Fecal impaction is often used interchangeably with bowel obstruction (intestinal obstruction). An intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage caused by foreign objects (pebbles, substrate, hair, etc.), while impaction only refers […]

Tortoises have naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths, manifesting as mouth rot when the immune system ceases to function efficiently, commonly due to ongoing stress. An infection (usually bacteria, but […]

Tortoises can get cracked shells due to a bad fall, conflict with other animals, attacks by predators, and certain illnesses and diseases. A tortoise will need immediate treatment and ongoing […]

A tortoise that changes color in patches, especially over a relatively short period, usually has a sickness, infection, or disease. However, there are times when a gradual full-bodied color change […]

Tortoises shouldn’t eat every day, let alone several times a day. They should eat for 5 days and avoid eating for 2 days, known as ‘starve days.’ However, it’s rarely […]

Tortoises have long lifespans, but this doesn’t make them invulnerable to life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and injuries. So, we have to be aware of the signs of a dying tortoise. Toward […]

Looking at a tortoise from the side, you’ll see a hard and sharp overhang over the mouth. This is known as the tortoise’s beak, which is responsible for breaking off […]

Tortoises can develop soft shells due to a calcium deficiency or phosphorus surplus, causing Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). It can also happen if they have a vitamin D3 deficiency or […]

According to the Movement Ecology Journal, tortoises can withstand hot and arid environments. While it’s not ideal for tortoises to go without water for long periods, sometimes they have no […]