concern about my star tortoise

by tamanna
(mumbai)

Hi my name is tamanna.I have two star tortoise they are gifted me by my friend she boughtthem from somewhere she told me to feed them cabbage leaves tomato lady fingure.now my tortoise eat lady fingure tomato but they don't eat cabbage leaves.once i've tried to feed them cucumber and they liked it.


1.is it ok to give them cucumber?

2.someone told me to give them apple i tried that but they didn't like it, so can i give them apple?

3.i feed my turtles by my hand i hold the peice of ladyfingure and they eat so am i doing wrong bcoz they may b become used to of it and they will not eat by themselve? but i feel that when i see them eating by their own i dont know i feel that they are not able to eat properly.

4.i am leaving in mumbai and don't know any vet here for my star tortoise?

5.i want to take them in garden but whenever i take them to garden kids and people surround us and they don't walk and roam in the garden so i keep them at my home they generally sleep alot only in afternoon and sometime in evening they roam so is it okay or my tortoises are ill?

5.bcoz i can't give them open area to live i sometimes feel that i should give them to such care centers who take care of the tortoise but i don't know any type of such centers in mumbai.

6.what are the various things i can give them to eat?

Comments for concern about my star tortoise

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 14, 2023
 Star tortoise
by: Anonymous

For my star tortoise she is suffering from foam from nose and mouth.Can I use licence powder to treat her...I am confused how to use it

Reply from Shelly

This animal is seriously ill and needs to see a reptile veterinarian.
Aug 09, 2022
 Diet for star tortoise as recommended by vet
by: Anonymous

Please do not feed lady fingers,beans and cucumbers to your Indian star tortoise. Take proper suggestions from an exotic vet before giving incorrect diet which can lead to serious health issues for them.
Their diet should mainly consist of large variety of grasses for them to remain healthy.
They need to be given a diet which comprises of below -
Grasses- you can give Bermuda grass( durva) or para grass ( buffallo grass)

Leaves and flower - hibiscus leaves and flowers

Prickly pear cactus,lettuce other than ice berg( romaine ,kale etc)

In addition to this you need to provide proper uv exposure to them along with calcium ( check with vet for calcium tabs)

Pls do not spread incorrect awareness about their diet which can create serious health issues in them.
Dec 29, 2018
 see a vet
by: Shelly

Hello.

It would be best to see a reptile vet.

Keep it slow and steady.
Dec 27, 2018
 Tortoise not eating food.
by: Anonymous

My female star tortoise not eating food. Temperature 4to7 degree. Worried to much. What to do. Celtic
May 09, 2018
 Legality of star turtles in mumbai as pets
by: Anonymous

My friend gave me two star turtles as gift . But i dont know its illegal or legal i
Nov 24, 2017
 my tortoise not eating
by: Anonymous

My star tortoise not eating for few day what I do pls help me
Jun 29, 2017
 Paired turtle in home
by: Arnav

I have two turtle male and female as pet is it good in eyes of vastu or not
Jan 05, 2017
 Lethargic n doesn't eat
by: Anonymous

I hv a pair of star turtlr. One of it is very active. But other one is lethargic n eats less n always sleepy... M worried abt it alot.. plzz help!!
Dec 07, 2016
 suggestions
by: Anonymous

How can you put him in air conditioner...they need sun light daily...put him immediately in morning sun and feed him with vegetables and add some calcium powder.WARNING ⚠ if u love pets please before you get them do a research first. Shell is soft because of poor calcium diet
Dec 07, 2016
 advice
by: Anonymous

Hi! Friends don't worry all pets need a pure sunlight and high fibre diet. In the case of watery eyes indicates that tortoise is ill...respiratory tract infections are most common to tortoise so dnt wet them or give bath to them. All he needs is sun light, calcium, high fibre diet. DIET:- feed them less with tomato, and other fruits, ladies finger is his favourite, hibiscus leaves, carrot, cucumber too...CALCIUM:- add a pinch of shelcal tablet powder and sprinkle on his food thrice a week.
Dec 07, 2016
 suggestion
by: Anonymous

