That Reptile Blog That Pet Place Reptile Blog
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Tortoises are among the most popular of reptile pets, and many folks now realize the importance of a proper diet, UVA and UVB light, and heat. Yet many well-meaning tortoise enthusiasts continue to provide their pets with grossly inappropriate accommodations – a situation that is fueled by those pet store employees who recommend glass aquariums to first-time owners.
Plan Ahead
First of all, it should be understood that nearly all tortoises, even the smaller species, will grow too large, and are too active, for any but a room-sized indoor enclosure. So please plan ahead; the suggestions mentioned below are mainly suitable for hatchlings and youngsters. Only tiny species, such as the Padloper (Homopus signatus) or the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleimanni, please see photo) can conceivably be kept in (huge) glass aquariums…and even then, ventilation is a concern.
Glass Aquarium Concerns
In addition to a lack of space, there are numerous other problems associated with glass aquariums. One of the most serious is the fungal and other respiratory problems that often arise due to insufficient ventilation.
Also, tanks usually remain at a constant temperature. However, in order to remain healthy, tortoises need a thermal gradient – that is, they must be able to move from hot basking sites to cooler areas, and most benefit from a dip in temperature at night. Other concerns include difficulties in providing a stimulating environment and in maintaining cleanliness.
Outdoor Enclosures
Outdoor maintenance is ideal – but only if you live in a region with a climate similar to that of your tortoise’s natural habitat (or during seasons that are similar in climate)…temperature, humidity, light cycles and soil drainage are critical. Converting an indoor room is another option, as is a mix of indoor-outdoor housing (I’ve kept huge Spurred Tortoises outdoors during hot, dry spells in NYC, indoor otherwise – not ideal, but satisfactory).
In Part 2 of this article we’ll take a look at some commercially available small animal cages that can handily accommodate small tortoises. I’ll also introduce an easily-constructed enclosure that can provide ideal indoor accommodations for a great many species. Until then, please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks,
Frank Indiviglio
Further Reading
Outdoor pen ideas from the Gulf Coast Turtle and Tortoise Society.
African Spurred Tortoises: Housing and other Challenges
Geochelone denticulata image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Geoff Gallice
Testudo kleinmanni image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Abrahami
I would love to keep torts outdoors. I live in Arizona, and have an outdoor area that receives sun and shade. Do you know of any pet tortoises that would do well year round? We only have freezes a few nights a year.
One option we have is adopting native desert torts (Gopherus agassizii) – but they grow really big and can probably remodel our backyard pretty quickly! I’d like something much smaller.
Hello Amy, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog.
Arizona certainly is ideal for a number of species. All will dig and climb, however, and so will need a secure pen in most yards.
Spectacled Padlopers are tiny (i.e. palm sized) and would fare well there, as would the slightly larger Pancake Tortoise. However, both are rather delicate and would not be ideal if you have not kept tortoises before. Star Tortoises get as large as Desert Tortoises, but are not as vigorous in their digging; Chaco Tortoises would also work, but are not commonly sold and best kept by an experienced person.
Russian Tortoises are small and relatively hardy; they are adapted to arid habitats and could be accommodated in a properly designed outdoor pen in Az; same as regards Greek Tortoises, which are a bit bigger but manageable.
You might enjoy the following articles on Russian and Pancake Tortoises.
Please let me know when you make a decision, and we can discuss getting started.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I like both the Russian and Pancake torts. Are there any concerns about mixing species?
Hello Amy, Frank Indiviglio here.
Interesting idea, but unfortunately it would not work out so well. They come from 2 very different habitats…pancake tortoises need a drier environment and are very prone to fungal infections ( oyster shell works well as a substrate) and warmer temperatures, a different diet, secure hidespots and very high UVB exposure. Russian tortoises are more active/robust, and would likely stress the pancake tortoises.
Also, there is always the potential for severe cross-infection when we mix related animals from different parts of the world. Parasites and other micro-organisms that cause little trouble in 1 species may infect the other with severe consequences; similar to tourists becoming ill when they drink tap water in a foreign country.
Best to choose one, or establish separate habitats.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I think I’m going with pancake tortoises, they are a better fit for our desert backyard! It’s very dry and warm here, UVB is not a problem and we have Mercury vapor bulbs if we need to bring them inside during cold weather. What is their diet like?
Hello Amy, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for the feedback; excellent choice for your area and in general – more people need to study and breed Pancake tortoises, as they are in trouble in the wild. They are not always available, and tend to be expensive, but are well-worth the effort.
Please check my article on Pancake Tortoise Natural History and Care, and write back with any questions you may have. There is a link to an article on conservation efforts there as well.
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I’m not sure if there’s much difference but all I know is that I’m extremely impress with a giant Tortoise’s lifespan.
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog.
Yes, there are a few well documented records of 100+ year old tortoises.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I found my Russian Turtle digging constantly at the sides of the box sorta thing we keep em in is there any reason they dig at it so much? It is a 75g size.
Hello Ryan,
Thanks for your interest. Gravid females dig in an attempt to find a suitable nest site; males try to wander when hormones signal that it is breeding season; low temperatures or overly dry conditions can also be involved. As temperatures rise, tortoises may become restless and dig/pace in order to find more space to move about, forage. A 75 gallon aq is on the small side, despite appearing large in relation to the tortoise…they need a great deal of space, or perhaps out-of-cage time in a safe room, etc. Please also see cautions concerning ventilation, temperature problems in aquariums. Please write in with more details re temperature, diet and so on and perhaps I can provide more specific advice.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Also if I was to use a glass aquarium that was larger would it be better to just leave the tops off like most of the wooden box’s people use or table like structures they use
Well Looking at what we have now having gotten her recently being 7 months old and still bitterly cold outside(Illinois) right now I have her wandering my floor and seems content Right now we have half the tank cool and hot with Romaine lettuce and a tiny bit of a apple. But the aquarium does not have a top to it to let it vent in and out better on both sides of it to simulate the wooden box idea as best as possible and she has a thicker sand if that means much? About a foot or so deep to dig threw, possibly going to add a mulch if thats any better.
Tho letting her out for a while seems to have calmed her down she found a spot and went to sleep.
Hello Ryan
An open top is fine…some tortoises continually attempt to climb out if they see an open top; a screen top sometimes stops this, and still provides ventilation.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hello Ryan,
Good to hear… as with many animals, extra space lessens pacing, etc.
In the wild, they dig shallow depressions in which to spend the night, so deeper substrate is a good idea. Other hiding spots as well – Zoo Med’s Tortoise Home features a hide box, hay or plastic plants can also be used as cover. Re diet, I’m assuming romaine/apple is not main part of diet?…but please write in if you need nutrition info.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hello Ryan ,
Thanks for the feedback. Space seems to be the main factor; providing a secure spot in which to rest, in tank, may help. Watch temperatures, drafts when the tortoise is at large in room.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Right now the main diet is a few different types of greens, this is just since she is new to the whole area in general a little more pleasing diet to relaxe her in any tips on a good diet would be appreciated for further ideas
Hello Ryan,
A varied, high-fiber diet is crucial to their long term health; daily UVB exposure is necessary for proper calcium metabolism. Please check out this article and let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.