Tortoises

Tortoises do best if they can live in an outdoor pen, at least for part of the year. Tortoises that are kept indoors can become quite stressed and suffer health problems as a result. Building a custom indoor enclosure is the best way to house tortoises indoors if the outdoor option is not available.

A look at the general care of tortoises and some resources around the Net, from your About.com guide.

Profile of the leopard tortoise and very basic care guide.

Profile of the Hermann's tortoise and very basic care guide.

Profile of the Horsfiled's tortoise (also known as the Russian tortoise) and very basic care guide.

Profile of the red footed tortoise and very basic care guide.

Profile of the sulcata tortoise and very basic care guide.

By Melissa Kaplan, a brief discussion of this species in captivity and in the wild.

From the California Turtle and Tortoise club archives, care information.

A  recipe for a well balanced diet for desert tortoises, by Melissa Kaplan.

A description of the proper use of the Jackson Ratio (weight to length ratio) to determine the health of tortoises (particularly suitability for hibernating). From the British Chelonia Group.

Off the Slowcoach Tortoise site, a thorough care guide to Mediterranean tortoises, including some photos to illustrate the different species

By Michael J. Connor, a description and care information for pancake tortoises.

By Andy Highfield, a thorough discussion of ensuring a healthy outcome for hibernating tortoises (mainly Mediterranean tortoises). Also discusses healthy diets.

A site devoted to tortoises owners - UK based, primarily Mediterranean tortoises are covered but useful information for any tortoise owner.

A quick description of this process for providing a permanent record of plastron pattern for identification purposes. British Chelonia Group.

Gout symptoms and information relating to reptile gout.

Find out if leopard tortoises eat meat.