Tortoise for sale in the Netherlands

Tortoises: behaviour and suitability

Tortoises walk, dig, bask and seek dispersed food. Co-housing causes ramming and biting in many species. A male-female pair is not automatically social or safe. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Identify the species and provide suitable weeds or plant diet, UVB, calcium, dry and humid microzones and much walking room. Hibernation applies only to certain healthy species and requires expert preparation. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Ask about chip or photo identification, original CITES documents, species, weight curve and housing. Check eyes, nose, mouth, shell and gait and do not buy an animal with pyramiding or missing papers. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.