Daytime Naps: Are They Normal For Tortoises?

If your tortoise sleeps all day, it could be due to incorrect lighting and low temperatures. Tortoises need the right amount of light and heat to wake up, be active, and stimulate their metabolism. The temperature under the basking lamp should be 32-35°C during the day and should not drop below 18°C at night. If your tortoise is sleeping a lot during the day, it could also be because it is still a baby. Baby tortoises can sleep for 19-22 hours a day.

Baby tortoises sleep a lot

It is normal for baby tortoises to sleep a lot. A baby tortoise can sleep for up to 19-22 hours a day. This is because, in the wild, they are more susceptible to predators due to their small size, so they need to hide away.

Baby tortoises also sleep a lot because they are, well, babies! Sleep is a large part of their biological makeup when they are so young.

Owners of baby tortoises have reported that their young pets sleep a lot, but also walk quite a lot and forage for wild leaves when they are awake. One owner of a one-year-old tortoise said that their pet "walks quite a lot, like a runner sometimes".

Another owner of a baby tortoise that is "about a year old" said that their tortoise sleeps all day sometimes. They also said that their tortoise spends some days entirely hidden, and other days running around all day.

The owner of a three-year-old tortoise said that their pet was the same when it was a baby, but that now it is older, it explores much more often than it used to.

If you are concerned about your tortoise's sleeping habits, check that its enclosure is the correct temperature and that it is getting enough light and warmth.

The importance of hydration

It is normal for tortoises to sleep a lot, especially during the winter. Baby tortoises can sleep for up to 22 hours a day. However, it is important to ensure that your tortoise is properly hydrated, as dehydration can be an issue. In fact, hydration is more important than eating.

Tortoises need to be properly hydrated to function optimally. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your tortoise has access to water and is regularly bathed.

Bathing your tortoise helps to ensure that it stays hydrated and also serves as an opportunity to check for any shell problems or skin issues. It is recommended to bathe your tortoise in a shallow dish of water, especially if you notice that it is sleeping all the time.

In addition to hydration, proper lighting and temperature are also essential for the health of your tortoise. Tortoises require the right amount of light and heat to stimulate their metabolism, become active, and wake up.

The enclosure temperatures should be maintained within a specific range to prevent your tortoise from becoming inactive due to cold. Inactivity caused by cold can be dangerous for tortoises. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the temperatures do not drop too low, especially at night.

By providing the necessary lighting, temperature, and hydration, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your tortoise, promoting a long and happy life for your pet.

The impact of lighting and temperature

Reptiles, including tortoises, require a light source for their physiological functioning. The consensus among tortoise owners is that incorrect lighting and low temperatures could lead to your tortoise sleeping more.

Tortoises require UVB radiation to produce vitamin D3, which helps with calcium production. Without UVB lighting, tortoises cannot produce enough vitamin D, which results in poor calcium absorption. This can lead to calcium deficiency and, in more severe cases, Metabolic Bone Disease.

Tortoises are more UVB-avid than other reptiles, so they need a constant and preferably powerful source of UVB radiation to satisfy their physiological needs. UVB lights are essential for vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption. Without them, a tortoise may experience digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies.

UVA lights, on the other hand, emit natural-looking light, providing the tortoise with a wider light spectrum. This is beneficial to the reptile's nervous system and peace of mind, as the UVA light allows them to see better in their habitat.

The basking area for a tortoise should be easily accessible, as the tortoise will move in and out constantly throughout the day. The light source should be closer to the substrate to minimize the spread and focus most of the light and temperature in a smaller area. The basking spot should occupy approximately 25% of the enclosure's total surface, depending on the layout and the tortoise's needs and behavior.

The ideal basking temperature for a tortoise is between 30-35°C (86-95°F). The lighting should be on for 12 hours a day.

In addition to the health benefits of proper lighting, it also stimulates the tortoise's natural behavior. Adequate lighting allows tortoises to navigate their habitat, find food, and detect predators. Even captive-bred tortoises can become stressed if they can't see their surroundings well. Poor lighting can lead to a decrease in activity, poor appetite, and a lack of basking, all of which can cause stress and affect the tortoise's metabolism.

