Desert Tortoise Care Information

The desert tortoise is a species of tortoise native to the Mohave and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The desert tortoise is the official state reptile in California and Nevada. In the wild it spends most of its time in burrows, rock shelters, and pallets to regulate body temperature and reduce w

The desert tortoise is a species of tortoise native to the Mohave and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The desert tortoise is the official state reptile in California and Nevada. In the wild it spends most of its time in burrows, rock shelters, and pallets to regulate body temperature and reduce water loss. Desert tortoises, along with most tortoise species, begin their day by coming out to bask in the morning sun for an hour or so and then begin their hunt for food. Once that venture has been satisfied they will look for shade to rest during the heat of the day. As the temperature begins to cool around 5 pm or so, they’ll come out once again to graze. Best practice is to plant native grasses, shrubs and vegetation in their enclosure so they don’t lose that foraging instinct.

These tortoises may attain a length of 10” to 14” with males being slightly larger than females. A male tortoise has a longer, curved gular horn (the protrusion under their neck) than a female, his plastron (lower shell) is concave compared to a female tortoise. Males have larger tails than females do which they tuck to the side. Their shells are somewhat high-domed, and greenish-tan to dark brown in color. Desert tortoises can range in weight from 8 to 15 pounds. The front limbs have sharp, flattened scales conducive for digging. Back legs are skinnier and longer.

Diet

Tortoises normally graze on vegetation in the desert so a similar diet allowing the tortoise to graze on lawn grasses is healthiest. Your enclosure should consist of 90% pasture or lawn grasses and weeds (dandelion greens preferably) with availability to flowers (roses, hibiscus. nasturtium, etc.) grape vines, mulberry leaves, and succulents. Tortoises love to eat most things “red”, as in bell peppers, watermelon, flowers, tomatoes, etc. The diet can be occasionally supplemented with leafy vegetables but avoid kale, spinach, and broccoli as they tend to bind the calcium in the tortoise’s digestive system. Fruit should only be offered as a special treat and no more than once or twice a month. Powdered calcium and/or cuttlebones are a good addition for growing tortoises. Diets which are high in water, protein or fat content can cause bladder stones and bone disease. It’s essential to provide a large, shallow water dish for your tortoise to soak in at their leisure as they would in the desert after the rain.  

 Provide an escape-proof, solid border that does not allow the tortoise to dig under, see through or climb out. There should be an 18” barrier across the bottom of any gate/opening to prevent escape if the gate is accidentally left open. The enclosure should be a minimum 15’x15’ and planted with grass, succulents, weeds, native bushes and

 Provide an escape-proof, solid border that does not allow the tortoise to dig under, see through or climb out. There should be an 18” barrier across the bottom of any gate/opening to prevent escape if the gate is accidentally left open. The enclosure should be a minimum 15’x15’ and planted with grass, succulents, weeds, native bushes and non-poisonous plants. The tortoise needs access to shelter and shade, as well as a place to bask in the sun. If possible consider facing the tortoise house opening to the east so they can enjoy the morning rays.  

Tortoises usually dig burrows for shelter in the wild. If allowed to do so in your yard, be diligent about covering the entire upper, exposed area with a tarp or other waterproof material to avoid the accumulation of excessive moisture within the burrow. Continued exposure to too much humidity will eventually create respiratory problems.

Tortoises usually dig burrows for shelter in the wild. If allowed to do so in your yard, be diligent about covering the entire upper, exposed area with a tarp or other waterproof material to avoid the accumulation of excessive moisture within the burrow. Continued exposure to too much humidity will eventually create respiratory problems. Outside housing is a must and should be approximately 3’x3’x2’ with a hinged roof and a door that can be latched at night to protect against predators (raccoons, rodents). The tortoise is most content when he/she can come and go at will. In humid conditions the house can be heated with a 25 watt bulb to burn out moisture.

 Desert tortoises should always be allowed to hibernate. It’s in their genetic makeup and is important for their overall well being. They need a quiet, dry place to hibernate for three to five months during the winter, usually November through March. The optimum temperature for hibernation is a constant 40 to 55 degrees. A rodent proof, w

 Desert tortoises should always be allowed to hibernate. It’s in their genetic makeup and is important for their overall well being. They need a quiet, dry place to hibernate for three to five months during the winter, usually November through March. The optimum temperature for hibernation is a constant 40 to 55 degrees. A rodent proof, water proof plastic tub with small holes on the sides, placed inside the tortoise house in the coolest area of your yard works well but a cardboard box with shredded newspaper in a cool closet will suffice. It’s not advisable for tortoises to hibernate in underground burrows in San Diego as they often get sick due to the humidity. If temperatures fluctuate too drastically during hibernation it can stress the animal.  

 All turtles and tortoises should be kept outside. We recommend that you quarantine your new tortoise for a short period unless this is the first tortoise to occupy your yard. Turtle and tortoise species should be contained separately since they have different habitats and eating requirements. Tortoises do not need a companion! They are h

 All turtles and tortoises should be kept outside. We recommend that you quarantine your new tortoise for a short period unless this is the first tortoise to occupy your yard. Turtle and tortoise species should be contained separately since they have different habitats and eating requirements. Tortoises do not need a companion! They are happiest when allowed to be the sole occupant in their habitat as they are in the wild. When stressed, tortoises can develop a runny nose and watery eyes. Usually this will clear up in a few days if the tortoise is kept warm and quiet. Squirting saline solution into their nostrils once daily for a few days is often effective. If the runny nose is persistent or turns into wheezing, coughing or other medical problems, the tortoise should be seen by a veterinarian. A list of vets specializing in tortoise care is available on our website. 

 California Desert Tortoises are a threatened species in the wild although prolific in captivity. It is illegal to own one without a permit, remove them from the desert or return a captive tortoise to the wild. Most legitimate tortoise rescue groups always have desert tortoises available for adoption to homes which can meet the requiremen

 California Desert Tortoises are a threatened species in the wild although prolific in captivity. It is illegal to own one without a permit, remove them from the desert or return a captive tortoise to the wild. Most legitimate tortoise rescue groups always have desert tortoises available for adoption to homes which can meet the requirements listed above. Permits can be obtained from the Fish and Wildlife’s website.