Small tortoises are increasingly popular pets, and it’s easy to see why. Their manageable size and unique personalities make them appealing companions.
But before you bring one home, it’s crucial to understand that owning any tortoise, even these smaller breeds, is a long-term commitment. Many live for 50 to 100 years!
This guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for small tortoises, including creating the right habitat, housing, diet, and safe handling techniques.
Native Habitat and Choosing the Right Species
Most of the smaller tortoise species, like the Russian, Greek, Marginated, and Hermann’s tortoises, originally come from dry, arid environments in northern Africa, western Asia, and parts of Europe.
If you’re considering bringing one of these tortoises into your family, you’ll want to carefully consider the characteristics and needs of each species. Take time to learn about their average size and the specific care requirements for each one. Doing your homework ahead of time will help you pick the tortoise that’s right for you and your family.
Housing and Accessories
Like any pet, tortoises need safe and appropriate housing, whether you’re planning to keep your tortoise indoors or out.
Indoor Housing
First and foremost, your tortoise’s indoor habitat has to be escape-proof. Tortoises are surprisingly good at figuring out how to get out of things.
A good option for an indoor setup is a terrarium, such as a 36″ Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium. These come in various sizes and can be customized to meet your tortoise’s specific needs.
Also, your tortoise will need a substrate that’s appropriate for burrowing. Do a little research to learn what kind of substrate mimics the tortoise’s natural habitat.
Outdoor Housing
If you live in a temperate climate, an outdoor pen can be ideal for your tortoise. The minimum dimensions for an outdoor enclosure should be about 8×4 feet, 9-12″ deep, and 12″ high.
Security is of utmost importance. You’ll want to make sure the enclosure is secure enough to prevent escapes and keep predators out.
Cleaning and Maintenance
No matter where you house your tortoise, you’ll need to spot clean the enclosure regularly and do a more thorough deep cleaning on a routine basis.
Temperature, lighting, and humidity
Small tortoises need specific environmental conditions to thrive, so it’s important to recreate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes paying close attention to temperature, lighting, and humidity.
Temperature gradients
Tortoises need a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a cooler side (75-85°F), a warmer side (80-85°F), and a designated basking spot (95-100°F). This allows them to regulate their body temperature by moving between different areas.
Heat lamps and thermostats are essential for maintaining these temperature ranges. Be sure to monitor the temperatures regularly to ensure they’re within the ideal range.
UVB lighting
UVB lighting is critical for tortoise health. A Zilla Heat & UVB Basking Fixture is one option to consider. UVB light allows tortoises to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Humidity
Monitor humidity levels and keep them within the appropriate range for your particular tortoise species. Too much or too little humidity can lead to health problems.
Feeding and diet
Tortoises are herbivores, so they’re going to need a diet of greens and veggies. Some good options include commercial mixes like Zilla Munchies Vegetable Mix and Zilla Herbivore Medley, as well as fresh veggies from the grocery store or farmer’s market.
It’s also a good idea to supplement their diet with vitamins and calcium to keep them healthy and strong.
Don’t forget to keep your little tortoise hydrated! Provide a shallow water dish or pan in their enclosure, and give them a soak in shallow water once a week.
How to handle a tortoise
Tortoises can get used to being handled, but it’s important to do it gently. Move slowly and deliberately when you approach them, so you don’t startle them. They’re not really into surprises.
Wrapping Up
Bringing a tortoise into your life is a big commitment. Be sure you’ve done your homework on the specific needs of your chosen species before you bring your new friend home.