Surveillance Cameras on, in, and around the Terrarium: Why They Are So Useful for Tortoise Keepers

As an enthusiastic turtle keeper, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the care of my little armoured animals. One day I had the idea of installing a surveillance camera not only on the terrarium but also in the outdoor enclosure. What may sound excessive at first has proved to be incredibly helpful. Here I would like to share with you why surveillance cameras on, in and around the enclosure can be a real game changer.

1. Early Detection of Behavioral Changes

Tortoises are quiet creatures and don't always show immediately when something is wrong. With the camera, I can observe them around the clock and have often noticed early on if one of my tortoises was less active or behaved differently than usual. This allowed me to react quickly and consult a vet if necessary.

2. Monitoring Feeding Habits

It's amazing to see how differently my tortoises react to various food offerings. With the camera, I've discovered which treats are particularly popular and which are mostly ignored. This helps me tailor their diet optimally and ensure that everyone gets enough to eat.

3. Controlling Temperature and Humidity

The right environmental conditions are essential for tortoises. Through the camera, I keep an eye not only on the animals but also on the devices measuring temperature and humidity. This gives me peace of mind because I can intervene immediately if something isn't right.

4. Documentation and Personal Insights

I also use the camera recordings to observe my tortoises' behavior over longer periods. It's fascinating to see how they develop and what routines they have. These insights help me understand their needs even better.

5. Remote Monitoring When I'm Away

When I'm not at home, I don't have to worry thanks to the camera. I can check on my tortoises anytime via my smartphone and make sure everything is okay. This is especially reassuring when I'm away for a few days.

6. Discovering Where Eggs Are Laid

A special highlight for me was when I could observe via the camera where my tortoise laid her eggs. Without the recordings, I probably would have missed the spot. This allowed me to carefully retrieve the eggs and ensure optimal incubation conditions.

7. Useful Monitoring in the Outdoor Enclosure

In addition to the terrarium, I have set up an outdoor enclosure for my tortoises. Here, a surveillance camera is especially useful. Outdoors, the animals are exposed to various influences, and there are more potential dangers. With the camera, I can ensure that no predators like birds or cats get too close to my tortoises. I also keep an eye on the weather and can react if a sudden change is imminent.

It's also fascinating to see how my tortoises behave in the outdoor enclosure. They often show different behaviors than in the terrarium, and I can better understand which areas they prefer and how they interact with each other.

Which Camera Is Suitable?

Not every camera is suitable. For outdoor use, the camera should be weatherproof and deliver good images even under varying light conditions. A good night vision function is important since many animals are active at dusk. Cameras with motion detectors and notification functions are practical so that you're immediately informed when something happens.

Conclusion

A surveillance camera on, in, or around the terrarium and the outdoor enclosure may seem unusual at first glance, but it has become an indispensable tool for me. It gives me the opportunity to understand my tortoises better and respond to their needs more quickly. If you also keep tortoises, I can only recommend trying it yourself. It's really worth it!