We had the
privilege of meeting Sam and Tica in September
when their new owners brought them to Dr. Beatty
for their new pet checkups. Sam and Tica are Red
Footed Tortoises. Right now they’re just little
guys, only about six weeks old and the size of a
small child’s hand.
Sam and Tica had been at their new home for only a
few days when their surrogate tortoise father
brought them in to My Pet's Vet. He had made a
wise decision in having them examined by Dr.
Beatty right away. Pets like tortoises are most
often seen by a veterinarian when they are sick.
Getting advice on diet, habitat and general
tortoise health from a knowledgeable veterinarian
will help prevent common illnesses. Most tortoise
species vary in the care they require. For
example, Red Footed Tortoises require higher
humidity and eat succulent dark leafy greens
unlike Sulcata Tortoises that require more arid
conditions and a timothy hay diet. Sam and Tica’s
dad (a.k.a. Mike) discussed all of these things
with Dr. Beatty so the tortoises would start off
on the right foot.
Since their visit, Mike reports that Sam and Tica
are doing well. When we last spoke to him, Mike
was actually at the hardware store buying wood for
their new habitat. He said that one of the
tortoises had made a break for it and escaped from
the current tank! Thankfully, he was found, safe
and sound, under the couch. So far, their
personalities are pretty similar to each other,
but we expect that to change over time. Mike’s
daughters love their new pets and so do all their
friends. In fact, their friends now want tortoises
of their own!
Tortoises make wonderful pets. They are quiet but
have great personalities. They make especially
good pets for people who have allergies to the
traditional furry pets. They require daily care
but do not require daily walks or grooming like
some pets. If you are considering a tortoise for a
pet, do your research. Each species of tortoise
has its own feeding and general husbandry
requirements—some species are easier than others.
We at My Pet's Vet have to admit that, like the
kids, we were not immune to Sam and Tica’s charm.
We fell for them, and Amanda and Emily bought two
little red footed tortoises as a gift for Dr.
Beatty! When they are a little bigger, they will
become My Pet's Vet Goodwill Ambassadors. We will
keep them in our lobby to welcome clients.
Tortoises are truly charming and adorable! |
