Where to Order Tortoise Online<br /><br />The best place to order tortoise online is through reptile stores that specialize in these species. They can assist you in choosing the right tortoise and provide guidance on the best habitats lighting requirements, humidity, heat and other accessories.<br /><br />Tortoises live up 100 years. These fascinating creatures require a lot of attention.<br /><br />How to select the tortoise<br /><br />If you're looking to buy a tortoise on the internet, make sure the seller is reputable and sells captive-bred animals. Reptiles that are captive-bred are less likely to become sick because they've been raised in the right conditions. Additionally, they're generally healthier and more social than tortoises sourced from the wild.<br /><br />Also, consider the amount of time you are able to devote to caring for your pet. <a href="https://thetortoisehome.com/available-tortoises/">buy tortoise online</a> are able to live up to 80 years in captivity. Do you have someone who can take care of your tortoise in the event that you are unable to no longer provide it with the required care?<br /><br />You can check the health of the tortoise and observe it in person when you purchase from an animal breeder in your area. A healthy tortoise is alert and carries an appropriate weight. Its shell should not have cracks, bruises or other damage. Its plastron should have a bit of spring (though do not squeeze a baby tortoise; it is extremely stressful for them). Legs should be strong and muscular. The eyes, the skin and the vent should be clear of discharge.<br /><br />Ask the seller for a certificate in accordance with Article 10 before purchasing a tortoise. This is a form the seller must sign to prove that the tortoise is microchipped and has been given an ID number. It is a legal requirement in the US to obtain this prior to selling any tortoise.<br /><br />You should also bring your tortoise pet to a veterinarian who is experienced with tortoises and specializes in exotic animals. The vet will examine the animal for signs of parasites, diseases, and other problems. He or she may recommend a fecal exam and blood tests, especially when the tortoise is brought in illegally or from a different country. A fecal exam can reveal Salmonella bacteria which is dangerous to tortoises and humans. The vet will also conduct an overall examination and determine the tortoise's age. In the US, tortoises who hatch and are young are sold when they reach 4 inches in length. This is to separate males from females.<br /><br />Tortoise Care<br /><br />Tortoises can live for a long time and require special attention. Before purchasing a tortoise on the internet, you should think about your capacity to provide the needed care. This is especially important when you are searching for exotic tortoises that aren't available in pet stores. Tortoises imported from their native countries have a higher risk of being injured or sick when they are shipped. The purchase of captive-bred tortoises reduces this risk.<br /><br />You'll have to consider the space available for a tortoise cage. African spurred tortoises (also called Leopard tortoises) and Burmese Mountain Tortoises require plenty of space to roam around and graze. <a href="https://thetortoisehome.com/tortoises-for-sale-online/">buy tortoise online</a> are not able to thrive in a cramped environment. The Russian, Hingeback, and Mediterranean tortoises are smaller and are better suited for homes with a little outdoor space.<br /><br />It is essential to have a spacious habitat for your tortoise. Include an easy reptile carpet or substrate. The habitat should have a hiding spot and a dish with a small amount of water. Tortoises bathe to keep hydrated, clean themselves and urinate. Soaks should be provided at least three times per week for about 10 minutes. Soaking dishes should be slender and constructed from an material that allows the tortoise to easily enter and exit without drowning. Soaking dishes need to be cleaned and disinfected every day to avoid the spread of bacterial infections.<br /><br />Other equipment required include the daytime UVB bulb and fixture as well as a nighttime bulb or ceramic heat emitter, a humidifier, a spray bottle for misting, an automated fogger, a thermometer for terrariums and a vivarium light. In addition, you'll require an food dish as well as a shallow water dish and tortoise food.<br /><br />A tortoise enclosure heavily decorated is a different option to add an individual touch. You can decorate your enclosure with plants and stones that are safe for the tortoise. You should give your pet two sides of the enclosure: one for relaxing, and another with a cave or hide box to provide shelter.