A tortoise is a wonderful pet to have, but they have specific needs and some basic requirements.

If cared for properly a tortoise will have a very long lifespan, with many living to be over 100 years old.

When deciding whether or not a tortoise is right for you, you should think about where it will live,

What conditions it will need and how much time and attention you will need to provide.

What essentials do I need?

Begin by collecting all of the equipment that you will need for looking after a tortoise.

• Vivexotic Viva Tortoise Table - 90cm x 45cm x 21.5cm
• Exo Terra Reptile Feeding Dish
• Habistat Hamp Substrate
• Exo Terra Dial Thermometer
• Exo Terra Glow Light & Reflector
• Exo Terra Mercury Vapour Solar Glo Lamp
• Exo Terra Heat Mat

How do I house a tortoise?

The right tortoise house is essential and sadly many tortoises do not thrive in a classic Vivarium style enclosure.

Unlike a standard reptile vivarium, the Vivexotic Viva Tortoise Table has been designed specifically for tortoises and features a removable tray, a play area and a stand. 

The base of the pen has a metal skirt, which will prevent your tortoise from climbing and falling onto its back.

The top of the pen has a table area where light and heat lamps can be fitted and the base tray is removable so that you can use this pen outdoors, placing it directly onto the grass.

The tortoise table is quick and easy to set up, but if you need a little bit of help putting it together here is a helpful instructional video.

What conditions does the tortoise need to have?

As much as possible you should try to mimic the natural environment that your tortoise would have lived in.

Also be aware that if the tortoise enclosure is too moist it may encourage fungal growth, which can affect their health.

You should include a basking area in the enclosure, as well as some shade so that your tortoise can move around and regulate their body temperature as required.

Ideally the optimal temperatures in the tortoise enclosure should be between 21-32 degrees celsius.

Exo Terra in particular are well known for making quality heating and lighting products for exotic pets. 

What will I need to feed my tortoise?

Our range of feeding bowls have a natural effect, are easy to clean and are non-porous.

They are designed to blend into the surroundings so that your tortoise will feel like it is foraging in the wild.

The main part of your tortoises diet will be made up of fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, with some vegetation like dandelions for example.

They will require protein from small live insects such as mealworms or crickets and fruit can also make up a small percentage of their diet.

Calcium is particularly important to a tortoise, so be sure to add a supplement to their food twice a week.

Once you have your tortoise enclosure ready, you will be able to look forward to a long and happy companionship.

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