this tortoise is can live up to 50 years. This type of tortoise can grow to a length of 6-7 inches, which is quite manageable.

African Spurred Tortoise: This type of tortoise is very popular, but one has to remember that this too is one among the larger species on earth. It can grow up to 200 pounds and therefore need abundance of space. Another important aspect about this tortoise is that they have the habit of digging, so get ready to have your yard dug!

These are 5 types of common tortoises that can be kept as pets. Having them as pets can be lots of fun, specially watching their activities can be very amusing. Interacting with them is a great way to keep yourself happy.