Marginated Tortoise
Testudo marginata (1792, Schoepf)
   
     
   
general
description One of the most popular pet tortoises in Europe for many years. It has a very long carapace; the colour is mainly black with sometimes orange or yellow patches. It is a relatively hardy and robust animal in captive, is able to tolerate both damp and dry environments.
a.k.a Margined tortoise, Testuggine marginata
distribution Central and southern Greece, including the islands of Corfu, Skiros, and Poros; apparently introduced in Sardinia and Tombola.

code : GR, IT
adult size 9" - 12" carapax length
hatchling size approx. 2" carapax length
housing
natural habitats Terrestrial; areas with hot summers. Enjoys scrub covered, rocky hillsides
cage Cage should be large instead of tall since it does not climb much. (e.g. Wooden Terrarium, Glass Terrarium)
substrate Soil, gravel, sand (e.g. Repti Sand, Calci-Sand), Cypress or eucalyptus mulch, barks (e.g. Repti Bark, Coconut Bark), compressed paper granules (e.g. Good Mews)
activity period Daytime (diurnal);
12 - 14 hours each day with direct natural sunlight or UV lamp (e.g. ReptiSun 5.0, UV Heat Bulb)
temperature 30 - 35 ¢XC -- basking spot   (e.g. Basking Spot Lamp)
26 - 28 ¢XC -- cooler area   (e.g. Daylight Blue Bulb)
24 - 25 ¢XC -- at night   (e.g. Nightlight Red Bulb, Infrared Heat Lamp, Ceramic Heat Emitter)
humidity low
water dish Optional. A small water dish (e.g. Rock water dish) can be left in the cage sometimes but not all the time
hiding place Optional. Possibllites include caves (e.g. Habba Hut, Heat Cave), etc
diet
diet Herbivorous
primary food Grass, Dark Leafy Greens (e.g. dandelions, mustards, collards, turnips, kales), Box Turtle & Tortoise Food , Tortoise Formula
occasional food Pricky Pears, Carrots, Apples (with skin), Peaches, Berries, Squashes, Beans (with skin), Peas (with skin), Almonds
never feed on Animal matter, Very Juicy Fruits, Tomatos, Bananas, Cabbages, Cucumbers, Bok Choy, Iceberg Lettuces, Rhubarbs, Broccoli, etc
notes high fibre, high calicum and low protein diet will ensure good digestive tract function and smooth growth
reproduction
reproduction Oviparous
incubation 8 - 20 weeks
   
         
 
     

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