Full Description
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.
Contents
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
