Adoption
The tortoise is a gentle animal that will roam your yard searching for
flowers and tender shoots to eat. If you have never kept a
tortoise, look forward to pleasant surprises, among them, more
personality than you would expect from a reptile.
The tortoise spends a great deal of time in its burrow each day. It
comes out to warm up enough to eat and explore, then escapes the heat
of the day by returning to the burrow. In winter, the tortoise
hibernates (brumates) in its burrow, usually from late October to mid
March.
By reading this pamphlet carefully, you can find out in advance what is
involved in having a tortoise. Many persons realize, after
hastily accepting a tortoise from a source other than Tortoise Group,
that a tortoise is not the right pet for their family.
Figure 5. Healthy tortoises are available
for adoption through Tortoise Group.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tortoises for adoption are former pets. They have been legally acquired, not taken from the wild.
Tortoises of all sizes must live outside. An average-size, fenced back yard of approximately 1250
square feet is needed (25' x 50'). Hatchling areas may be smaller, at least 100 square feet, but only
for the first year.
Teachers: Unfortunately, proper conditions for tortoises are not available in the
classroom, but we do adopt to schools with suitable outdoor areas.
You might prepare your own yard, adopt a tortoise, and take it to
the classroom on occasion for a day. See Page ii for securing
Information Sheet #20, Tortoises in the Classroom - Concerns and Alternatives.
Tortoise Group adopts to the adults where the tortoises will live.
There is no charge for adoption.
A child should not be expected to assume full responsibility for care.
Small tortoises, especially, are very appealing but are difficult to care for. From experience, we
have learned that the death rate of juveniles is high, mainly as a result of living indoors and eating
poor food.
Various sizes are available (7"-12"). We recommend a large tortoise where there are small children.
Salmonella infection is a potential threat. Wash hands after handling. See Page ii for securing
Information Sheet #26.
Adult dogs and tortoises usually get along well. But wait to adopt if you have a puppy. See Eliminate
Hazards, page 7.
We do not adopt if the tortoise can reach an unfenced pool or pond.
We adopt American box turtles, when available. They are free, as is information on their care. They must
live outside. See Information Sheet #6.
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