Horsfield Tortoise - Pets For Life!



Posted: Monday, September 13, 2010

by Ellie Bear
http://www.tortoisetips.com

If you choose a tortoise of any species to keep and care for, be prepared to care for it for many year's to come. Although many of the smaller types have not had their life expectancy studied specifically, it is know that many species will live for up to 75-100 years. If you choose one for a pet you must think of who and how it will be cared for when you are no longer here.

The Horsfield or Russian tortoise is one of the smaller varieties you could care for. It is friendly and outgoing and will often recognise its owner coming to greet them especially if it is time to eat! This particular species does thrive in an outside enclosure but beware, they do like to dig and can if left unattended dig under and out of their enclosure to the world beyond! These Geochelone Horsfieldi (Latin name) can be difficult to keep if you do not live in the correct type of environment. Their natural environment is arid to semi-arid grasslands through to rocky deserts and hillsides. They make excellent pets if their needs are provided for and will live for decades.

Many tortoise pets have been handed down from parent to child to grandchild and this is something you may wish to arrange, specifically making provision for your pet in your will. This is not usually something to think about if you have a cat or a dog but part of the unique appeal of reptiles and specifically tortoises is their longevity. You will grow old together.

You can look forward to many years together if you make sure you provide the best and most appropriate environment for your specific species. Unfortunately many captive bred chelonians die early as their owners are unaware of the needs of their pets. Education is fundamental to rearing and caring for your tortoise correctly. There are many authoritative sites to refer to if you are at all worried about your pet. Always, seek advice from your vet if you are concerned for its welfare.
Ellie Bear is a tortoise enthusiast and has kept and cared for tortoises for over 20 years. For the best up to date information on Keeping Tortoises go to http://www.tortoisetips.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 231 days ago.
152 fans.
This article answered a question I left on the last one I read of yours - can tortoises form bonds with their owners. I didn't realize they live for so long - the tortoises, of course, not the owners!
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