Pet Turtles : How to Care for a Desert Tortoise

A desert tortoise's environment should have a mixture of sand, some rocks to climb on and heat lamps. Take care of desert tortoises and provided a proper diet with tips from a reptile specialist in this free video on turtle care.

Expert: James Dix
Bio: James Dix is the founder and owner of Reptile Rescue Service in Salt Lake City, UT. Dix has been working with reptiles for 37 years.
Filmmaker: Michael Burton

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• turtles
• tortoises
• pet turtles
• pet tortoises
• turtle care
• snapping turtles
• reptiles
• painted turtles
• turtle diets
• turtle behavior
• exotic pets
• turtle food

[BetterDoYourHomeWork]

I realize that tortoise is small... But desert tortoises are NOT meant to be kept in small space like that. My desert tortoise is an outside pet, and actually has the entire backyard to run. She even goes to sleep in the dog house at night. The tortoise in the video is small, but eventually needs to be outside, and NEEDS sunshine.

[bluemystic7502]

This guy could use a little exercise himself. 

[gitana9645]

Hi

[SirMarlon69]

Do these pets need special treatments.. And also how big do the containers need to be. In order for it to doing exercise. Im 14 and I really want one for my birthday. Thankd

[2138red]

@BetterDoYourHomeWork thanks for the info. 

[BetterDoYourHomeWork]

@2138red My desert tortoise hibernates from fall to spring. I put her in a box and stick her in the garage in a safe place. She is 15 years old and healthy. Do a google search on desert tortoise hibernation to find out more details.

[2138red]

@BetterDoYourHomeWork what do you so with the turtle during winter? i was thinking of getting one but i would be worried about them during winter.

[RobbytheLion]

@rifasba I haven't found any reccomended live cactus species in my research. But fresh nopales (prickly pear pads) are great food for tortoises. You don't even need to peel them. Tortoises eat them, spines and all.

[crazyRCplane]

@rifasba

you shouldn't use real cactuses cause they might hurt the turtle. try using fake cactuses.

[rifasba]

What cactuses can i use for my tortoise?

[DubstepTiger]

Thanks for the info, u need a haircut

[StretchReality]

@bluemystic7502 what a troll