This topic can be discussed about all pet animals, really. The most common point is food - you often hear of owners feeding the same item every day, because it's healthy to the species. Yet, we don't apply that to ourselves - indeed we would hate to eat the very same thing each day, multiple times, regardless of taste or health benefits. So a variety is not only important for expanding types of nutrient intake, but prevents boredom.
So, probably no need to go into that. However, there are other things we humans value greatly, but can survive without, and tortoises share some of them, in my experience. Try them out, if you haven't already!
Sun umbrella
This happened by accident - I placed a toy airplane inside the enclosure, eventually making its way under the bulb. We all know tortoises love some heat, but is this the case for their entire body? Well, my tortoise's regular behaviour suggests not. I've noticed he sometimes places his head underneath the wings as a method of shade. We often do the same at beaches and restaurants, so we shouldn't be surprised! For those of you with large tortoise species, at least you can offer a sun umbrella (and not buy an actual plane..). Check out the examples below:
Dining Table
For eating! Although tortoises have long necks, which they often use to eat food on the ground, they're not always terribly accurate and end up with more than one attempt, especially with small pellets. And this appears to turn into a strenuous exercise. Imagine replacing our knives and forks with basic sticks - the frustration would quickly kick in and ultimately offset the enjoyment of eating. Let's not ignore this could happen with animals too, including tortoises. Gif examples below!
Pillow
Would we die if our pillows were taken away? No, but the spine pain receptors would soon kick in! We can walk to our local GP/doctor, explain the issue and get a fix. Tortoises can't, of course. So, it's up to us pet owners to be considerate on a different level to how we are with our friends and family. This isn't an issue during their night sleep - they can rest their head inside their shell or simply position for comfort when borrowed underground - it's when they're basking, where I believe we can be more thoughtful.
I placed these two wooden pillars as a toy for my tortoise to push around. My intentions were ignored, but it soon became a favourite resting block for his head. And that's when it kicks in - "of course, why didn't I think he'd want that?". Quite a cute look to it, too:
(footrest too!)
Hope this helps those who haven't noticed or thought of it. Try them out and send over your own pics!
So, probably no need to go into that. However, there are other things we humans value greatly, but can survive without, and tortoises share some of them, in my experience. Try them out, if you haven't already!
Sun umbrella
This happened by accident - I placed a toy airplane inside the enclosure, eventually making its way under the bulb. We all know tortoises love some heat, but is this the case for their entire body? Well, my tortoise's regular behaviour suggests not. I've noticed he sometimes places his head underneath the wings as a method of shade. We often do the same at beaches and restaurants, so we shouldn't be surprised! For those of you with large tortoise species, at least you can offer a sun umbrella (and not buy an actual plane..). Check out the examples below:
Dining Table
For eating! Although tortoises have long necks, which they often use to eat food on the ground, they're not always terribly accurate and end up with more than one attempt, especially with small pellets. And this appears to turn into a strenuous exercise. Imagine replacing our knives and forks with basic sticks - the frustration would quickly kick in and ultimately offset the enjoyment of eating. Let's not ignore this could happen with animals too, including tortoises. Gif examples below!
Pillow
Would we die if our pillows were taken away? No, but the spine pain receptors would soon kick in! We can walk to our local GP/doctor, explain the issue and get a fix. Tortoises can't, of course. So, it's up to us pet owners to be considerate on a different level to how we are with our friends and family. This isn't an issue during their night sleep - they can rest their head inside their shell or simply position for comfort when borrowed underground - it's when they're basking, where I believe we can be more thoughtful.
I placed these two wooden pillars as a toy for my tortoise to push around. My intentions were ignored, but it soon became a favourite resting block for his head. And that's when it kicks in - "of course, why didn't I think he'd want that?". Quite a cute look to it, too:
(footrest too!)
Hope this helps those who haven't noticed or thought of it. Try them out and send over your own pics!