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To view the articles on tortoise care, please visit the main page. From there you can access links to articles on diet, nutrition, health and housing.
Safe Plants for Terrariums, Vivariums and Paludariums
Please access the above link to view an extensive list of plants that are safe to use in your naturalistic environments. You will also find resources for identifying safe plants for environments and food items.
Kyryah's Reptile and Amphibian Rescue
Located in northern Michigan, I strive to educate the public on the level of commitment that reptiles and amphibians require, to keep unwanted pets from being released into our environment, and to provide knowledgeable, responsible homes for unwanted pets. Please visit to learn more.
But, the Pet Store said that my tortoise will receive all the water it needs from it's food...
Yes, this information is posted on this website twice.
This is to adequately stress the importance of this, and in hopes of
reaching as many people as possible.
The most disastrous statement I have ever heard in connection with ANY
species of tortoise, Sulcatas and other arid species included, is that they
do not need water. Pet stores repeatedly tell new owners that the tortoises
receive all the water they need from the food that they eat.
This is a death sentence, and cruel to the extreme. All life needs
water, no exceptions.
Hatchling tortoises are especially susceptible to death from dehydration.
Severe dehydration leads to kidney failure, Metabolic Bone Disease, and eventually
death. This condition is often known as Hatchling Failure Syndrome or
Failure to Thrive. The tortoise eventually becomes so weak that it cannot
move, the eyes film over, and the shell resorbs into the body. It is sad and
horrifying to witness.
You will be able to find information on how to properly house your
tortoise to prevent dehydration, but in the meantime, please make sure that
your tortoise has access to a clean, fresh water source at all times. The
dish should be large enough for the tortoise to be able to enter it
completely, with the water depth shallow enough for the tortoise to only be
submerged to the bridge between it's upper and lower shell (carapace and
plastron.) The dish should be easy to get into and out of. For more
information on the importance of water to tortoises, please visit TORTOISES:
Do they need to drink? by A C Highfield of The Tortoise Trust.
I know that all of this information can be very difficult for a new or
prospective tortoise owner to take in all at once. Getting a tortoise is a
lifetime and very detailed commitment. If at any time I can be of any help,
or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at kyryah@hotmail.com
and I will do my best to assist you. The only stupid question is the one
that you don't ask, and in the end, compromises the life and health of your
tortoise.