Like all pets, your tortoise relies on you to give them everything they need to lead a happy, healthy and comfortable life. Tortoises have lived on the planet for over 200 million years, but in captivity they require appropriate care to survive.
The type of care you need to give your pet will depend on the species of tortoise you choose. Their requirements are different depending on their species.
How long a tortoise in captivity will live depends on the species but in general they can live anywhere from 50 to 100 years!
While it is legal to own a tortoise in the UK, there are some species that require an certificate to buy and sell. Tortoises are on the ‘CITES’ list – a list of endangered and threatened species which have limitations on trade. CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Species such as Leopard tortoises, Sulcata tortoises and Horsefield tortoises do not need a certificate, however species such as Hermann’s tortoise, Marginated tortoise and Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises will need a certificate to sell them. If you are purchasing one of these species they will usually also be microchipped to aid identification.
Although it may be easier to find a tortoise species that doesn’t need certification, these may not be suitable for your situation, for example Sulcata tortoises and leopard tortoises are some of the largest species in the world, Sulcatas growing to around 50kg and Leopards to around 20kg. Neither species hibernates, nor can be kept outdoors in all except the warmest summer months in the UK.
Further information is available from the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Tortoises can make good pets for some people,. They each have their own character and personality, and still enjoy attention. Although they may seem robust with their hard shells, tortoises are delicate creatures so tend to be more suited as pets for adults and older children. When thinking about getting a tortoise for a pet, remember that they will live with you through your whole life, and possibly even longer! It is customary for tortoises to be mentioned in wills.
Most tortoise species are best kept either singly, in same-sex groups, or one male with several females. Adult males of most species kept together may become territorial and fight. If you are looking to keep more than one tortoise together, they should be the same size and species. If you are keeping more than one tortoise you will need to provide at least the same amount of resources as there are tortoises – e.g.if keeping two, provide at least two hides, two water bowls, two food bowls, two basking lamps etc.
Tortoises need an appropriate temperature-controlled environment, with the correct UVB light provisionthat they need to stay healthy. A free-ranging tortoise around the house will not be in this environment. They can have time outside of their enclosure, but this should be minimised. The space they are given should be appropriate for both their environmental and physical needs.
The most commonly kept European and Eurasian species should spend time outside during the warmer months, as it allows them to absorb natural UVB rays from the sun. Most of the commonly-kept tortoises in the UK will normally need both outdoor and indoor housing. Solely indoor housing may not be appropriate and could lead to health issues if not correctly planned and set up. Tortoises need a large amount of room, and do not do well in the types of vivariums used for other reptiles.
When keeping tortoises outside, you must check that any plants they can get access to are not toxic to tortoises, and it is a good idea to have plants and vegetation that the tortoise can hide in. They may burrow into areas of dirt to keep cool in hotter weather, so allow them a safe area to do this. It is important your tortoise is not able to burrow its way out of its enclosure or become lost in your garden. Always provide fresh water in a dish or tray and make sure that it is shallow enough for the tortoise to walk in and out of.
Keep your tortoises outside can be a complex task to ensure that they are safe and that they are acclimated to the UK. Sometimes it may be advisable to keep them inside if the weather is unseasonally damp, windy, or cold. Tortoises may be at risk from predators such as dogs, foxes and rats, so their outdoor housing should always prevent access from these, and be especially secure at night. Providing the right lighting is key for your tortoise’s health. Check out our tortoise lighting and accessories to give them the UVB and heat they need to thrive.
The Royal Veterinary College has some excellent information detailing constructing an appropriate outdoor run for your tortoise so consider reading it to create a home.
As tortoises are cold-blooded reptiles, they need an environment which allows them to regulate their body temperature. A smaller enclosure for juvenile tortoises, known as a tortoise table, is recommended for housing young tortoises. As your tortoise grows in size, it will need to be moved to a larger enclosure indoors or outdoors depending on the environmental conditions.
Tortoises will eventually outgrow a tortoise table, so can then be kept in large enclosures indoors or an outdoor pen in warmer weather. It is advised that all housing has solid walls, at least twice as high as the largest tortoise, to prevent them from escaping. You may want to consider a mesh roof, to stop any unwanted attention from other animals, as they easily harm tortoises. Tortoises kept outside, should be encouraged to graze on tortoise-safe naturally growing grasses and weeds. There are many guides for tortoise-safe plants available online such as: the tortoise trust.
For most species, a basking spot of 30-35°C needs to be provided inside the enclosure and set on a timer to give around 12 hours of heat each day. The basking spot is provided by an overhead heat lamp or a ceramic heat emitter with a thermostat. The basking spot should be large enough to allow the tortoise to fully rest within it – larger tortoises may need multiple lamps to create a large enough basking area. Our heating and humidity solutions are designed to create an optimal environment, supporting your tortoise's well-being. At the opposite end of the vivarium the temperature should be lower at around 20°C. We recommend the use of two thermometers to monitor the temperature at hot and cool ends. At night the temperature can fall to about 15°C. Temperatures below 10°C may start to trigger hibernation in some species, or lead to health issues..
