Estella
New Member
Hello I was recently given a male tortoise from a friend I'm not sure of the age or exact breed. Also enclosure specification would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure he is properly taken care of. 
What kind of tortoise?
- Thread starter Estella
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SweetGreekTorts
Well-Known Member
That species is a Desert Tortoise. No way to know age without a hatch date. They eat weeds and grasses. The more space, the better. Mine roams free in my backyard, grazing as it pleases. They also hibernate through the winter, usually starting in October.
Estella
New Member
Thank you for your quick response, is there a way to guesstimate approximately, how long do they live? Is there anything he will need besides food,water and get care?
Estella
New Member
Vet care, sorry.
SweetGreekTorts
Well-Known Member
Really no way to guesstimate. All tortoises grow at different rates, even within the same species. All I can say is yours looks to be a full adult size. Tortoises live a long time, depending on the species between 60-100 years. It depends on how well they are taken care of.
No real special care for this guy, just provide food and fresh water daily, and a comfy place for him to sleep to keep him safe.
Estella
New Member
I put him in a kennel at night where he has made a burrow to keep him safe from predators, but during the day he roams free in the backyard. Is there any kind of tortoise food you would recommend? What about over winter? Do I need heat lamps or heat pads? I'm sorry about all the questions, but I am used to water turtles.
