The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) take hundreds of captive desert tortoises surrendered to them yearly. While these tortoises cannot be released back into the wild, they make for fascinating nontraditional pets. Families can learn to appreciate desert wildlife by caring for them and observing their natural behavior.

This year, the AZGFD reported a record number of orphaned tortoises, with nearly 300 animals rescued, and over 100 are still looking for their forever homes. AZGFD is raising awareness about Sonoran Desert tortoises as the weather gets warmer. So far, around 130 animals have been adopted this year, but there are still approximately 140 tortoises in the care of the AZGFD, waiting to be adopted.

The adoption process is free, but potential adopters must have a burrow ready for the new addition, as these animals spend their time outdoors and require burrows for protection. Before adopting, remember that Desert tortoises can live for 80 to 100 years, meaning they can remain in a family for multiple generations.

Caring for Tortoises

In much of Arizona, desert tortoises should be kept outdoors year-round. However, as cool fall weather returns, tortoises become less active, and their appetite decreases as they prepare to hibernate in their shelter. A health check-up with a reptile veterinarian is recommended to ensure the tortoise is healthy enough to hibernate.

Suppose the tortoise does not move into its shelter by nightly temperatures, drops below 50 degrees, or is unsure whether the shelter will remain dry during winter rains. In that case, you must hibernate it in a cool, dark garage or other room area. If you live outside the natural range of the desert tortoise, such as Prescott, the tortoise will need to be hibernated in a cool, dark area inside your home that ideally does not go below 50 degrees.

A heavy cardboard box, non-transparent plastic storage container, or portable tortoise house packed with shredded paper or straw generally provides adequate protection. The box should be covered with several layers of blankets or newspapers and kept off the floor, away from any holes that could lead to drafts or rodent invasion. A tortoise cannot achieve metabolic hibernation if its shelter is too warm.

Dehydration is a significant risk during indoor hibernation, but it can be avoided if the humidity is maintained between 30-40 percent. This can be monitored using an inexpensive thermometer and humidity meter. Juveniles should be offered water every 2-3 weeks and adults every 4-6 weeks during hibernation. Avoid exposing the tortoise to light or other disturbances.

If your tortoise does not hibernate naturally, it may be sick and needs to be seen by a veterinarian. A sick tortoise should not be allowed to hibernate, as it may not survive the winter. Tortoises that cannot hibernate due to health problems or inadequate weight should be housed indoors.

Indoor Tortoise Care

Keeping tortoises indoors requires at least an 18-inch-by-18-inch space, and hatchlings can be kept in an 8-inch-by-8-inch area. Temperatures in the enclosure should remain between 85 and 90 degrees during the day but not below 70 degrees. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and an artificial light above the enclosure. Try different wattages until the desired temperature is achieved, but make sure the light contains enough UVB (ultraviolet B rays).

Turn off the light at sunset to maintain a regular photoperiod. Leaving the light on at night can lead to hyperthyroidism, a glandular disorder. It is ideal to have an 11-hour daylight cycle followed by a 13-hour night cycle.

To properly care for your desert tortoise, it is essential to provide them with appropriate food and water and opportunities for exposure to sunlight. Refer to a summer feeding schedule or consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your tortoise. Fresh water should be provided at least three times a week.

When the sun is shining, and temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees, it is recommended to take your tortoise outside for frequent exposure to sunlight. This can help stimulate their appetite and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to ensure that shade is always available for the tortoise to retreat to if they become too warm.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s adoption program for captive desert tortoises offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about and appreciate these fascinating animals while providing them with a safe and caring home. By following the guidelines and recommendations for proper care, adopters can help ensure the health and well-being of their tortoise companion for years to come.

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