The tortoise
A protected animal that will outlive you
Tortoises (Testudo) are animals protected under CITES. Keeping one requires documents proving a legal origin, and their very long life expectancy makes them a commitment that spans generations.
| Life expectancy | 50 to 80 years and more |
|---|---|
| Social life | Solitary |
| Level required | Intermediate (a lifelong commitment) |
| Legal framework | Certificate of competence required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- CITES documents / proof of legal origin are compulsory — ask for them when you buy.
- A secure outdoor enclosure in summer and good hibernation conditions.
- A diet high in fibre and low in protein.
- Marking/identification is often required.
Key health points
- A diet that is too rich or unbalanced makes the shell grow into a "pyramid" shape (raised, bumpy scutes instead of a smooth dome): this is the visible sign of abnormal growth and of deficiencies, in particular calcium. It cannot be reversed, but it can be avoided — plenty of fibre, little protein, calcium and UVB.
- Hibernation is a delicate stage: if it is badly prepared (a sick tortoise, one that is too young, a poorly controlled temperature), it can be fatal. Never let your tortoise hibernate without a prior veterinary check of its condition and its weight.
- Discharge from the nose, open-mouth breathing or wheezing point to a respiratory infection (rhinitis), which is common and must not be ignored. Abscesses, often around the ears (a lump on the side of the head), are also common and must be seen.
In Switzerland: certificate of competence required Tortoises and many other species are protected under CITES: keeping them requires documents proving legal origin. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice Never buy a tortoise without its papers: without proof of legal origin, you are breaking the law.
Need a vet for this species? Few practices are trained in exotic pets. Find an exotic pet vet · Au Furet practice.
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