Kevin Bell A common question new tortoise owners ask is, Does pyramiding hurt my tortoise? In this blog post, I will discuss the possible causes and contributing factors to calcium pyramids in captive chelonians. Pyramiding in tortoises occurs when an animal does not receive enough dietary calcium to meet their requirements. This results in the skeleton being … Read more
Turtles can generally eat grapefruit. In many cases, feeding them grapefruit can be a healthy addition to their diet. They can especially benefit from eating the rind, because it’s a rich source of dietary fiber and can help alleviate constipation in turtles. Feeding your pet turtle grapefruit can also make him feel full so that … Read more
For best results your turtle basking platform should be at least twice the length of your turtle to allow him/her to completely stretch out. Anchoring it down will also prevent tipping and stranding on a submerged edge when he/she gravitates toward one side while basking, or entering after falling over vertically into the water (never … Read more
Brussels sprouts can be a real treat for tortoises. These tasty veggies can add color and variety to your turtle’s diet. The can also provide valuable vitamins and minerals that can keep your pet happy, healthy, and active. Letting your tortoise have access to brussels sprouts will depend on the age of the creature as … Read more
The term lizard has a specific meaning to scientists, and that meaning does not include turtles. Therefore, turtles are not lizards. Simply put, most species of turtle are reptiles that belong to the taxonomic order Testudines, while lizards are vertebrates belonging to the taxonomic order Lacertilia. The two orders are very distinct from one another … Read more
Turtles are reptiles, not mammals. Reptiles are a group of cold-blooded animals that are distinguished by their dry scaly skin and their ability to breathe air. They are considered “cold blooded” because they are unable to control or regulate their own body temperature, so must rely on external sources for heat. This is in contrast to … Read more