Care Sheet: Tortoises...
Herman Tortoises; ‘Testudo Hermanni’ originate from Southern Europe, and Greek Tortoise; ‘Testudo Graeca Grae’ originate from
Tortoises are known to be one of the easiest reptiles to keep in captivity as they do not have venom and are a easy to handle reptile.
Herman/Greek tortoises can potentially grow to one foot long, with a life span of around 75-150 years.
Housing
Tortoises can be kept in a wide variety of containers and tanks. Providing it is the right size for the Reptile and has a secure lid or door as the Tortoise will be able to escape. Usually Adult Tortoises are ideally kept in a minimum of a three foot vivarium.
In the vivarium you will also need a hide box, a water dish, and a suitable substrate/bedding, make sure your chosen substrate is non-toxic to your tortoise, see substrate section. Lastly it is important you maintain a steady temperature in the vivarium.
Temperature/Heating
The basking area of your vivarium should be kept between 90°F and 95°F. The easiest way to keep control of the temperature is by attaching the basking lamp to a thermostat with a heat sensitive probe. Which will maintain a constant temperature for you. Ideally there should be a cooler end of the vivarium away from the basking spot so the chameleon can maintain its own temperature.
Lighting
Lighting is very important for all chameleons. Veiled Chameleons should be provided with a UVA/UVB producing light source and a basking light. UVA and UVB exposure allows chameleons to synthesize vitamin D3 into their skin. The synthesis of vitamin D3 allows the absorption of calcium, which is critical for all chameleons.
Water Dish
Few chameleons will ever learn to drink water from a standing water dish. In the wild, chameleons lick dew and rain droplets off of leaves, or are attracted to moving water.
Feeding
Chameleons primarily live on a diet of live insects, mainly locusts and crickets. Sometimes mealworms and wax worms. Vitamin and/or mineral supplementation is required for growth and proper nerve functions. This can be achieved by sprinkling the supplements over the live food before feeding them to your chameleons.
Sexing Veiled Chameleons
Veiled Chameleons are very easy to sex at any age. The male has a small spur on the heel of the hind foot. A female does not.
Information
There are many good books available, and you can also ask tips and advise from breeders and keepers. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries or questions.
