Sulcata Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), also known as African Spurred Tortoises, are impressive reptiles renowned for their rapid growth and potential for large size, making them one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Native to the arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, they have specific and demanding care requirements. To help you successfully raise a healthy Sulcata, we offer two comprehensive guides from expert sources for you to download.
These detailed resources cover everything crucial for Sulcata Tortoise Care, including understanding their natural habitat and behavior (like burrowing), setting up appropriate indoor and extensive outdoor enclosures, providing a strict high-fiber, low-protein diet, managing essential environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and identifying common health issues. Download both guides to gain a complete and well-rounded understanding of how to provide optimal care for your Sulcata Tortoise throughout its long life.
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital ("ZPEH") and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) are popular, active tortoises native to Southern Europe. Known for their engaging personalities and moderate size, they make rewarding pets for those prepared to meet their specific needs. This detailed guide provides essential information on the husbandry and diet of Hermann's Tortoises.
Inside this document, you'll find quick facts about the species, details on their natural habitat and behavior (including male aggression), how to properly identify them, recommendations for setting up appropriate indoor and outdoor enclosures (substrate, temperature, lighting, water), crucial dietary needs focusing on high-fiber foods, essential supplementation, and recognizing common health issues. Download this guide to ensure your Hermann's Tortoise receives the expert care it deserves.
Provide your Hermann's Tortoise with expert care.
Download the comprehensive Husbandry & Diet Guide now!
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital ("ZPEH") and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
Russian Tortoises (Testudo [Agrionemys] horsfieldii), known for their active personalities and relatively small size among tortoises, make wonderful companions. To provide the best possible care for these fascinating reptiles, access to reliable information is crucial. We've made two comprehensive guides available for you to download, offering detailed insights into Russian Tortoise husbandry, diet, and health from expert sources.
These guides cover everything from creating the ideal indoor or outdoor enclosure, understanding their dietary needs for a high-fiber, herbivorous diet, managing temperature and humidity, providing essential lighting (including UVB), and recognizing common health concerns. Download both resources to get a well-rounded understanding of how to keep your Russian Tortoise healthy, happy, and safe.
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital ("ZPEH") and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
The Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca), despite its name, hails from regions in North Africa, Turkey, and South-central Asia. These fascinating tortoises make wonderful pets, known for their distinctive appearance and hardy nature. Providing proper care is essential for their long-term health and well-being.
This detailed guide offers crucial information on Greek Tortoise husbandry and diet. You'll learn how to identify this specific subspecies, set up an appropriate indoor or outdoor enclosure with correct heating, lighting (including UVB), and substrate, understand their necessary high-fiber diet, and recognize common health issues. Download this guide to ensure your Greek Tortoise receives the expert care it deserves.
Provide your Greek Tortoise with the best possible care.
Download the comprehensive Care Guide now!
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital ("ZPEH") and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
For many species of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises (collectively known as chelonians), hibernation is a natural and essential part of their life cycle. However, managing hibernation in captivity requires careful planning and knowledge to ensure your pet's health and safety. This detailed guide provides comprehensive information on chelonian hibernation.
Inside this document, you will find crucial details on identifying which species hibernate, preparing your chelonian for this dormant period, choosing the right hibernation environment (controlled indoor vs. outdoor), maintaining appropriate temperatures, monitoring their condition during hibernation, and safely bringing them out of hibernation. This resource is vital for any chelonian owner whose pet requires hibernation.
Ensure a safe and successful hibernation for your chelonian.
Download the comprehensive hibernation guide now!
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital ("ZPEH") and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
These lovely tortoises are found throughout the southern edge of the Sahara and throughout Southern Africa Sundan to Ethiopia. They survive extreme climate extremes in the wild that includes the hot arid desert, scrub lands and savannahs. They are the largest mainland tortoise in Africa, second to the Sulcata tortoise. When breeding occurs, a female may lay up to 6 clutches a year and 8-10 egg clutches are deposited. Eggs should be kept in vermiculite at 28C at 70-80% humidity, hatchlings arise after 180 days incubation. When available, they should be kept in outdoor enclosures.
Indoors: For hatchlings a 40-75 Gallon tank or 4ft by 2 ft area is appropriate. We strongly ADVISE ADULTS BE HOUSED OUTSIDE. Indoor enclosures should replicate their natural habit. There should be an under the tank heater, heat lamps, and UVB lighting (full spectrum). Please MAKE SURE you have a UVB light. The substrate should be a soil/peat mixture, cypress mulch or piece of lawn. Avoid bark, sand, millet, walnut shells, or any substrate that is small enough to be ingested, as MANY reptiles present with substrate impactions. A shallow bowel of water should be in the enclosure ( larger enough for them to soak in). Please soak them in a shallow bowl of warm water twice a week for 10 minutes. This encourages drinking and defecation.
Outdoor enclosures provided during the summer should be protected from predators, heavily planted with scrubs and have rocky hides, and should include additional shade/hide. All tortoises should be brought in during colder seasons. Outdoor pens should include a shade area, and small ornamental scrubs, trees. Outdoor pens for winter should include heated housing, with the housing elevated from the ground. Farrowing heating pads (pig blankets) in enclosures help maintain warm temperatures. Ceiling suspended ceramic heaters are recommended.
The temperature range at all times should be 80-85F in the daytime with a basking site at 90-95F. At night, the temperature should NOT DROP BELOW 75F.
There diet should mainly consist of broad leafy weeds and grass hay (timothy hay, orchard hay). They require a high fiber diet (clover, plaintain weeds, sow thistle, dandelions, spineless Opuntia cactus pads, prickly pears, and succulents). Veggies containing a lot of moisture should be limited. Dark leafy greens should supplement the grass and weed diet. We recommend dandelion greens, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, romaine, escarole, endive, and red leaf lettuce. Dill, mint, cilantro, and parsley make great treats. These dark leafy greens are high in calcium and in vitamins A and C. These guys like petals and blossoms as well, so try hibiscus, clover, dandelion, and grape leaves (pesticide and herbicide free). Avoid a lot of kale and spinach, as it binds up their nutritional calcium. Dust the veggies with RepCal powder, a calcium powder that contains calcium and Vitamin D3. Reptimin Vitamin supplement may also be used to mix with food to help with Vitamin A. Iceberg lettuce does NOT contain the nutrition they needs. Always offer fresh water and change it daily.
Any changes in appetite and defecation should be noted and you should call the veterinarian. To learn more about your reptile, visit www. kingsnake.com , www.chelonia.org, and www.anapsid.org. It was a pleasure working with your pet today, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Learn more about Leopard Tortoise care.
Download the comprehensive Husbandry & Diet Guide now!
Terms of Use:
This informational pamphlet is provided as a courtesy to our clients and is intended for educational purposes only. The information contained herein reflects general guidelines and should not be construed as definitive veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified veterinarian. The specific needs of individual pets may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives care tailored to its unique requirements.
While we endeavour to provide accurate and up-to-date information, veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and some information may become outdated or be superseded by new research findings. The clinic assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or variances in treatment outcomes based on the information provided in this pamphlet.
Furthermore, the references to products, medications, or treatments within this pamphlet do not imply endorsement by the clinic. Pet owners should verify the appropriateness of any product or treatment with their veterinarian.
In case of any signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioural changes in your pet, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to the effective management of veterinary health issues.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic directly. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your pet.
This pamphlet is the property of Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital (“ZPEH”) and is not intended for commercial use or distribution without express permission from ZPEH.
