Can you have a desert tortoise as a pet?

Desert tortoises have been kept in captivity for many years. While captive maintenance of pet desert tortoises is legal, there are laws and guidelines for keeping them in captivity. In most areas, it is illegal to collect wild desert tortoises for pets.

How do I identify a Sonoran desert tortoise?

They are found primarily between 900-4,200 ft/275-1,280 m in elevation. Sonoran Desert tortoises have high domed shells that are brown with patterned growth lines (the bottom shell is yellow). Their front legs are flattened for digging and have scales, while the back legs are stocky.

What tortoises live in the desert?

Meet the Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has many names: Mojave desert tortoise (sometimes spelled Mohave), Agassiz’s desert tortoise, and simply desert tortoise.

What is the biggest desert tortoise?

The Largest Desert Tortoise: The largest desert tortoise recorded is a former pet tortoise from the Las Vegas Valley, affectionately named Monster. Monster came from a foreclosed home and was picked up by staff from the San Diego Zoo in 2011.

What is the difference between a desert tortoise and sulcata?

One of the more common pet tortoises in Arizona is the African spur thigh tortoise (sulcata). They look similar to desert tortoises, but can be larger size (more than 15 pounds) and have enlarged scales or what appear to be “spurs” on the back legs.

How long does it take for a desert tortoise to be full grown?

Desert tortoises can live roughly 50 to 80 years, but take 13 to 20 years to reach sexual maturity.

Do desert tortoises bite?

The simple answer is yes. In captivity it normally happens by accident. Usually, it happens during hand feeding or when they are hungry and “test bite” to see if something they see is edible.

Can desert tortoises hear?

A desert tortoise has good hearing, but no external ear flaps. Its domed shell provides a large space for its lungs and for efficient thermoregulation, an important adaptation for life in the desert.

Are desert tortoises smart?

Yes, both tortoises and turtles can learn to recognize their caretakers. This does take time, but turtles and tortoises are very smart. They will learn your scent, sounds, and behaviors.

How do I know what kind of tortoise I have?

Tortoise species identification is often easiest by looking at the shell. If it appears soft and flat, it is a soft shell turtle, which will bite. If it has a line of ridges running the length of the shell that look like spikes, it is probably a snapping turtle, which will also bite.

Are there tortoise in the Sonoran Desert?

Desert Tortoises. Arizona has two native species of tortoise, the Sonoran desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai; and the Mojave desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. Although similar in many ways, the two species differ geographically (their ranges are split by the Colorado River) and by habitat, behavior and genetics.

How do you tell the difference between a male and female desert tortoise?

One way of telling the sexes apart is by the presence or absence of a concavity (depression) in the posterior third of the plastron (lower shell). The hatchling has a flat plastron, and for males it remains flat until he is about 6 ½ to 7 inches long. Gradually, the male’s plastron becomes concave.

How big do Sonoran Desert tortoises Get?

14 inches
In the Sonoran Desert, wild tortoises can live about 35 or 40 years although some live to be much older. An adult desert tortoise can measure up to 14 inches (35.5cm) in length.

Do desert tortoises bite?

The simple answer is yes. In captivity it normally happens by accident. Usually, it happens during hand feeding or when they are hungry and “test bite” to see if something they see is edible.

Can you pick up a desert tortoise?

Don’t Touch! If you see a tortoise in the wild, it is important not to pick it up. Like a young child who may wet his pants when afraid, a tortoise will “void” its bladder if frightened. This could have life-threatening consequences for the animal if it is not able to replenish its water supply.

Are desert tortoises smart?

Yes, both tortoises and turtles can learn to recognize their caretakers. This does take time, but turtles and tortoises are very smart. They will learn your scent, sounds, and behaviors.

How can I tell if my tortoise is happy?

Tortoises are happiest when they’re healthy. The signs of a happy tortoise include a strong shell, clear and shiny eyes, dry and wrinkly skin, responsiveness to petting, and a good appetite. They should be active, walking around their enclosure, moving objects about, digging burrows, and climbing.

Do tortoises like being touched?

In the proper care, however, most tortoises appear to enjoy being touched by their caretakers. In some cases, they extend their necks out while being touched or massaged – a sign that the animal wants to be rubbed some more.

Do tortoises get lonely?

Do Tortoises Get Lonely? As wild animals that are predominantly solitary creatures, they do not get lonely and are perfectly happy to live a life of solitude. Tortoises are not social creatures and do not need the same social interactions that other animals may need to develop and survive.

What can I give my tortoise to play with?

Logs, rocks, bathing dishes, moist hides, and dirt mounds are good choices for toys and enrichment. In addition to providing a clean and safe enclosure for your tortoise, you should give plenty of thought to enrichment objects and activities—otherwise known as toys!

Do tortoises Recognise their name?

Tortoises are very smart and can actually learn their name. Turtles will also recognize their keepers, but mostly because they are excited you’re bringing them food.