For most commonly-kept species, overall humidity needs to be relatively low, but they will naturally seek out humid areas to hide in. Dampness should be avoided and in tortoises kept outdoors, consistently damp environments may lead to health issues.
Tortoises need access to direct sunlight, and when kept indoors a specialist Ultraviolet (UVB) light which helps them to absorb the calcium they need for healthy bone and shell growth. Lights should be on for around 12-14 hours every day, unless mimicking a seasonal change. Good ventilation is required to prevent excessive heat and to provide air circulation. This is why open-topped tortoise tables are the preferred housing for juveniles, and open or mesh-covered pens indoors and outdoors.
Tortoises do not play with toys, but their habitat can be enriched by providing them with suitable safe and sturdy climbing opportunities. Consider including a smooth rockery area for them to climb on, branches and shrubs to move through or seek shade under. Tortoises also enjoy digging, so make sure there is a deep layer of a mixture of sand and topsoil, or specialist tortoise substrate. Add natural climbing and basking spots to your tortoise’s enclosure with the HabiStat Natural Reptile Grapevine, perfect for creating a more engaging habitat.
A house should be provided within the enclosure, filled with suitable bedding for them to hide in, (such as soft hay) and feel safe and secure whilst sleeping. For more than one tortoise, provide at least the same number of houses as there are tortoises.
Tortoises are not generally cuddly pets and do not like to be held. However, they can feel their shells being touched so some tortoises enjoy being stroked or brushed softly.
Tortoises, just like any pet, require specific care to remain healthy through their lifespan. Tortosies may seem to be straightforward to keep but they have complex environmental and physical needs which must be considered. If you cannot give your tortoise the environmental conditions, space and time they require then they may not be suitable for you as a pet. There are some species which are considered to be relatively hardy and straightforward to keep, these include Hermann’s and Horsfield tortoises. Hermann’s tortoises are quite active and will engage with their owners, especially at feeding time, Horsefields seem to have very strong and even described as stubborn characters, and can be very good at digging out of enclosures!
No matter the species, all tortoises require a significant input of time, space, and financial resources for their initial setup and ongoing care.
An ideal diet for most European and Eurasian tortoises is their natural diet of weeds and herbs. There are several complete processed foods available for tortoises. These are convenient and easy to make up, although should be supplemented with a variety of fresh, natural leafy greens. In fact tortoises can be fed entirely on a natural diet of weeds and herbs. In all cases they require high fibre, low protein and low sugar. Tortoises will also require daily calcium and vitamin supplements, which should be given s per manufacturers guidelines. Typically calcium supplements are used every other day, with vitamin and mineral supplements 2-3 times a week.. Many keepers also provide calcium blocks or cuttlefish bone in the enclosure for the tortoises to self-supplement with calcium.
A varying mixture of water cress, rocket, and weeds like dandelion, clover and plantain can be offered. Always wash any plants, so they are clean and free from pesticides. It is important to provide a variety of plants, just like they would find in their natural environment, and like humans, they may have their individual preferences.
Small quantities of fruit and vegetables can be given as treat. These include apples, spring greens, kale, broccoli and spinach, but should only be given occasionally. Don’t forget to give them plenty of fresh water in a shallow dish, which will need to be changed daily. or sooner if they have used it as a toilet!
To give your tortoise the best possible diet, we recommend that you research what food can and must not be fed to tortoises.
Plants and flowers that grow from bulbs, such as daffodils are toxic and can cause death. Rhubarb leaves are also poisonous, and soft fruits like bananas can cause digestive problems.
Hibernation needs to be researched thoroughly, as it is a complex procedure. Some species will not hibernate at all, ensure that it is necessary for your tortoise species specifically and schedule a veterinarian check over beforehand to make sure that they are healthy enough to make it through safely. Your veterinarian will be able to give the best advice of how to hibernate your tortoise. Generally, tortoises under 2 years are not hibernated. Adult hibernation should be limited to 3 - 4 months, so protected housing is necessary for spring and autumn when the weather is not tortoise-friendly. Whatever method is chosen the tortoise should be checked and weighed regularly.
If they’re given the correct food, care, attention, and the correct habitat, tortoises are usually problem-free. As with all pets you should ensure that your tortoises are kept in clean and hygienic conditions.
A healthy tortoise has bright, clear eyes, actively searches for food, explores its environment and eagerly eats their food. Their shells are smooth and rounded with no ‘pyramiding’.
All vets have a basic understanding of tortoises but those with a specialist interest in reptiles may be much more familiar with the complexities of tortoise medicine. Insurance against unexpected veterinary costs is available in the same way as it is for cats and dogs.
If your pet shows any signs of being unwell contact your vet immediately.
Tortoises may not exhibit as obvious signs of illness as other animals, but with a keen eye you’ll be able to spot when there’s a change. Signs to watch out for include:
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lack of movement
- Breathing through the mouth or wheezing
- Red or inflamed skin
- Change in shape or texture of their carapace (shell)
- Change in colour or a softness of their plastron (chest)