<br /><br />If you want to play with your tortoise pet it is essential to allow it to get used to you and be able to trust you before handling it frequently. Tortoises can be stressed when they are handled too often. It's important to have someone look after your tortoise if you are not there. This person must be able to follow your tortoise's instructions on care exactly and know when to call a vet.<br /><br />Tortoise Feeding<br /><br />The food requirements of tortoises vary depending on the species however, they all require a diverse diet as well as an adequate supply of calcium and UV-B. This does not mean a salad from a supermarket however, but a variety of delicious, nutritious plants that a tortoise could encounter in the wild. The tortoise must be free to roam and graze on an everyday basis however, it should only happen during daylight hours or after it has laid down throughout the night. Tortoises which are forced into constant feeding and activity patterns throughout the year have shocking rates of metabolic bone disease (see the recent article "Tortoise Shell deformities: A View from Inside').<br /><br />The food should be served in a suitable shallow dish and should not be left uncooked for too long, as this will encourage rotting and other health hazards. During the time of grazing the tortoise must be fed as much food it can consume within 20 minutes. This allows the tortoise to consume food without placing too much stress on its jaws, and stops the so-called "beak" located in front of the tortoise from getting overgrown.<br /><br />A number of species require a fruit-based component to their diet. This is especially important for species of the rainforest, such as the Yellow-footed and Red-footed Tortoises. Fruits should only be served in small quantities, not more than twice a day. They must also be cleaned to remove any contaminants, including pesticides or other chemical compounds, that could be found in the flesh or on the skin of the fruit.<br /><br />A wide range of different fruits can be offered to a tortoise. However, it is best avoided if a tortoise is prone to diarrhoea. Avoid foods high in oxalic and goitrogens. Oxalic acid is known to bind with calcium and prevent its absorption, while goitrogens may interfere with thyroid function. Similar to this many of the cruciferous vegetables that are often recommended as part of a tortoise's food plan - like collard greens, turnips and mustard and bokchoy - can be very high in the oxalic acid.<br /><br /><br /><br />Tortoise Health<br /><br />When choosing a tortoise online it is important to ensure you purchase from a seller who is familiar with this type of pet. Reptile shops or people attending reptile shows/expos are good choices as they can give you the best advice on how to care for your new pet. They will also be able to provide you with the right equipment, like a tortoise cage. They will know how to spot symptoms of illness and be able to answer any questions you might have. <a href="https://thetortoisehome.com">tortoise for sale online</a> is a much better choice than buying tortoises from a big pet store, because the tortoise may have been fighting with other animals while in a small aquarium, which could cause stress and cause damage to their shell.<br /><br />It is not unusual for tortoises to live 50 years or more, therefore it is essential to take care of them properly and provide them with a good environment to allow them to enjoy their life. The main factor in this is a healthy diet, a suitable shelter and the environment.<br /><br />If your tortoise gets sick, you must bring it to a veterinarian who is familiar with exotic animals. A veterinarian who is unfamiliar with tortoises could have disastrous results.<br /><br />Signs of illness in a tortoise can include swelling of the neck or limbs, difficulties moving, a loss in appetite and an excess of fecal feces. These symptoms indicate problems with digestion the kidneys, liver, or liver and should be addressed immediately by a reptile vet.<br /><br />The swelling of the neck and limbs of a tortoise may be caused by a range of factors, including a poor diet, parasitic infection, toxins, constipation, or a combination. Incubating the tortoise with tepid water for 30 minutes, with the water level only covering its plastron (bottom shell) is typically enough to relieve this condition. You can also treat this condition by increasing the tortoise’s fibre intake, by adding liquid parafin or lactulose to its diet or adding dandelion roots to its diet.<br /><br />A healthy tortoise is active, its muscles will be firm and it will walk with its bottom shell, known as the plastron, esthetic of the ground. It will also climb and dig easily.<br /><br />