Try to put ur pet in sun light...it might have cold r running nose...dnt wry try some ladies finger hibiscus leaves...and dnt feed them with excess fruit it leads to diarrhea. Their food should contain more fibre. Sun light and calcium are most important
Nov 05, 2016
 to Tamanna
by: Robinson

i saw your post and would like to give home to your tortoises, i already have one from a year.. would be willing to keep more, we have a big house and our family loves them. if you willing to give away contact me

apria1989@gmail.com
Sep 03, 2016
 help
by: umaima

Hey, I M fond of pets. I have 2 star tortoise.one of them is limping since yesterday. I have no idea what has happened.
May 06, 2016
 Want a Tortoise
by: Pooja

I want to have a tortoise.
I will care it like family member.
If someone is looking for a caring home for his or her tortoise, can contact me.
Suggest me where can I buy it in Mumbai.
May 03, 2016
 Vet time
by: Shelly

This animal is very ill and MUST see a reptile vet as soon as possible. This is not a problem you can handle alone.

Keep it slow and steady.
May 02, 2016
 star turtle's shell has become spongy
by: Anonymous

i have got a star turtle from my friend who is unwell. he had been kept in air conditioner room for 5 years... beacause of that his shell has become spongy. he is unable to walk... what should i do?
Apr 26, 2016
 plz help us in solving my tortoise problem
by: Anonymous

hi my star tortoise is a very small baby . it is so active before and eat full flower daily. what ever it eats it eat full fledged way. bt from few days it is not at all eating anything. we are from andhra and dist. called vizag . we had taken it doc. bt they are no expertised doctors for tortoise . plzhelp us in saving our tortoise its our family member. symptoms :
watery eyes
in activeness
always sleeping
not at all eating anything
drinking so much of water.
medications used :
actipets
lixen
proviboost
we used it bt no improvement in him plz help us
Mar 09, 2016
 need of star tortoise
by: Sanjana

Hi,

I am Sanjana from Mumbai who is looking out for a star tortoise at home. If anyone wants to sell it pls email me at sanj.kuruvilla
AT
gmail.com
Mar 05, 2016
 want home for my star tortoise
by: amano

Hello tortoise lovers..
i am amano living in kandiwali west..
i m having star tortoise couple 6 yrs old.. actually i m shifting to new home and we dont have much space there neither we have anyone to take care of them now.. my mom used to take care of them but she is shifting to home town now..
if anyone of you want them write me on amano.dhya
AT
gmail.com

though i had purchased them but if the family is really caring i can also think of giving them at no cost..
i m in a hurry coz we are shifting in 10 days..

plz let me know
thanks
amano
Aug 16, 2015
 want star tortoise to gift my mom
by: chandu

Hiii
This z chandu
My mom luv tortoise to be as pet nd friend
Any one plzz if u have tortoise extra plzz give it to me.i'm so anxiet to get them to home nd make my mom happy.
Plzzz frnds rply me.
Jun 11, 2015
 Found Tortoise
by: Shelly

Take the tortoise to the doctor as soon as possible.

Thirty minutes of exposure to the sun each day is far too little. This animal needs access to sunlight during the day. If you cannot let it be outside, then you must provide proper lighting. See http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/lighting.html for details.

If you cannot provide the habitat the tortoise needs, find someone who can.

