The old way.
Up to 1984tortoises from all around Europe were imported into the UK – less than 10% survived more than a couple of years.
The traditional way to keep a tortoise was in the garden, free roaming from Easter to October – whatever the weather, then let it hibernate – either in the garden, or in a box in the garage/loft/shed
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about The Old Way - In
the Garden
This was the same whatever species of tortoise kept.
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about The Old Way - Different Species
Improper diet was provided, like dog food!
More about The Old Way - Bad Diet