Welcome to the English-language section of TASCHENDINOS.
Here you will find articles and practical information on the modern, species-appropriate keeping of European tortoises, including housing, technology, hibernation, nutrition, health and behaviour. There are also articles on turtle biology, evolution and conservation.
Some articles are available as dedicated English pages, while others include an English version below the original German text.
What does TASCHENDINOS mean?
TASCHENDINOS is a playful German name that roughly translates as “pocket dinosaurs”.
It is an affectionate reference to tortoises: ancient reptiles with a remarkable evolutionary history, whose appearance still seems to carry a little piece of the prehistoric world into the present day.
The name reflects the idea behind TASCHENDINOS – combining fascination for these extraordinary animals with practical, modern and species-appropriate tortoise husbandry.
Husbandry & Technology
Technology for the Species-Appropriate Keeping of European Tortoises
Modern tortoise keeping benefits from carefully chosen technology. This article covers heating, lighting, UV provision, cold frames and greenhouses, temperature control and other equipment that can help create suitable conditions throughout the year.
Outdoor Enclosure, Cold Frame and Hibernation Pit
An introduction to the design of a naturalistic outdoor enclosure, the use of cold frames and greenhouses, and the construction of a protected hibernation pit for European tortoises.
Let’s Talk About UV
Why is ultraviolet radiation so important for tortoises? This article looks at UVA and UVB, vitamin D₃ synthesis, calcium metabolism and the UV conditions European tortoises experience in their natural habitats.
Hibernation
Controlled Hibernation of European Tortoises in a Refrigerator
A detailed guide to controlled refrigerator hibernation, covering preparation, suitable refrigerators and hibernation boxes, temperature monitoring, safety measures, regular checks and the end of hibernation.
Six-Week Temperature Reduction Prior to Hibernation
A practical guide to gradually reducing temperatures and lighting over approximately six weeks before hibernation, following the seasonal changes European tortoises experience in nature.
Forced Bathing – A Former Husbandry Practice
Routine forced bathing before hibernation is still recommended in some older husbandry advice. This article explains why a gradual and natural preparation for hibernation is preferable.
Health & Behaviour
Health
An overview of important health issues affecting European tortoises, including preventative care, parasites, nutritional deficiencies and other common health problems.
Aggression in European Tortoises
Aggression, territorial behaviour and chronic stress can become serious problems in group housing. This article looks at possible causes, enclosure design, sex ratios, separating animals and options for particularly aggressive males.
Minimally Invasive Castration in Male Tortoises
An overview of endoscopic castration in male tortoises, including possible indications, available research, conservative alternatives, risks, timing and the procedure itself.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Nutrition & Natural Feeding
Food and Calcium
A comprehensive introduction to natural feeding for European tortoises. Topics include digestion, wild plants, growing your own food plants, seasonal feeding, dietary fibre and calcium provision.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Turtle Nutrition Overview
A shorter introduction to natural tortoise nutrition, including suitable food plants, seed collection, self-sufficient enclosures and the role of calcium-rich substrates.
Turtle Biology, Evolution & Conservation
Turtles – Evolution and Diversity
Turtles have existed for more than 220 million years. This article explores their evolutionary history, early fossil forms, the development of the shell and the remarkable diversity of turtles and tortoises living today.
The English version can be found below the German article.
The Anatomy of Turtles and Tortoises – Shell and Senses
An introduction to the unique anatomy of turtles and tortoises, including the shell and skeleton, breathing and movement, as well as sight, smell, hearing, orientation, communication and learning.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Turtle Taxonomy and Conservation Threats
An overview of turtle taxonomy and global species diversity, together with the major threats facing turtles and tortoises around the world.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Turtles as Keystone Species
Turtles are much more than fascinating survivors of an ancient lineage. In many ecosystems they act as keystone species and ecosystem engineers, influencing vegetation, dispersing seeds and creating habitats used by other species.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Turtle Facts
A collection of remarkable facts about turtles and tortoises, from exceptional longevity and navigation skills to diving abilities and unusual physiological adaptations.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Garden Ponds – An Underestimated Danger for Tortoises
Garden ponds can pose a serious risk to terrestrial tortoises. This article describes a near-drowning incident and explains how ponds and other bodies of water around tortoise enclosures can be made safer.
The English version can be found below the German article.
Rescue, Advice & TASCHENDINOS
Tortoise Rescue Centres
Information about tortoise rescue centres, surrendered and rescued animals, rehoming and the important work carried out by specialist organisations.
Husbandry Advice for European Tortoises
Information about TASCHENDINOS husbandry advice, the background behind the project and its commitment to responsible tortoise keeping, education and tortoise welfare.
Anna and Mona – Friends for Life
Meet Anna and her tortoise Mona in the English-language children’s book Anna and Mona – Friends for Life.
Their story introduces children to responsible tortoise keeping, learning from mistakes and the lifelong commitment involved in caring for an animal.
More English Content Is Coming
The English section of TASCHENDINOS is continuing to grow.
Further articles on European tortoise husbandry, nutrition, seasonal rhythms, natural habitats and practical care will gradually be made available in English.
TASCHENDINOS – Modern Husbandry of European Tortoises
