Tortoises are herbivores and require a diet rich in leafy greens, grasses, and weeds. Some species also enjoy occasional fruits. A well-balanced diet is key to their long-term health.

A tortoise needs a spacious, secure enclosure with areas for basking and shade. UVB lighting and proper substrate are essential to simulate their natural environment.

Regular soaks, typically once or twice a week, help your tortoise stay hydrated and aid in digestion. This is especially important for younger tortoises.

Yes, UVB lighting is essential for tortoises to process calcium and maintain healthy bones. Without it, they risk developing metabolic bone disease.

A healthy tortoise will be active, have a good appetite, and show smooth, firm shell growth. Any changes in behavior, such as lethargy or a soft shell, can indicate health issues.

Depending on the species, tortoises can grow anywhere from 6 inches to over 2 feet in length. Be sure to research the size of your tortoise's species to provide adequate space.

While tortoises can be kept indoors, outdoor enclosures are often ideal, providing them with natural sunlight and more space. However, if kept indoors, ensure they have a large enclosure with proper lighting and temperature control.

Tortoises benefit from a variety of forages that support their dietary needs, including calcium-rich plants and fibrous greens. Specialized forages can promote healthy digestion and shell growth.

• Clean Regularly: Spot clean daily to remove waste, uneaten food, and any soiled bedding. Completely change the bedding weekly or more often if needed.

• Reduce Moisture: Ensure the bedding is not too damp. If you’re using substrates like soil or coconut coir, allow them to dry out slightly between misting to reduce the appeal to fruit flies.

• Use Fly Traps: Set up fruit fly traps outside the tortoise enclosure, using vinegar or fruit in a container covered with perforated plastic wrap. This will help catch the flies without exposing your tortoises to chemicals.

• Safe Forages: Be mindful of the types of foods you offer your tortoises; decaying food attracts flies. Our specialized forages are designed to be less prone to spoilage and reduce fly attraction. You can explore our range at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk to find safe, nutritious, and low-mess options that can help maintain a cleaner environment.

The surface of your tortoise’s table should be lined with a safe, easy-to-clean substrate like coconut coir, hay, or a mix of organic soil and sand. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as these can be harmful to tortoises.

For the bedding in your tortoise's hide or sleeping area, you can use soft, absorbent materials like straw, hay, or organic soil. Make sure the bedding allows for burrowing if your tortoise enjoys that, and is free of chemicals or pesticides.

Sand is fine for tortoises, especially if they are a desert species, but it should be used in moderation and mixed with soil to prevent impaction. Fine, non-calcium sand is best for safety.

Include items like rocks, logs, or plants for climbing and hiding. A shallow water dish should always be available for drinking and soaking, and the habitat should provide both a warm basking spot and a cooler area for temperature regulation.

Bedding should be spot-cleaned regularly to remove waste, and changed completely every 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of your tortoise and the type of bedding used. Be sure to keep the enclosure dry to avoid mold and bacteria growth.

Fruit flies themselves are not harmful, but they can create an unsanitary environment. Keeping the enclosure clean will prevent any potential health issues for your tortoise.

Daily spot cleaning to remove waste and uneaten food is essential. A full bedding change once a week or as needed will help keep flies at bay.

Beddings that retain less moisture, such as sand or a sand-soil mix, are generally less attractive to flies. Regular maintenance is still crucial regardless of the substrate.

Chemical treatments should be avoided in tortoise enclosures. Instead, use safe traps outside the enclosure to capture and reduce fruit fly populations.

Consider feeding your tortoises specially designed forages that are less prone to spoilage and mess. Check out our selection of bespoke forages at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk for healthy, safe options that also help fundraise for Guinea Garden Sanctuary and other rescues.

A tortoise table is one of the best options due to its open design, which allows for proper ventilation. Ensure it’s spacious enough for your tortoise to explore and regulate its temperature, with a minimum of 2-3 square feet per tortoise.

A mix of 70% soil and 30% sand is ideal. Coconut coir is another good option. Avoid wood shavings or bark, as these can cause respiratory problems and accidental ingestion.

Yes, UVB lighting is crucial for your tortoise's health. It helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease. Make sure to provide UVB for 12-14 hours a day.

Your tortoise will need a basking area that stays between 90-95°F, while the cooler side should be around 70-75°F. Use a combination of a basking light and a ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

A shallow dish that’s easy to access is best. Use a heavy, non-tip bowl like terracotta to avoid spills. Always ensure fresh, clean water is available.

For young Sulcata tortoises, a mix of coco coir or organic soil combined with play sand is ideal. This mixture allows for burrowing, maintains humidity, and helps create a naturalistic environment.

Ensure the habitat is spacious, with a minimum of 4x2 feet for a baby tortoise. Include a humid hide to help with temperature regulation, a shallow water dish for hydration, and areas for basking under a UVB light to support healthy growth and shell development.

The basking area should be around 95°F, while the cooler side of the habitat should be around 75°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 70°F. A reliable thermometer is essential for monitoring these temperatures.

A diet rich in grass hay (like timothy or orchard grass) should make up the bulk of their diet. You can also offer fresh leafy greens like dandelion greens, collard greens, and occasional safe vegetables. Avoid high-oxalate foods like spinach and kale in large quantities.

Yes! Herbal forages can be a fantastic addition to your tortoise's diet, providing variety and enrichment. Look for safe options, and consider our Healing Harvest Forage available at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk for a natural treat. Use code FREESHIP for free delivery!

Always have a shallow water dish available for your tortoise. Ensure the water is fresh and changed daily. You can also soak your tortoise in warm water for about 15-20 minutes a few times a week to help with hydration.

Use a UVB light designed for reptiles, ensuring it's positioned correctly within the habitat. Replace the bulb every 6-12 months, as UVB output decreases over time, even if the bulb still lights.

A blackened mouth on a tortoise can often be caused by food staining, especially from dark-colored greens like dandelions, clover, or other pigmented plants. However, it's essential to monitor the area for any other signs of infection, such as swelling or discharge, and consult a vet if you’re concerned.

Yes, certain plants like dandelions, clover, and other greens, especially dark-colored ones, can cause temporary staining on your tortoise’s mouth. This is usually harmless and should fade after cleaning or naturally over time.

While it can be normal if it’s just food staining, a black or discolored mouth can sometimes be a sign of a health issue, such as an infection or fungal condition. If the discoloration doesn’t wipe off easily or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s a good idea to consult a vet.

If your tortoise has some food stains, you can gently wipe the area with a damp, soft cloth. However, avoid using any harsh cleaning agents or scrubbing too hard. If the stains persist or if you notice signs of infection, see a vet for further advice.

If the stains don’t come off easily or if they are accompanied by swelling, unusual texture, or changes in behavior, it could be more than just food stains, and a vet visit would be recommended to rule out any health issues.

A diet consisting of safe, natural plants like clovers, dandelions, tortoise hay, and cactus is great for your tortoise. You can also explore specialised forage blends for tortoises that are designed to support their health. We offer a range of tortoise-friendly forages at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk.

Yes, providing a varied diet of natural forages and plants is essential for your tortoise’s health. It helps ensure they get the necessary nutrients and supports their natural behaviors. We offer healthy forage blends tailored for tortoises to keep them happy and well-fed.