Page 27 - may2020_Neat

gardening for birds Barbets pets & plants - Tortoises
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There are quite a few different tortoises found
around the country, I’ve run into tent tortoises,
hinge-backs, leopard tortoises and perhaps a
geometric tortoise too. But they shouldn’t be
kept as pets.

Leopard tortoises are quite common around where I live
in the Greater Gaborone area. And I’ve seen Tent tortoises
on the road to Hukuntsi, and possibly a Geometric in the
Central Kalahari. They look like they might need rescuing
when you find them in the middle of a road, or cute to have
as pets, but don’t do it, they’re much better off in the wild.

They also carry ticks, so if you do have one, with the
relevant permits, make sure you treat it for ticks monthly or
take it to a vet for advice. Tortoises like a varied diet, ideally
with wild grasses, and plants that occur naturally around
Botswana like Oxygonum sinuatum. They are herbivores, and
about 80% of their diet is plant based, 20% fruit. Calcium
is important for tortoises, so dust their food with a calcium
powder, and make sure to consult a vet. Text & photos by S.C

Bennet’s Woodpecker

Housecalls, consultations, and surgery on appointment
for large and small animals. Veterinary acupuncture and
herbal medicine available on request.
76247062 / 3160520
matshwanevetclinic@gmail.com

Plot 135 Sefoke Rd, Tlokweng (near Oasis Motel)
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