{"product_id":"indian-star-tortoise-geochelone-elegans","title":"Indian Star Tortoise | Geochelone elegans","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"newlands-animal-care-guide\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndian Star Tortoise | Geochelone elegans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; natural habitat\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; seasonally dry scrub and grassland.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAdult size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 20–35 cm shell length, with females larger.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eLifespan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 years or more.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndividuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eActivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDay-active.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSocial needs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHouse individually.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHousing \u0026amp; Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAdult housing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlan at least 240 × 120 cm of adult floor area, increasing for a large female; provide a warm indoor habitat.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eEnclosure type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm terrestrial enclosure with shelter and usable floor space.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasking around 32–35°C; ambient around 26–30°C; avoid cold damp conditions.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eLighting \u0026amp; UVB\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProvide a regular day\/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHumidity \/ moisture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProvide a warm humid retreat, particularly for juveniles, with ventilation and a drier surface area.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFurnishings \u0026amp; filtration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecure hides and furnishings; drinking water must remain accessible.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHouse individually unless a specialist large setup is planned; minimise lifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-fibre suitable grasses, weeds, greens and flowers, with species-appropriate calcium\/vitamins. Avoid animal protein and fruit-heavy diets. Provide a shallow accessible water dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRoutine Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Before Buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tropical species does not hibernate. Confirm the current animal’s documentation and the adult housing plan with our team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCITES - Comes with correct paperwork\/certificate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLive Animals Are Click \u0026amp; Collect Only\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Davy's Pets","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52450696888647,"sku":"1136598","price":699.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/8821\/4500\/files\/IndianStarTortoise_fd74162a-0c26-45e2-ad3c-5846c20d9dc1.jpg?v=1759326105","url":"https:\/\/www.newlands.ie\/products\/indian-star-tortoise-geochelone-elegans","provider":"Newlands Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}