Keep it slow and steady.
Jun 10, 2015
 starback
by: Anonymous

hi, i stay in bombay. i found a star back tortoise near my colony. the earlier owners of the tortoise didnt want them so they left them outside. i got that tortoise home. he eats okra, beans, tomatoes, sweet potato, lettuce leaf etc. i try to read many articles online about tortoise. i have also read they like to eat bell peppers, but when i got it for tortoise it doesnt eat it. some of the sites say french beans are harmful for them, as it contains high amount of protein in it, so should i give it to him once in a week? i take him out in sun for 30 min but he looks for shade and he likes to sit there. he roams freely in the house. he knows his place and its his fav. place it seems. leave him anywhere he will go to the place he likes and sleeps there for hours. i feed him thrice a day. his appetite is reduced as compared to earlier, do i have to worry about it?i read in ur comments that it has an impact on appetite due to climate change. i was planning to take him to a doctor for a medical check up, should i take him as soon as possible or should i give him sometime to addapt the change in climate,
please respond. i would like to give the best to him.
Jun 07, 2015
 worrying factor
by: Anonymous

One of my tortoise has stopped eating since last 15 days, it's favourite food French beans, cucumber, tortoise food available in markets etc. Everything I have tried, but its not eating anything. I have tried using teramycin capsule powder also but no good result yet. Request your views & opinion.

May 22, 2015
 Australian tortoise
by: imran

Hi,
I have a Australian tortoise and his nail got broke but not totally came out and his bleeding. What should I do?
Apr 23, 2015
 Indian Star Tortoise Care Sheet
by: Shelly

Please see this link for information on how to care for your animal. Please copy and paste the link into your browser.
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Turtles-Tortoises/Indian-Star-Tortoise/

Keep it slow and steady.
Apr 23, 2015
 About Sleep & walk problem
by: krunal

I have a Indian star tortoise. he eat regularly 3 times in a day. But my concern is that he don't walk in around home. When i Placed them in center of my room then he find corner and stay there for a long time. so he is not moving around all room. And also he sleep a lot.Always he is in sleep mood. So please tell me that it is naturals things for him or he is in ill?? please suggest me.. I am waiting for your reply....
Dec 26, 2014
 for RAHUL
by: Shelly

I had to remove your comments because they were in all capital letters. Online, that is like yelling, and it is very difficult for others to read. If you want to post your comment again, please do so in normal type.

Take it slow and steady.
Oct 31, 2014
 No pastries for tortoises
by: Shelly

Please do not give your tortoise pastries. That will only make them ill.

Keep it slow and steady.
Oct 24, 2014
 star tortoise relation ,age determination ,and care
by: Anonymous

Joseph or dr yuvraj my question is that how the star tortoise close to the owner, when do they feel bad,l how to know they are happy|¤ theor age,should we feed tomatoand cucumber hibiscus and pasteries bcoz she is fond of that • I I want to know what they can see and whether they get the sene that the owner is happy or sad m.pls enter the ans soon
Aug 13, 2014
 my star turtle
by: Anonymous

I got a star turtle gifted by a friend but it isnt walking or moving its head and not even eating anything....what shall I do noe
Jul 03, 2014
 tortoise age
by: Shelly

You can't know the actual age unless you know when it was born. Size can give you a hint until it is fully grown, then you can get a rough idea by how worn the shell is.

Keep it slow and steady.
Jul 01, 2014
 regarsing age
by: Anonymous

Hi I m Jenna. I got one turtle but I just wanna how old it is. Can u inform me some details.
Jun 25, 2014
 Be Careful
by: Anonymous

dont feed fruits. feed 90% leaves and grass. most important make a small house for them. clean them with salt every week. and yeah feed sunlight as much as possible. tc
Apr 18, 2014
 Wooden setup for star tortoise
by: Fennel Kanani

Hello All,

This is fennel this side.

Does any one knows where to buy a ready made wooden setup for a baby star tortoise.

If yes plz mail the details of the shop.

That would be a great help for me.

Mail id: fennel.intentplacements@gmail.com


Regards
Fennel Kanani
Apr 06, 2014
 I hve two star tortoises
by: Sunita

Hi
Thanku for so much information on dtwr tortoises. I hve just fee days bought star tortoises n really confused how to tke care.If you all yuys decide to meet plzz let me knw I eould like to join.


