Our 3 Star torts used to belong to our vet (for 15 years) and he passed them to us when he left last year. They have always lived outside, but must have access to fresh water. They are really lazy though, so I tend to seek them out each day and plop them in it! As for diet, we just vary the type of leaves they get and mix in some tomatoes and sometimes carrot tops, which they like. Rocket is also a favourite and we grow it in the garden, so there is always lots! As long as there are PLENTY of shady areas for them to go and hide in, they will be fine. They will slow down eating though. Unlike our previous med tort, they don't burrow down though. Hope that helps!
Fiat,
I am looking for some top tips!
I have 3 mediterraneans about 5 years old, I stuggle getting them to eat a variety of foods, anything new they won't even try for weeks. Are yours the same? What do yours eat?
Also the wallowing area how have you done it? Looking to revamp ours.
online I can only find about torts in colder climates than here so not much help
Thanks in advance
Laura
Some of my tortoises come in and some don't. It depends on the variety and what part of the world would be their natural habitat.
I bring in the mediterranean and star tortoises during the day and as Laura2 said no A/C . The African ones (Sulcata's and Leopards) stay out as these would be temperatures similar to "home" , as long as they can burrow and wallow in their bathing area they can regulate their temprature.
<em>edited by Fiat500 on 07/05/2012</em>
My 3 did last year, they slowed down eating and vet suggested bring them in for a few weeks.
I converted a bathroom for them in the office. So no AC cause they don't like cold!
I put a old rug on the floor to keep them off the cold tiles, then shredded a few newspapers for them do hide in, left the window open to keep a bit warm. They had a great summer break!
I am sure they will come in again this summer for a break from the heat, if they drop any weight I will get converting.