TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Chapter One: Biological Information 3
- Sulcata Tortoises in Focus 4
- Quick Facts 6
- Chapter Two: Sulcata Tortoises as Pets 9
- Reminders Before Getting a Sulcata Tortoise 10
- Behavioral Characteristics in the Wild and in Captivity 11
- Interaction with other Species 13
- Pros and Cons 15
- Tortoise Legalities 17
- Threats to Conservation 18
- Costs of Keeping a Pet Tortoise 20
- Chapter Three: Acquiring Sulcata Tortoises 25
- Rescue Centers vs. Legit Breeders vs. Pet Stores 26
- Selecting a Reputable Breeder and a Healthy Tortoise 29
- List of Breeders and Rescue Websites 30
- Chapter Four: Suitable Environment for Sulcata Tortoises 33
- Housing Requirements for Baby Tortoises 34
- Chapter Five: Feeding and Nutrition 43
- Nutritional Requirements 44
- List of Toxic Plants to Avoid 45
- Go Green! 46
- Commercial Foods 47
- Chapter Six: Husbandry for Sulcata Tortoise 49
- Building a Tortoise Pen for Adult Sulcatas 50
- Ideal Size of the Pen 50
- How to Build a Play Pen 51
- Ideal Location Tips 51
- Ideal Temperature 52
- Male to Female Tortoise Ratio 53
- How to Protect Tortoises from Predators 54
- Chapter Seven: Handling and Bathing Your Sulcata Tortoise 57
- Proper Handling of Sulcata Tortoise 58
- Bathing Your Pet Sulcata 59
- How to Bathe Your Tortoise 61
- Chapter Eight: Breeding and Shipping Sulcata Tortoises 65
- Sexual Dimorphism 66
- Nesting 66
- Incubation and Hatching 67
- Shipping Your Tortoises 68
- Chapter Nine: Common Diseases and Treatments 73
- Common Tortoise Diseases, Prevention, and Treatments 74
- Chapter Ten: Care Sheet and Summary 81
- Glossary 101
- Photo Credits 107
- References 109