Dec 18, 2013
 star tortoise
by: Harshal Niphadkar

I know how to care star tortoise i want to know size of your tortoise then i will tell you what they can eat
Nov 08, 2013
 I want star turtle
by: Ankit

I want a pair of star turtle. Pls msg me on 9768200995.
Oct 30, 2013
 want to buy a baby turtle
by: sheetal

Hi,
I m in kandivali n m wanting to buy baby tortoise for my daughters 3rd birthday...she is my only child n I no she wud like sumone to call her own n take care of it...I grew up with two german shepherds n m an avid animal lover...she has gained d spirit from me...pls help me find one for her....
Oct 29, 2013
 i need star tortoise
by: Amano

hello friends

we have one female star tortoise of 5yrs old... we always wanted to have more but couldnt find them anywhere in kandiwali again.. dealer says its not allowed to keep them in store.. then we dint tried much.. my mother always says to bring atleast one more star.. it would be great help if u give ur stars to us.. we have a big house here and my mom always take care of our star.. she will get a family and they will get good companion.. my family loves pets..
kindly email me

on amano.dhyan@gmail.com

ps mr joy ur email is nt working.. delivery is failing .. kindly repost ur email
Oct 29, 2013
 2 Tortoises need to find a new home
by: Anonymous

Thank you for all the information shared here, it was very helpful. My mother has been caring for one Indian star back tortoise as well as what i believe to be a leopard tortoise but i could be wrong. She has had the star back since he was tiny, she got him around 6 years ago and he has grown very large. She has been feeding them mostly lettuce, occasionally tomato, hibiscus, coriander, okra. She puts them in water once a day for some time and they pass stools etc like that. During the day, she keeps the small guy in a small basin and the big guy in a big basin, allows them a bit of exercise during the day. The star back seems to be very active and to me it looks like he's always hunting for food.

The Star back can really eat and he is able to finish an entire bunch of lettuce leaves at a time.

However, they are very sweet and unobtrusive pets and my mum has never taken them to a vet or anything like that (I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing) The reason I am on this forum is to try and find a home for these 2 tortoises. My mum is aging and very sickly and can no longer care for them the way she used to.We were advised to leave them in a national park or a garden and we are not comfortable doing that as I'm sure they will not adapt to that habitat after living in a house for so long.

We reside in the Mumbai suburbs and would be most happy to give away these pets much as it pains us to do so in the hope of them having like-minded people care for them. It is very important that our pets be taken in by people who will provide adequate care and by someone who obviously loves animals.

If anyone is interested, please email me at : joycelacroix@hotmail.com

Thank you for reading.
Oct 28, 2013
 star tortoises
by: Anonymous

Hi Tamanna, Tortoises are great pets to keep. But they are endangered species. Its best u give them away to The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) for its proper care and welfare or u can give them to karnala sanctuary which is near Panvel. These beautiful creatures dont belong in the cities. They belong amongst their kinds. Please be an asset to this country and do the right thing. Thank you
Oct 28, 2013
 star tortoises
by: Anonymous

Hi Tamanna, Tortoises are great pets to keep. But they are endangered species. Its best u give them away to The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) for its proper care and welfare or u can give them to karnala sanctuary which is near Panvel. These beautiful creatures dont belong in the cities. They belong amongst their kinds. Please be an asset to this country and do the right thing. Thank you
Jul 29, 2013
 How to maintain
by: Anonymous Star

Please inform how to maintain star tortoise..... and it's Vaastu value
Jul 09, 2013
 want to buy a star tortoise
by: kushvanth

hi friends please help me to buy a star tortoise any one have star tortoise please give me i am from nellore. andhra pradesh. please guys help me i love them a lot and i searched so many sites but i failed. so please friend if you have tortoises help me. my rmail id: kushvanth.pogala@gmail.com. mobile no:9440555930.
Jul 08, 2013
 cucumber is good for startortise
by: Anonymous

