Tortoise

Overgrown beaks and nails occur when tortoises lack rough surfaces or a varied diet to wear them down naturally.^[1]

Shell rot - a bacterial or fungal infection of the shell - can develop from damp conditions or injuries.^[1]

Tortoises frequently suffer from dehydration, as owners may not realise how much water they need.^[1]

Ear abscesses appear relatively often in tortoises and usually show as a visible swelling beside the head.^[1]

Intestinal parasites such as worms and protozoa are commonly found in tortoises, especially those kept outdoors.^[1]

Tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, often triggered by cold, damp or draughty environments.^[1]

Metabolic bone disease is common when tortoises lack proper UVB lighting or calcium in their diet.^[1]

Bladder stones can form, often linked to dehydration or a diet too high in protein.^[1]

Runny nose syndrome is a well-recognised chronic respiratory condition seen particularly in Mediterranean tortoise species.^[1]

Egg binding (dystocia) is a known risk in female tortoises if suitable nesting conditions are not provided.^[1]

Tortoises frequently suffer from vitamin A deficiency, which can affect eyes, skin and immune health.^[1]

Tortoises are slow-moving and calm by nature, rarely showing aggression, which makes them generally easy to handle with care.^[1]

They are solitary animals and do not seek social interaction, so do not expect them to enjoy being held for long periods.^[1]

When stressed or startled, a tortoise will retreat into its shell - give it time and quiet to come back out on its own.^[1]

Support the full body with both hands when picking one up, as dangling or uneven support causes stress and can lead to struggling.^[1]

Tortoises have a strong instinct to walk and explore, so allow supervised time on a flat, safe surface during any handling session.^[1]

They can scratch with their clawed feet when held, so hold them level and be prepared for leg movement against your hands.^[1]

Tortoises are not social with other animals and should be kept away from dogs, cats, or other pets during any visit.^[1]

They are most active during warmer parts of the day and may be sluggish or unresponsive in cool temperatures - this is normal.^[1]

They are solitary animals and do not need or seek social interaction, so quiet, low-stress handling is best.^[1]

When picked up, support the full body firmly with both hands - never hold them by just one side of the shell.^[1]

Tortoises may retract into their shell when startled, so approach slowly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.^[1]

They are most active during warmer parts of the day and will become sluggish if their environment is too cool.^[1]

Tortoises do not enjoy being handled frequently - keep sessions short and return them to their enclosure promptly.^[1]

Wash hands thoroughly after handling, as tortoises can carry Salmonella on their skin and shell.^[1]

Never place a tortoise on its back - it causes stress and they can struggle to right themselves.^[1]

Tortoises can carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing sick - always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them or cleaning their enclosure.^[1]

Never kiss your tortoise or let it roam in food-preparation areas, as this reduces the chance of spreading germs to your mouth or food surfaces.^[1]

Children under 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should take extra care around tortoises and ideally have another adult handle cleaning duties.^[1]

Clean your tortoise's tank or enclosure outside or in a utility sink - not in the kitchen sink - to keep Salmonella away from surfaces used for food.^[1]

Tortoises may carry internal parasites that are shed in their droppings - dispose of waste promptly and wash hands well to prevent any accidental spread.^[1]

Tortoises can carry Salmonella bacteria without looking sick - always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them or cleaning their enclosure.^[1]

Salmonella can spread through contact with a tortoise's habitat, food dishes, or water - clean these items away from kitchen sinks and food prep areas.^[1]

Children under 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella - extra handwashing care is especially important for these groups.^[1]

Avoid kissing tortoises or touching your face after handling them - this simple habit greatly reduces any risk of picking up germs they may carry.^[1]

Tortoises can occasionally carry internal parasites - routine vet check-ups help keep your pet healthy and reduce any potential risk to the household.^[1]

Despite being unable to swim, tortoises can survive months without food or fresh water, allowing them to drift across more than 740 km of open ocean.^[1]

A tortoise named Tu'i Malila, gifted to the Tongan royal family by explorer James Cook around 1777, lived to the remarkable age of 188 years.^[1]

Red-footed tortoises completely lack a hippocampus - the brain region linked to memory, emotion and navigation - and may use a different area to make decisions.^[1]

Timothy, a female tortoise, served as a Royal Navy mascot aboard warships for 38 years before retiring to a Devon castle, where she lived to around 165 years old.^[1]

Several unrelated tortoise lineages independently evolved giant body sizes through convergent evolution, meaning 'giant tortoise' appeared multiple times in history.^[1]

Young tortoises hatch with a built-in egg sac that fuels them for up to seven days before they are strong enough to search for food on their own.^[1]

Even strictly plant-eating tortoise species will sometimes let their youngsters munch on worms or insect larvae to get the extra protein they need to grow.^[1]

Tortoises rely on smell rather than sight to identify the sex of other tortoises when searching for a mate, since their shell limits visual signalling.^[1]