The males have to be separated or they attack each other. The tiny new arrivals are a constant source of anxiety. Yet, despite all this, my husband is considering adopting more, writes Emma Beddington

wo New Tortoises Have Hatched. Now We Have Seven – and It’s Chaos

There’s something magical about watching a tortoise hatch. After weeks of patiently waiting, tiny cracks appear in the eggshell, and eventually a miniature tortoise emerges, ready to explore the world. It’s an exciting moment for any reptile enthusiast—but when two new hatchlings arrive and bring the total number of tortoises to seven, life can become wonderfully chaotic.

The arrival of two healthy hatchlings has transformed our tortoise family. Each baby is incredibly small, yet full of curiosity and personality. From the moment they took their first steps, they began exploring every corner of their enclosure, often climbing over their older siblings and investigating anything they could reach.

While adult tortoises are generally calm and predictable, hatchlings are surprisingly active. Their endless energy keeps us constantly checking on them to ensure they’re safe, warm, and well-fed.

Life with Seven Tortoises

Caring for seven tortoises requires more planning than ever before. Daily routines now include:

• Preparing fresh leafy greens and vegetables.
• Monitoring temperatures and humidity levels.
• Cleaning the enclosure more frequently.
• Making sure every tortoise gets enough food without competition.
• Performing regular health checks and weighing the hatchlings to track their growth.

Although it takes extra effort, seeing the little ones thrive makes every task worthwhile.

Creating the Perfect Habitat

Young tortoises need a carefully maintained environment to grow strong and healthy. Their enclosure should provide:

• A warm basking area for proper digestion.
• Cooler shaded spots for resting.
• Clean, shallow water for drinking and soaking.
• Safe hiding places to reduce stress.
• A natural substrate that allows gentle digging and exploration.

Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity is especially important during the first few months of life.