Can I give cucumber for my 6months startortise.pls answer me
Jun 22, 2013
 star tortise food
by: HARSH DHAWAN

feed them green coriander(green daneya),cucumber,tamato,hibiscus flower,dode,
Jun 22, 2013
 star tortise
by: Harsh

please give them beans like paras beans and you can give me the tortosie i also have three star tortise and i can take care of them contant me at 9167161269
fb harshdhawan3109@yahoo.com
May 12, 2013
 for tammanna
by: aanchal

hie tammanna ...i recently visited a vet for my star tortoise..he is dr. yuvraj kaginkar running a clinic at kharghar..u must take them to him once to get a health checkup done..he will be a perfect guide to answer ur questions...
May 08, 2013
 want to buy a star turtle
by: Anonymous

hey guys... i stay in mumbai and i want to buy a male star turtle ....i need a just born one ...i mean one or two months old will do.... so can i know from where i can buy them and what are the cost for them ? please friends ..help...
Jan 14, 2013
 Plz donot feed cucumber it may harm your tort...
by: Bristi

Hi ,
Please do not feed your tort cucumber as it is junk food for them and they get addictive towards cucumber very soon. Actlly i have a star tort for him i did lot of research and contacted with turtle care center in usa. They strictly forbid me to give cucumber. And you will be surprised to know when i stopped giving him cucumber he stopped eating. I played a tough lover role. For some day he did not eat only. But slowly he overcome it and now by the grace of god everything is going well. Several things you must give to your tort, such as: Grass( make a grass tray at home only, it will help you to manage his food easily and also you can have a control to feed him pesticide free food), Kale, Petunia leafs( you can also plant a petunia plant), Hibiscus, Spinach( but in a low quantity) etc. Grass and hays are important things for them. Also make it sure that your tort get enough sun exposure otherwise he may loose normal growth and will suffer from calcium deficiency.
If you need any further help you can contact me : snowwhiteisback2012@rediffmail.com.
Dec 26, 2012
 Want to purchase a pair of star tortoise ..
by: Anonymous

I am interested in purchasing a star tortoise.. I am from Mumbai .. Where can I get a good quality star tortoise..
Pl can some1 suggest
Thanks
Dec 23, 2012
 hi
by: Ashish

hi amano,
i would like to talk to you on torts ,i have sent you a mail which has a forum link ,plz do join it.
thank you.
Nov 28, 2012
 thanks for info
by: Amano

thanks for everything guys.
i never knew that we must keep them in sunlight for 30 mins a day, plus they drink water... i always believed that they take water from d food..

i have pair of star , 4 yrs old.. they indulge in sex regularly but i dont know wht is the correct age or atmosphere for them for laying eggs.

i will consult with Dr.Yuvraj Kaginkar.. thanks for his name n number guys..

just a request/wish for all star tortoise owners..
can we all have one meet with our star's.. can we arrange a meeting for them .. to make new friends.



if you are interested.. we'll arrange something or make it possible..

let me know..

thanks
Oct 05, 2012
 feroz
by: Anonymous

how can we identify the turtle whether it s boy r girl
Sep 28, 2012
 Tortoise care
by: Aditya

Any additional special UVA lightning is not required if you can keep the tortoise in sun light for 30 mins everyday. Unless you are staying in cold climates like the North or Northwest or North East India where temperatures can drop very low during winters and no sun light for days on end due to fog, the rest of the country has sun light and mild winters.
Sep 28, 2012
 Star Tortoise care
by: Aditya

First of all,everyone needs to know that the Indian Star tortoise is protected species under the Wildlife Act of India and it is illegal to keep it at home.Hence do not take the tortoise in public places like gardens etc!!! But that does not mean you give away or abandon the tortoise you have kept in your home as pet cuz giving it up or leaving it in the wild will definitely be a DEATH SENTENCE to the poor animal who is used to domestic environment.Star Tortoise are very smart and intelligent and attached to its ownwers just like Dogs or Cats. They require minimum care and just a wide wooden box filled will thick layer of dry or green grass for putting it to sleep in the night.Pls do ensure keeping the tortoise in tepid warm water in a plastic tub with very low water level every other day in sun light, they will drink the water, urinate and pass the stools in this once a day. Ensure you do not drown the tortoise and keep the water level up the height of its legs. Pls feed hibiscus flowers, cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkins,lettuce leaves, mushrooms daily once a day. Keeping the tortoise in sun light for 20 - 30 mins once a day is very very important.
Sep 08, 2012
 For Anchal
by: Anonymous

