Greek tortoise
Greek tortoises are admired by people as a pet because of their fun loving nature. The tortoise color varies form tortoise to tortoise. Mostly Greek tortoises are olive in color with dark spots in middle of each scute to golden which gives an entirely yellow appearance. Greek tortoises are commonly known as spur thigh tortoise. They are from turkey and not Greek as the name suggests. It is mostly found in Southern Spain, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Middle East. Adult Greek tortoise can grow up to 6 – 7 inches whereas hatchlings are of 1 – 2 inches. The life span of Greek tortoise is up to 50 years. Greek tortoise require equal amount of care like other tortoises. Some of the Greek tortoise care tips are mentioned below that will help you in handling them properly.
Greek tortoise care tips:
1. Greek tortoise enclosure: It is important for owner to provide proper enclosure opt his pet Greek tortoise to stay in. The enclosure can be indoor or outdoor or a combination of both. They like to have outdoor enclosure more that indoor one. It is good to provide outdoor enclosure to them as it can provide natural environment for your pet during warm days. Make sure that the outdoor enclosure you provide to your pet is predator proof. Holes can be provided at the bottom of the indoor enclosure for the sinking of food, water and eventually nesting containers flush with the surface for easy access to the tortoise. The enclosure of Greek tortoise should be large and comfortable enough so that they can rest properly whether it’s indoor or outdoor.
2. Temperature for Greek tortoise: The ideal temperature for Greek tortoise enclosure is 75-80 F and basking area is 95 F. At night the temperature of their enclosure can be as low as 75 F
3. Heat and light for Greek tortoise: You should use reflector clip lamp to provide basking spot of 90F. The enclosure of Greek tortoise should have a spectrum fluorescent light to provide UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis.
4. Greek tortoise food: Their food should be very high in fiber and low protein and calcium rich. They like to have leafy greens like dandelions, clover, endive, etc in their diet. Avoid cat food or dog food as by eating it they might suffer from renal failure due to solidification of urates.
The above mentioned Greek tortoise care tips will provide better and long life to your beloved Greek tortoise and a great satisfaction to you. These tips will definitely extend life span of your pet Greek tortoise.