Desert tortoises are surprisingly social and zippy pets...

[DGUtley]

Desert tortoises are surprisingly social and zippy pets...

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They’re not fluffy, they don’t play fetch and they certainly don’t roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise.

What’s more, pet tortoises can wag their tails, will plod on up to greet you and some can even recognize their own names. The surprising warmth of this ancient cold-blooded creature has made them popular pets for families with pet dander allergies and for retirees.

After years of living pet-free (save one vicious betta fish), my family and I decided to adopt a captive desert tortoise. Fittingly, it was a slow and steady process. Dotty the desert tortoise climbs into the lap of Seyda Robertson in Scottsdale, Ariz., on May 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Alina Hartounian)

In Arizona where we live, the state runs a captive desert tortoise adoption program. The adoption is free, but requires an application, including photos and a diagram of the tortoise’s new home. We spent hours setting up her habitat in our backyard, digging out rocks, fashioning a burrow and planting tortoise-friendly flowers. Building the habitat takes time. But the tortoise itself is a pretty low-maintenance pet.



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[Collateral Damage]

We get lake turtles (I don't know their specific scientific name) come up the hill from the lake in May to lay eggs. Let me tell you, they can move pretty quick when they want to!

If the turtles can be homed safely, then it sounds good to me.

[jes'fuchinwitcha]

Desert tortoises are surprisingly social and zippy pets...

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They’re not fluffy, they don’t play fetch and they certainly don’t roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise.

What’s more, pet tortoises can wag their tails, will plod on up to greet you and some can even recognize their own names. The surprising warmth of this ancient cold-blooded creature has made them popular pets for families with pet dander allergies and for retirees.

After years of living pet-free (save one vicious betta fish), my family and I decided to adopt a captive desert tortoise. Fittingly, it was a slow and steady process. Dotty the desert tortoise climbs into the lap of Seyda Robertson in Scottsdale, Ariz., on May 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Alina Hartounian)

In Arizona where we live, the state runs a captive desert tortoise adoption program. The adoption is free, but requires an application, including photos and a diagram of the tortoise’s new home. We spent hours setting up her habitat in our backyard, digging out rocks, fashioning a burrow and planting tortoise-friendly flowers. Building the habitat takes time. But the tortoise itself is a pretty low-maintenance pet.



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It’s true. We have a Sulcata tortoise named Jorge who is quite friendly and personable. He’s about 10 now, weighing in at maybe 125 lbs, might live to 150. He likes to hang out with the chickens and will come to see what you’re doing when out in the yard. His favorite food is watermelon. If you rub the back of his shell he wags his tail.

[carolina73]

It’s true. We have a Sulcata tortoise named Jorge who is quite friendly and personable. He’s about 10 now, weighing in at maybe 125 lbs, might live to 150. He likes to hang out with the chickens and will come to see what you’re doing when out in the yard. His favorite food is watermelon. If you rub the back of his shell he wags his tail.

I didn't realize turtles could feel anything on the back shell.

[Peter1469]

Know what a snapping turtle looks like and realize that you don't want to get too close. If you just have to pick it up, approach from behind.