Caring for your... Pets and Pet Supplies

Hemel Hempstead

Pancake Tortoise Welwyn Garden City

Lifespan: 20-25 years Average size: 15-20cm in length Natural Habitat: Arid Savannah and Scrubland General Information Pancake Tortoises come from the dry rocky areas of Eastern Africa. They are a very good climber and more specialist species of tortoise. Feeding Pancake tortoises are herbivorous. They require a mix of leafy greens which are all low in water content. This can range from watercress, rocket, spinach, continental lettuces and round lettuce. Herbs such as coriander and parsley make a good extra treat and help to variate the diet. It is also advised to use grated vegetables within the diet. This can consist of carrot, sweet potato, swede or parsnips. These will also help to variate the diet and also a great source of vitamin A.

As with all tortoises, Pancake Tortoises will also require a calcium supplement. Nutrabal supplement should be sprinkled on the salad mix daily. We also advice that cuttlefish bone is present within the enclosure. This will give a constant supply of calcium which can be chewed when required. Fresh water should constantly be available within a shallow dish. This should be changed daily to ensure that it is kept fresh. Housing A large, escape proof vivarium with good ventilation is the most suitable housing for a Pancake Tortoise. The minimum cage size for juvenile tortoises should be 90x38x38cm. However, adult pancakes will require a 120cm length vivarium. Temperature: All reptiles are cold blooded and need an external heat source to maintain their body temperature. Each species of tortoise will require different degrees of heating. By heating one end of the cage, this will allow a temperature gradient and allow your tortoise to choose its ideal temperature. Your heat source can be provided using an intense reptile heat bulb at the hot end of the enclosure. Create a temperature gradient of between 18-25oc at the cool end and 28-35oc at the hot end. The cage temperature can drop to 16oc at night when the lights are off. Lighting: Pancake tortoises are diurnal and require strong UVB lighting to gain the calcium from their diet. UV can either be provided by a florescent tube or using a UV heat lamp. The lights should be on for 10-12 hours a day and will require replacing every 6-12 months, even if the bulb is still working. Furnishing: The floor should be covered with a suitable substrate such as herbi bedding. Lots of hides should be positioned at both ends and the area around the heat source should be Top Tip… kept reasonably flat. This will minimise the risk of falling on their back and ensure that your tortoise can turn back over easily under the basking area. “Herb bedding is a great Cleaning: Remove uneaten food and droppings daily. Water and food bowls should be cleaned daily. substrate. It is highly Vivariums should be completely cleaned out and absorbent and easy to keep clean” disinfected with a pet safe disinfectant regularly.

Health It is important that your tortoise is kept in good health. Any change in behaviour or condition needs to be looked at and veterinary treatment may be required. A healthy tortoise will have bright eyes, good shell condition, walks normally and feeding and drinking regularly.

Below is a table to show some common health problems which can affect tortoises:

Health Issue Symptoms and Causes Suggested Action

Diarrhoea Loose stools caused by bad diet, Consult with an exotic animal stress, unclean housing or other veterinarian to determine cause and illness. treatment if it persists. Mouth Rot Cheesy deposits appear within the Consult with an exotic animal mouth. veterinarian for antibiotic treatment.

Respiratory Fluid or mucus appearing from the Contact an exotic animal veterinarian Problems nose. for antibiotic treatment. Bone Disorders Twisted, swollen or paralysed hind Lack of calcium and UV lighting. Can limbs or short, undershot jawbone. be reversed if caught early.

Some reptiles are able to carry a form of salmonella. Salmonella is most usually contracted by ingestion. Good hygiene and washing hands after handling or cleaning your tortoise should be sufficient to prevent any risk of infection.

Pancake Tortoise Checklist... It is important that you have everything that your tortoise will need to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. These items are listed below:

✓ Appropriately sized vivarium ✓ Thermostat

✓ Food and water bowl ✓ Calcium Supplement (Nutrabal)

✓ Shelter/ hide ✓ Artificial plants and decorations

✓ Herb Bedding ✓ Vivarium lock

✓ Suitable lighting (including UV) ✓ Cuttlefish bone

The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional Information, please ask a member of staff or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.