The spur tortoise often reaches 200 pounds and 30 inches in length! Obviously this is a large specimen and will require lots of food and space. Therefore keeping them in a small indoor enclosure would not be the best for optimum health and well being of the pet! Their shell (carapace ) is tan in color and has a low curved shape unlike that of the Leopard tortoise. The back legs have spurs or tubercles (which gives it it's common name).
Some times there is confusion over the different types but if you try to take notice of the Latin name rather than just the common name you will be able to more easily differentiate between all the various species. This is true of the 'spur' as the North African Tortoise (Testudo Graeca) is also called the spur-thighed!
The African from the North African region has a varied habitat from desert to grasslands and dry savannas. If you decide to keep and care for the spur tortoise you will have to mimic this for the best outcome for your pet. In a captive environment this adaptable creature will need a large area in which to live happily. Provided the climate is suitable an adult will live very happily in a large outside enclosure. This species does enjoy digging however, so be sure to secure the enclosure with a solid or escape proof base and also a strong fence or wall.. this will have to be reasonably high too as they like to climb! It would surprise you how high they can actually climb if they are determined to get through!
Their diet is a typical varied herbivorous one that should include fresh and if possible living vegetation. Make sure you research the type of live vegetation they can eat as some is toxic to the tortoise. They like to graze all day long and this in turn will produce large amounts of waste! So be prepared to clean up its enclosure regularly to avoid illness. A bale of alfalfa hay is a good source of fibre and it is also advisable to give your tortoise a vitamin and mineral supplement.
If you are thinking of caring for one of these spur tortoises you will have to weigh up all these issues as they require a lot of your time and energy. Their outside enclosure will require artificial heating and lighting which will incur significant costs to your household expenses. It is a serious commitment to decide to live with one of these incredible creatures but if you have the right planning and resources available to you they make an excellent and fascinating pet for many years to come.
Is a tortoise enthusiast and has been keeping tortoises for many years. If you are interested to find out more about these amazing creatures go to http://www.tortoisetips.com including the Spur Tortoise
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellie_Bear
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