Find out about your turtle or tortoise's special needs.The information you need to raise a thriving chelonian.
This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it needs to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your chelonian.
Discover how to:
- Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise.
- Provide a suitable environment.
- Care for a variety of species.
- Supply a satisfying and healthy diet.
- Create an indoor or outdoor home.
The Dummies Way- Explanations in plain English.
- "Get in, get out" information.
- Icons and other navigational aids.
- Tear-out cheat sheet.
- Top ten lists.
- A dash of humor and fun.
Paperback, 292 pages, copyright 2001.About the Author: Liz Palika met her first reptile as a teenager when she brought home a long, sleek, black racer snake and her mother promptly locked her out of the house. That snake was immediately released back into the wild, but Liz's fascination with reptiles continued.
Today, Liz and her husband, Paul, take in numerous abandoned, neglected, or escaped turtles and tortoises. The chelonians are evaluated as to their state of health, nursed back to health, and then adopted to new homes. A few who need special care remain with Liz and Paul as long as needed. A few stay forever. Onyx, a Gulf Coast box turtle, was the first chelonian taken in after Liz and Paul decided (almost 20 years ago) to do rescue work. Onyx was so personable and so old (she is ancient) that she has remained a permanent resident. She and seven of her offspring are the rulers of the box turtle outside enclosure. Besides Onyx's contribution to the world, the Palikas have established a breeding colony of leopard tortoises and a colony of sulcatas.
Liz is an award-winning author; her books have won honors from ASPCA, Purina, Dog Writers Association of America, Cat Writers Association, and the San Diego Book Writers. Her more than 30 nonfiction books include The Consumer's Guide to Feeding Reptiles (Howell Book House), Your Bearded Dragon's Life (Prima), Your Iguana's Life (Prima), and The Leopard Tortoise; He said, She said (Green Nature Books).