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Gopher Tortoise — Part 2
In captivity the Gopher Tortoise is hardy and thrives for an indefinite number of years if given the proper care. Captive specimens are fond of such tender vegetables as lettuce and celery; they take all kinds of fruit voraciously and will also eat raw meat. They soon learn to recognise the one who feeds them and take dainty morsels from the fingers without signs of fear. Considerable warmth, and absolutely dry quarters are the most important factors in keeping these reptiles in good health. Without sufficient warmth (from 75 to 85 degrees Fahr.) they will not feed, and the least bit of dampness brings on symptoms that resemble an ordinary cold, when they gradually become weak and die. They display little inclination to burrow and hide, in captivity.
This reptile buries its eggs in the sand in a situation exposed to the full rays of the sun. During the breeding season, the males utter a short, rasping call, repeated at intervals of about two seconds apart.