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Marginated Tortoise Care Sheet
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Before buying a new pet marginated tortoise for sale, it is important to research care and information about the animal in order to understand it’s needs to have a happy, healthy life.
The marginated tortoise ( Scientific name: Testudo marginata) is one of three species of tortoises found in Europe. It is also the largest. They are mainly found in Greece. They are also located in lesser numbers in the Balkans and Italy. An adult can weigh up to 10 pounds and have a shell length of up to 14 inches. These tortoises have a dark carapace with yellow markings. As the tortoise matures, the shell elongates and flares out in the back, thus the name. The marginated tortoise is herbivorous and hibernates in the winter. They live more in the mountainous regions. The marginated tortoise is quite relaxed and calm, although they can be quite territorial in the wild. These tortoises can potentially live to be 100 years old. The marginated tortoise can no longer be collected and exported. Captive breeding is the only way to ensure survival of the species.
DIET
The marginated tortoise lives exclusively off the plant life that is native to the European region it inhabits. This includes flowers, grass, weeds, and anything else it can find.
FOOD
Marginated tortoises are not picky eaters, so it is easy to find the right type of food for them. This should include dandelions, lettuce, clover, watercress, honeysuckle, kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnip, spinach, and peppers. Include a small amount of fruit as well, avoiding citrus fruit. Commercial pet food can be purchased but fresh, organic food is always the best way to go. Always ensure that the food was not treated with fertilizers or pesticides. This can cause severe health problems for the tortoise.
HOUSING
Since the marginated tortoise grows slowly, an enclosure at least 36 inches in length can be used for a small tortoise. This is equivalent in length to a 40 gallon aquarium. A vivarium setup is ideal for the tortoise. A glass enclosure will keep the humidity too high. Live plants should be used rather than plastic or silk. The tortoise will not be able to tell the difference, and eat them. That is one reason to always keep fresh vegetables on hand so that the tortoise is not tempted to eat its decor. Although tortoises are strictly land animals, a shallow bowl of clean, dechlorinated water should be kept in their enclosure. They like to dip their heads and soak. For substrate it is best to use beechwood chips or other large bark substrate. Do not use any type of sand. This can be ingested by the tortoise and cause respiratory problems.Include something for the tortoise to climb on. Ensure that it is not too steep.
Housing tortoises together should be done by sexed pairs. Putting two males together will cause territorial issues. A male and female can reside together suitably. The enclosure must be large enough to house them, so the size of the habitat must reflect the size and number of the tortoises.
TEMPERATURE
Marginated tortoises can tolerate temperatures from 78F to 80F. Temperatures should not drop below 60F for a nighttime temperature. Keeping a temperature gauge in the enclosure to monitor the temperature is a good idea.
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