A look at tortoises as pets and other less common friends

Tortoises and other friends

ALTHOUGH cats and dogs remain the UK’S most popular pets, the pet population includes many other much-loved animals, birds and fish, including over 700,000 reptiles.

Tortoises, in particular, have long been a favourite with children, though are less common since the ban on the sale of imported tortoises came into force.

You can still buy homebred tortoises, however. The Tortoise Protection Group (www.tortoise-protectiongroup.org.uk) has a list of approved breeders and also seeks new homes for pet tortoises who need to move on for whatever reason.

Tortoises are highly appealing, though they need a bit more than a patch of lawn and the odd lettuce leaf.

“Reptiles have particular care requirements, needing special housing, heating, UV lighting and a specific diet,” Tamara Labelle at Exoticdirect, insurers of exotic pets, explains. “This replicates their natural habitat, which is often a lot hotter than the UK!

“Tortoises, for example, need to be housed on a tortoise table – this is a table with raised sides that keeps them safe, enabling you to also provide the correct heating and lighting for them.

“They need exposure to plenty of UV lighting, which they can get through special UV lights. Don’t just rely on the UK sunshine to provide their lighting requirements, as we know that this is very unreliable!

“UV lighting helps the body produce vitamin D3, which helps to metabolise calcium for their bones and shells.

“Tortoises also need a basking lamp to help keep them warm and a ceramic heat emitter to help maintain an ambient temperature on the tortoise table.

“Diet is also important – a selection of plants and calcium supplements should be provided. Finally, you will need to let your tortoise get out and about.

“However, you should make sure they’re very secure to prevent escape. Your garden should be tortoise proofed, with a tortoise run provided.

“Tortoises make fantastic pets and can live to well over a hundred years of age.

“Imagine the tales they could tell!”