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Since the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act a few
years ago there is an increased burden of reponsibility
on owners to provide a legal duty of care for the welfare
needs of their pet. It is therefore vital that should someone
acquire an animal with specific needs that they have thoroughly
researched it's requirements.
Fortunately for "Mork" and "Mindy"
their arrival at their new home as a wedding present for
their owners has been met with the mature and thorough approach,
that their welfare demands. A trip to the vets is always
a good place to start and where we may not have expertise
in every species we can usually point them in the right
direction!
At only a few inches across "Mork" and "Mindy"
are still very young and unlike most pets may outlive their
owners if cared for properly. Their diet should be relatively
simple, made up of leafy greens (75%) with vegetables and
fruit making up the remainder. Their ability to climb and
escape from enclosures is legendary and their owners will
need to make the necessary adjustments to account for their
small size.
Hibernation is the biggest worry facing most tortoises
and their owners. Sadly, many have been caught out with
this most recent severe and prolonged weather which has
accounted for a significant mortality rate across the UK.
My advice to "Mork" and "Mindy" would
be to avoid such harsh conditions wherever possible. (Good
advice for anyone I think............me included). Fortunately,
"Mork and Mindy's" owners already own a heated
vivarium which should provide the perfect winter retreat.
Anyone with any further interest in tortoises should consider
visiting these websites,
Leicester
Tortoise Society
Tortoise
Trust Forum
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