10 facts you may not know about tortoises

The collective noun for a group of tortoises is called a 'creep' Credit: PA

Here are 10 facts that you may not know about tortoises:

  • A tortoise's shell is made up of 60 different bones all connected to each other

  • A group of tortoises is called a 'creep'

  • Tortoises have extremely strong mouths but no teeth

  • They have good all round vision and a very good sense of smell

  • They are cold blooded - they draw heat from their environment and are more active during the day than at night

  • Tortoises can live to the age of 150, but the average age a tortoise can live to ranges from 90 to 150 years

  • Tortoise eggs incubate between 90 to 120 days before they hatch

  • Female tortoises are usually larger than their male counterparts

  • A male tortoise has a longer tail than that of a female

  • Before tortoises hibernate in winter, they starve themselves so their stomachs are empty

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Facts from Pets4Homes