Severely deformed juvenile C. sulcata with classic 'pyramiding' and darkened, thick keratin Influence of environmental humidity and...

A. C. Highfield Wildflowers, tortoises, and some interesting observations on microclimates, temperatures, and UV-B exposures! There has...

Some of the fascinating strategies wild tortoises use when experiencing very heavy rain in their natural habitats. The substrate, while...

Caesalpinia gilliesii seed pods are toxic to tortoises Different species of animal vary widely in their susceptibilities to individual...

The Tortoise Myth Busters - Episode 8 As usual, let's start by looking at some of the (very confident!) misleading advice seen on this subject: "If you warm a tortoise up too fast it will die from the shock" "Never take a tortoise from a cold area and warm it up right away. Allow at least 8 hours for it to gently adjust" "Warm your tortoise up slowly, over several days" This is really poor advice and in no way at all refelects what really happens in nature. Furthermore, it pl

'Hotspots' caused by artificial heat lamp in close proximity while most of the body remains too cold. An important consideration for all keepers. A subject that the 'reptile industry' carefully avoids. This is an updated version of an article that we originally published several years ago. by A. C. Highfield Introduction This article is a summary of research that has been conducted over many years. The initial impetus came from an earlier study (2009) into environmental cond

A specialist ophthalmic exam will be required to establish the extent of the damage. Andy C. Highfield The recent winter proved to be one of the coldest on recent record in the UK, with overnight temperatures plummeting to below -24° Celsius in some places. One result of this is that there has been a huge increase in deaths in hibernation (brumation) due to freezing and also in frost-damaged tortoises that survived, albeit with problems. Since 1986, of course, we have distrib

Check weights before, during and following hibernation (brumation). Tortoises which emerge from hibernation (technically it is more...

Dr Mark R. Webb This species requires a relatively low-light, humid and forest-floor-like habitat. This article originally appeared in a...

by A. C. Highield/Tortoise Trust Hingeback tortoises are often rescued in very poor condition and can be challenging to rehabilitate. K. homeana - Homes Hingeback Tortoise Hingeback tortoises (Genus Kinixys) have an unenviable reputation as difficult' tortoises, particularly when newly imported or seized from the illegal wildlife trade. There are good reasons for this. To begin with, they undoubtedly stress easily, they have very specific requirements in terms not only of tem

The precise combination of 'triggers' that tell Mediterranean tortoises it is time to dig down for brumation (hibernation) over winter...

Recovery of natural vegetation after drought and rain. A short video report:

Juveniles and adults live in the same locations, in the same habitat, and experience exactly the same environmental conditions. They...

Understanding The Risks A recipe for disaster: multiple different Testudo from differing origins (North Africa and Turkey) mixed at high...

The Tortoise Mythbusters - Episode 8 Poppies are often listed as a 'no feed', but certainly some species are eaten by tortoises in the...

A. C. Highfield This article is a brief guide to how to handle some very common problems that arise in autumn during the period when...

This is a simplified, but updated, article including advice incorporating our latest research, experience and observations. Obtaining...

Andy C. Highfield A typical 'Tortoise Table' setup with overhead basking lamp 'Overwintering' is a term that is used to describe keeping...

By Sue Brooks 'Tortoise-tables' offer many advantages over enclosed vivariums. Here's how to make your own! This simple enclosure can be...

A Galapagos tortoise soaks on Isla Santa Cruz There is a considerable amount of misunderstanding on the subject of the water requirement...