UVB (sunlight) is vital. Without it, the tortoise cannot metabolize food properly. Specifically, it will not metabolize calcium, so it's shell and bones will become soft and will not support its weight. It will die.
Sep 08, 2012
 may tortoise met with an accident
by: Anonymous

hi this is aanchal from mumbai
i too hav a star tortoise past 7 yrs
he had met with an accident 5 yrs back and had lost 1 of his eyes n the d nose region.
i took him to d lower parel hospital bt d doctors dint no much of it.
now he has solid food bt i feed him thin slices of cucumber by my hand.
d wound is still the same and has not healed yet.this is dangerous for him.i dont even have the uvb lamps at my place n i expose him to sunlight occasionally.all i want to ask is that is it compulsory to expose him to sunlight or uvb lights???and is it required to make shelter place( home)because he roams freely in d house i dont hav any special shelter place for him.
Apr 03, 2012
 my 6 months old star tortoise
by: Anonymous

i have a six months old tortoise. he only eats coriander leaves. i tried everything else. but he didn't like it. i keep him sunlight so dat he gets vitamin d which is essential for his shell. he is very active (touch wood). so is there anything else which i have to do? plz suggest me if any
Jun 01, 2011
 SPECIALIST IN TURTLES & REPTILES
by: TURTLE VET

Dr.YUVRAJ KAGINKAR is a world known Avian & Reptile specialist in India with many research papers on his honour

He has chain of Veterinary clinics for exotics and small animals

Contact Details:
Dr.Yuvraj Kaginkar

Myvets 4 Pets
Shop No - 2, Bawa Towers, A wing
Bhakti Dham Mandir Road
narayan Nagar
Chunnabhatti
SION - 400022

ph: 9833522077
web: www.myvetsol.com


He is a wonderful veterinarian who has been trating my paralysed turtle for past 5 years .

Regards,
Neena Joshi
May 10, 2011
 Tortoise Veterinarian
by: palash


For any health issues of tortoise please get in touch with Dr.YUVRAJ KAGINKAR at 9833522077 , 9619522077

he specializes in Reptiles and Avians

As far as I know he is the only Avian and Exotic Veterinarian in India who is consulting all over the India including my lil turtle

Palash
Jan 04, 2011
 about star tortoise
by: pranav

BELOW INFORMATION I GOT FROM NET ONLY. EVEN I HAVE ONE FEMALE STAR TORTOISE.

Star tortoises graze and feed on a variety of grasses and vegetation. They require a high-fiber diet rich in calcium. Their captive diet may include grasses, greens, vegetables, fruit, and prepackaged or commercial diets.

Grasses may include but aren?t limited to Bermuda grass, rye, mature alfalfa (not sprouts), blue grass and fescue. Greens may include but aren?t limited to collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens and flowers, hibiscus leaves and flowers, grape leaves, escarole, and mulberry tree leaves. Vegetables may include but aren?t limited to spineless cactus pads (Opuntia species), carrots, zucchini, butternut squash, pumpkin, snap or snow peas, mushrooms, sweet potato, yellow squash and bell peppers.