Furthermore, proper lighting and temperature are crucial for promoting reproductive activity in tortoises. The lack of light can stress the tortoise and cause it to abandon natural behaviors such as reproduction. This is especially important for endangered species or those requiring personalized care.

Finally, adequate lighting and temperature increase a tortoise's stress resistance. Captive tortoises will experience stress due to the difference in lifestyle compared to their wild counterparts. Inadequate lighting can affect a tortoise's immune system, making it more susceptible to diseases and infections. Prolonged stress can also cause the tortoise to become vulnerable to bacteria and parasites, leading to illness.

In summary, lighting and temperature play critical roles in the health and well-being of tortoises. Proper lighting ensures vitamin D synthesis, calcium absorption, and overall metabolic function. It also enables tortoises to engage in natural behaviors, promotes reproductive activity, and increases stress resistance. Therefore, providing the correct lighting and temperature for your tortoise is essential to ensuring its health and happiness.

The danger of inactivity caused by cold

Tortoises are cold-blooded creatures, and their bodies have evolved to handle both hot and cold temperatures. However, their activity levels are largely dependent on their environment, and they require the right amount of light and heat to wake up, become active, and stimulate their metabolism.

If your tortoise is kept in a cold environment, it may fall into a state of prolonged inactivity, which is not the same as hibernation. In such conditions, your tortoise may become too cold and will require an excessive amount of time to warm up and become active the next day. This can be dangerous for their health and well-being.

To prevent this, it is essential to maintain the correct temperature and lighting in their enclosure. The temperature directly under a basking lamp should be between 32-37°C (95-100°F), and it must not drop below 18°C (65°F) at night. Additionally, ensure that their enclosure is well-lit for approximately 12 hours each day, mimicking summer conditions.

If your tortoise is consistently inactive and sleeping all day, it may be a sign of something more serious. Dehydration can be an issue, so ensure your tortoise is regularly bathed and has access to water. If your tortoise is still inactive, a visit to the vet is recommended to rule out any underlying health issues or parasites.

How to know when to take your tortoise to the vet

Tortoises are fascinating pets that can live for a very long time, but they require appropriate care to do so. While they don't require a lot of day-to-day care, it's important to be vigilant about their health and well-being. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to take your tortoise to the vet:

• Respiratory issues: If you notice any symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a runny nose, laboured breathing, swollen eyelids, or decreased appetite and activity levels, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Respiratory illnesses can quickly become severe.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a common issue in tortoises, especially if they don't have access to clean water or don't consume enough water from their food. Sunken eyes and reduced waste production are signs of dehydration, which can lead to constipation and, in severe cases, kidney problems or even death.
• Malnutrition: If your tortoise appears swollen or puffy, or has pasty or liquidy stools, it may be malnourished. In this case, consult a veterinarian to adjust its diet and rule out any underlying diseases causing malabsorption.
• Shell problems: Malnutrition, insufficient sunlight exposure, or an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to shell softness, damage, or malformation. If you're unsure of the cause, it's best to consult a veterinarian.
• Parasites: If your tortoise spends time outdoors, it may be at risk of contracting parasites. Weight loss, unusual stools, and abdominal discomfort are all indicators of possible parasite infections. While over-the-counter treatments are available, it's advisable to have your vet identify the specific parasite and recommend the appropriate treatment.
• Hibernation concerns: If your tortoise is sleeping all the time and barely eating, it may be preparing for hibernation. Before allowing this, ensure its heating and lighting are adequate, and that it is well-hydrated. If it continues to show these signs, a vet visit is recommended to rule out any underlying health issues or parasites.
• Beak and nail trimming: While not a medical emergency, if you're uncomfortable trimming your tortoise's beak and nails yourself, a vet visit may be necessary for this maintenance.
• Annual check-ups: Although not all owners agree on the necessity, some recommend an annual check-up with an exotic vet, especially if your tortoise lives outdoors and is at higher risk of contracting parasites. This can help establish a relationship with a specialist in case of future emergencies.

When transporting your tortoise to the vet, it's important to keep it warm and secure. Many owners use cardboard boxes, cat carriers, or cloth bags lined with towels or substrate. For larger tortoises, a vehicle harness or ramp may be required.

Frequently asked questions