In Phoenix, it is noted that while tortoises are not exactly known for their affectionate nature, there are tortoises that can be kept as lap pets. Unlike fluffy pets, tortoises do not play fetch or perform tricks, but they can still make great companion animals for those looking for a different kind of pet.
Moreover, pet tortoises are known to wag their tails, will come to greet you and some can even recognize their names, which is surprising considering their cold-blooded nature. These ancient creatures possess an unexpected degree of warmth that makes them attractive pets for families who have allergies to pet dander and retirees alike.
Following years of not having any pets (apart from a betta fish), my family and I finally decided to adopt a captive desert tortoise. True to their nature, the process of acquiring the pet was gradual and unhurried.
In the state of Arizona, where we reside, a captive desert tortoise adoption program is provided by the state authorities. Although this adoption is not accompanied by any fees, an application process is required, with photographs and a layout design for the tortoise’s new home. To prepare for the adoption, we dedicated hours setting up the tortoise’s habitat in our backyard, which included digging up rocks, making a burrow, and planting tortoise-friendly flora.
Crafting a habitat for a tortoise can be time-consuming; however, once the pet is settled in, it requires significantly less maintenance in comparison to other pets.
During the winter season, tortoises hibernate, a process known as brumation in the reptilian world. To keep them secure and warm, they require a snug den. In their natural habitat, they often create these dens on their own. A custom-made burrow can be erected for them to sleep in, using large PVC pipes, plastic garbage cans, or some cinder blocks with a roof made of Wonderboard.
According to Lynda Misiak, who oversees the desert tortoise permit process in California, families with children can derive additional benefits from the brumation process.
Misiak humorously remarks that during the brumation period, families can interact with the tortoise while it’s awake, play with it, and, once it falls asleep, leave it be. When the tortoise awakens in the spring, families are in for a nice surprise – a fresh start with a renewed pet!
Desert tortoises consume Bermuda grass, weeds, and several varieties of native plants that are rich in nutritious value, as they are herbivores. As they hail from desert climes, they do not require a daily intake of water due to their natural adaptation to such surroundings. Moreover, a solitary tortoise can do well as a pet as they are far more affectionate toward humans than to their own kind, says Sherri Graves of the nonprofit organization called Tortoise Group, which aims to assist individuals in adopting and rehoming tortoises.
Despite the amiability of tortoises, the Arizona Fish and Game Department offers an adoption program in light of the over-breeding issue among these creatures. The department is obligated to prohibit the release of captive tortoises into the wild because they tend to spread diseases to the dwindling native populations. Backyard breeding as well, which is now legal in Arizona, only continues to add to the problem of more baby tortoises than possible adoptive families. Taken together with their life span of over 50 years, the state sees hundreds of tortoises given up every year.
The reptile pet trade is often problematic, with the issue of poaching being of particular concern for some species of turtles. Therefore, selecting a reputable organization when considering adoption is highly advisable.
Tegan Wolf, who supervises Arizona’s adoption program, shares that there are approximately two hundred desert tortoises at her facility, with around 150 being babies. She explains that individuals continue to breed them in captivity, leading them to end up with numerous tortoises that are way too large to maintain in the long run.
We recently met up with Wolf on an Arizona day soaked in the sun to collect our desert tortoise, whom we named Dotty because of the light brown spots on her shell. Dotty is almost a foot (30 cm) long, with sturdy legs designed for digging. Her neck may extend several inches, and she sports a bubblegum-pink tongue that protrudes whenever she eats.
Our first impression of Dotty: she is extremely inquisitive. Just minutes after we left, she climbed up the edge of the cardboard box in which she was travelling and raised her head to take a closer look at her surroundings.
Dotty’s other unexpected traits include her swifter-than-anticipated speed, which we initially observed as she explored the backyard energetically. We were genuinely surprised by how amiable she was, cheerfully scuttling up to greet us every time we visited her, occasionally even snuggling into our laps while we sat cross-legged in her enclosure. Contrary to popular cartoons, when she sleeps, she doesn’t curl up inside her shell. Instead, she spreads out her limbs, with her head often oscillating sideways.
However, it is recommended to exercise caution when handling tortoises since, like other reptiles, they can harbor salmonella bacteria that poses a risk to human health, particularly in children. Therefore, thorough hand hygiene becomes crucial after personal interaction with them.
Dotty, being a native of Arizona, finds it convenient to thrive in our backyard, considering she is compatible with the Sonora Desert’s habitat. She enjoys grazing on our lawn the most, but occasionally we supplement her diet with some fresh garden vegetation or pick wildflowers to give her as treats. There are several additional varieties of tortoises that individuals keep as pets, like the African sulcata, which is a popular choice despite being the largest mainland tortoise that can easily surpass 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in weight and 2 ½ feet (76 centimeters) in length. Their size and prolonged lifespan can add additional stress to uninformed pet owners, increasing the likelihood of rehoming them.
Misiak said, “Sulcatas pose a significant concern in California. Individuals adopt them without having an adequate understanding of their upkeep.” Therefore, owning such tortoises can be disadvantageous, increasing the chance of abandonment.
Wolf suggested that desert tortoises, being native to the Southwest, are ideal for those residing in that region.
According to Wolf, native desert tortoises seem more suitable for backyard habitats, as they don’t dig huge holes or displace any outdoor furniture, unlike the sulcatas. Adult desert tortoises typically grow to a little over a foot (30 centimeters) in length and weigh about 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kilograms).
For individuals residing in colder regions, there are other subspecies of tortoises, such as the smaller Russian tortoises that can be housed indoors in heated enclosures.
However, one crucial aspect to bear in mind when considering pet ownership of tortoises is their longevity. As Misiak advises, tortoises are long-term commitments.