Tortoise Husbandry and Welfare

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.

Jane Williams

Jane Williams completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the University of Southampton in 2006, and an M.Sc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the same university in 2010. In January 2014 she became an ASAB Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). She is a full member of the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and served as its Chair from 2017 to 2020. Williams is a member of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA), and is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and an Animal Training Instructor.

tortoise welfare; tortoise husbandry; tortoise management; tortoise care; tortoise feeding; history of tortoise keeping; ethics of tortoise keeping; tortoise trade; veterinary care; tortoises as pets; tortoises in captivity; tortoise health