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Keeping captive tortoises healthy and well is a significant challenge. Because they are ectotherms, these reptiles are totally dependent upon external sources to maintain body temperature and therefore metabolic function. Their physical environment is vital for them to remain healthy, and as owners, we have to provide sufficient choice in the environment for them to be able to experience as near optimum conditions as we can.
Covering all aspects of tortoise husbandry and welfare, this book advises on:
- Suitable temperature ranges, light sources, humidity, substrate, space, and seasonal changes according to individual tortoise species;
- Specific dietary requirements, and opportunities for expression of natural behaviours including reproduction.
- Variety of environments, ranging across indoor and outdoor accommodation options, to achieve optimum conditions for tortoises in captivity
Written by a leading clinical animal behaviourist, this book is an important read for anyone involved in tortoise welfare, from students and zoo rescue staff, to pet owners and the veterinarians advising them.
Chapter 1. What is a Tortoise?
Chapter 2. How Tortoise Biology affects Health and Behaviour
Chapter 3. The Captive Environment
Chapter 4. Artificial Lighting and Heat Sources
Chapter 5. Feeding my Tortoise
Chapter 6. Health checks - Top Ten Indicators of Good Health in Tortoises
Chapter 7. Common Diseases and Illnesses in Tortoises
Chapter 8. Tortoise Behaviour and Learning
Chapter 9. Emotional States in Tortoises - Positive and Negative States
Chapter 10. Social Interactions and Behaviour in Tortoises
Chapter 11. Breeding Tortoises
Chapter 12. Tortoise Hibernation/Brumation
Chapter 13. Mediterranean Tortoises
Chapter 14. Tortoises of Dry Tropical Grasslands
Chapter 15. Tropical Tortoises from Humid Forest Areas
Chapter 16. Horsfields (Afghan or Steppe) Tortoises
Chapter 17. Egyptian Tortoises
Chapter 18. What it Takes to be a Tortoise Keeper (Tortoise Keeper Skills and Experience)
Chapter 19. Health and Safety for the Tortoise Keeper and Tortoise
Chapter 20. Tortoise Keeping - Past, Present, Future
Jane Williams completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the University of Southampton in 2006, and an M.Sc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the same university in 2010. In January 2014 she became an ASAB Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). She is a full member of the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and served as its Chair from 2017 to 2020. Williams is a member of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA), and is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and an Animal Training Instructor.
