How To Take Care Of A Tortoise?

Desert tortoises can grow really large, so make sure that you have a backyard for it to run around in. However, when the tortoise is a baby, you can keep it in a heated box.

Feeding a Desert Tortoise: When you feed a desert tortoise, always remember that they LOVE red things (they LOVE EATING TOMATOES!!!!), so don't wear red pants, skirts, shoes or socks. Desert Tortoises will eat lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, broccoli and celery.

Cleaning up after a Desert tortoise: Well, desert tortoises poop can be bigger than a Labrador Retriever's. So, you will probably need to use a shovel, instead of a bag (unless that bag is REALLY strong.)!

I'm not sure about the information above......I've done some extensive research on being a great Desert tortoise momma, and from what I have read, fruit is NOT GOOD for desert tortoise, as it can upset their natural digestive flora (gives them diarrhea). It is best to stick with a native diet ( does NOT include lettuce!!).Mine loves mulberry, grape leaves, and hibiscus leaves & flowers, 80% of her diet is Bermuda grass & other native grass and (de-throned) cactus ( w/flowers and fruit, she would eat in the wild)...I live in CA in the desert so we're native. Make sure water in present, at all times, in a shallow container ( I use a plant pot drain dish ) she likes to sit in it. Do NOT use anything they can not get out of or that is too deep, tortoises can not swim! We have an outdoor habitat, as natural sunlight is best, she has a shady spot under a rosemary bush that she loves! Give them a burrow (half pipe will do) and these guys will dig! So make sure they don't dig out of they're enclosure (bricks, or pavers around the enclosure will help prevent this) Check out tortoise.org , it helped me out immensely! Because desert tortoise's are endangered species, a permit is required to care for these lil' guys, as well as a great deal of respect and care! They are a lot of responsibility!