Thanks.
Oct 30, 2010
 Tortoise
by: Anonymous

U can give cucumber, coriander leaves, Ladies finger is what they like a lot.Then french beans also they eat.Try even lettuce and cabbage.Sometimes it works.Give them sun exposure too if they are small.Give her water if tortoise has a dry white patched face may be it is thirsty.
Leave her open on the floor sh ewill roam abt ...generally they sleep during winters a lot but now they should be active...Dont leave her alone in garden becoz now they are habituated with captivity.
Oct 20, 2010
 Beans and Tortoises
by: Anonymous

Beans are not good for tortoises. They contain too much protein. That can cause pyramiding of the shell.
Oct 20, 2010
 STAR TURTLE
by: SK

HI I GIVE MY TURTLE BEANS. THEY LUV IT. U R RITE DEY GENERALLY SLEEP MOSTOF D TIME. I AM ALSO LOOKING OUT FOR RADYMADE TURTLE HOMES. I STAY IN MUMBAI.
Oct 12, 2010
 Tortoises in India
by: Shelly

Please contact the Wild Life Trust for more information about what is legal and what you can do with these animals.

Keep it slow and steady.
Oct 12, 2010
 pet tortois
by: Anonymous

Hello everybody,
Nice to read that all of you know about tortoise as well already having as pet. Just few days back I also brought 2 tortoise one is male and another female. I am not able to rcognize the same but vendor told me. After going through net information found that having pet tortoise is illegal, but I am really galade that many people already pet the tortoise.
I do not know what species am I having. Can any bodu help as well explain that the same is not banned to pet.
I really loves these pet but I am worried if it is illegal.
Please let me know.
Feb 02, 2010
 star tortoise
by: Anonymous

hi tamanna,
this is Ritesh from Mumbai.
i am looking from a long time to get a desert tortoise to keep as pet.
i am very fond of star tortoise and if u can give one of them to me, i will be very happy to take care of it.
let me know. email: riteshrpatil@yahoo.co.in
reply awaited
Jan 20, 2010
 Petcare
by: Astar

Hey good you look thoughtful and caring for your pets..Good...Avoid giving them vegetables with more water..They like cucumber, coriander leaves and boiled potatoes...Avoid Tomatoes and water melon as they contain a lot of water..
Dec 27, 2009
 Star Tortoise Comments
by: Joseph Dodge

Be very careful with these creatures,they get Pneumonia and all sorts of respirotory problems very easily.The need lots of warmth.they can't take low temperatures.especially below 72 degrees F.They need A Dry environment,and lots of space to walk around.Mine are never caged or in A tank.I have A 19 year old female and A 16 year old male.Please get the proper equiptmant,such as Day And Night UVB bulbs,A large heating pad,Lots of calcium.If you get them Calcium,make shure that the vitamin D3 is not in the ingredients.D3 should be mixed in as A combination of other vitamins bought seperately.They can die from too much D3, and Vitamin A.The best diet is the most dark green vegetables.To know what is good ,is that if it tastes very bitter when you eat it raw,that is the best for them.Tomatoes,string beans,and occasional fruit,like watermelon,grapes are fine.They are A threatened species.They will live for 50+ years.Do not let them Hibernate.They come from Southern India And Sri Lanka where it is very warm.Only northern species of Tortoises hibernate,especially at high and or northern latitudes.The Females will grow up to about 8 to 10 inches and weigh about 4-5 LBS.The Male will grow to about 5-6 inches and weigh about A Pound.Any other questions you might have you can contact me at tortoiseman1960@yahoo.com.Good Luck.They are wonderful animals!
Dec 26, 2009
 Star Tortoise Question
by: Shelly

I am glad you are trying to take good care of your star tortoises.

Here is some information for you:

A star tortoise likes to eat fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Most of them really like to eat roses. Of course they will not eat only roses, so the other things you give them are fine. Each animal will have its own favourites, so you just have to try different things.

One reason your tortoises may not be eating much is because they are not getting enough sunshine. If you cannot allow your tortoises to roam freely outside, then you must give them a place to sit under a UVB light during daylight hours. Without the UVB, they cannot metabolize the nutrients from their food, and they will not thrive.

Star tortoises do best outside.

I do not have specific information about places for star tortoises in your city. You might want to contact The Wildlife Trust of India.

Keep it slow and steady.

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