How to Look After a Tortoise: Care Guide for Pet Parents

Before bringing a tortoise home, it’s important to consider the different factors of commitment involved. Tortoises have incredibly long lifespans, with many common pet breeds living for 50 years or more. This means your new friend could be with you for a very long time, so you must be prepared for this long-term responsibility.

They also have very specific care requirements. Unlike a dog or a cat, a tortoise needs a carefully controlled environment that mimics its natural habitat. This includes precise temperature, lighting, and humidity levels. While they are quiet and don't require daily walks, their needs are just as important. If you’re ready for the long-term commitment and can provide the specialised care they need, a tortoise can be an incredibly rewarding companion for life.

Before you start shopping for reptile supplies, there are a few key things to consider:

●      Breed selection: Not all tortoise breeds are suitable as pets. Some of the most popular and manageable breeds for beginners include the Hermann’s Tortoise, the Russian (or Horsfield’s) Tortoise, and the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise. Research the specific needs of the breed you are interested in, as their dietary and environmental requirements can vary.

●      Legal requirements: Always purchase your tortoise from a reputable, certified breeder. Some species are protected, and wild-caught tortoises can carry diseases and have trouble adapting to captivity. In the UK, some tortoise species require a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certificate, so ensure you have the correct legal paperwork.

●      Initial vet visit: Once you bring your tortoise home, schedule a check-up with a veterinarian who specialises in exotic pets. They can perform a health check, screen for common parasites, and provide specific advice for your tortoise’s breed and age.

Creating the right home is crucial for your tortoise’s well-being. Firstly, you’ll need to decide whether to house them indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both.

An indoor enclosure, often called a tortoise table, is a popular choice in the UK due to our variable climate. A vivarium or glass tank can also be suitable but must have good air flow so it doesn’t become too humid for your new addition.

Your indoor setup should include:

●      A spacious home: The enclosure should be large enough for your tortoise to move around freely. A good rule of thumb is at least three times the length of your tortoise's shell by four times its width.

●      Substrate: The base of the enclosure should be covered with a suitable substrate that allows for burrowing, like a mix of topsoil and sand. Specialised tortoise life substrates are also available. Avoid gravel or cedar chips, which can be harmful if ingested.

●      Hide box: A hide box or shelter is essential. This provides a safe, dark space where your tortoise can rest and feel secure.

●      Water dish: Provide a shallow water dish or pool that is large enough for your tortoise to soak in but easy for them to climb out of.

If you have the space, an outdoor enclosure allows your tortoise to benefit from natural sunlight and fresh air during warmer months.

Key features of an outdoor setup:

●      Security: The enclosure must be secure to protect your tortoise from predators like foxes or dogs, and to prevent them from escaping. Tortoises are surprisingly good climbers and diggers, so the walls should be sturdy and buried slightly underground.

●      Shelter: Just like an indoor setup, an outdoor one needs a shelter to protect your pet from rain and provide shade from the hot sun.

●      Safe plants: Any plants within the enclosure must be non-toxic, as your tortoise will likely nibble on them. Dandelions and clover are generally safe and make good snacks.

Tortoises are cold-blooded, which means they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Getting the temperature and lighting right in their tank or vivarium is one of the most important aspects of how to keep a tortoise healthy.

●      Heating: Your enclosure should have a temperature gradient which can be achieved with heating and basking lamps. This means one end should be warmer than the other. A basking spot should be maintained at around 30-32°C, while the cooler end can be between 24-28°C, depending on the species. Use at least two thermometers to monitor these temperatures daily.

●      Lighting: Tortoises need exposure to UVB light for 10-12 hours a day. This is vital for them to produce Vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium from their food. Without it, they can develop serious health problems. If your tortoise is indoors, you must install a high-quality UVB lamp like the Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Desert Terrarium Ultraviolet Bulb and replace the bulb regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

●      Humidity: The required humidity level varies between species. For example, Red-Footed tortoises require higher humidity than Russian tortoises. A shallow water dish and occasional misting can help maintain the right levels.

A balanced diet is essential when looking after a tortoise. Most pet tortoises are herbivores.

●      Leafy greens: The bulk of their diet should consist of weeds and flower-based plants. Dandelions, clover, and plantain are excellent choices.

●      Commercial food: You can supplement their diet with specially formulated tortoise food to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

●      Calcium: Dust their food with a calcium supplement like the Vetark Nutrobal Calcium and Vitamin Supplement a few times a week to support healthy bone and shell growth.

Some foods are toxic to tortoises and should be avoided. These include:

●      Citrus fruits

●      Avocado

●      Daffodils

●      Foxgloves

●      Buttercups

●      Bean sprouts

Never give your tortoise dog or cat food, as it is too high in protein and can cause serious health issues.

Many Mediterranean tortoise breeds, like the Hermann's and Russian tortoise, naturally hibernate during the winter. In captivity, hibernation isn't strictly necessary but can be beneficial for their long-term health if done correctly.

Before considering hibernation, your tortoise must have a full health check from a vet. An ill tortoise should never be hibernated, as it could be harmful. Your vet can provide guidance on how to safely manage the hibernation process, which involves gradually reducing food and temperature over several weeks.

Performing daily checks on your tortoise can help you spot signs of illness early. A healthy tortoise should be alert, with clear eyes and a firm shell.

Common health issues include:

●      Respiratory infections: Symptoms include nasal discharge and open-mouthed breathing. This is often caused by incorrect temperatures or humidity.

●      Shell infections (shell rot): Caused by bacteria or fungus, often due to a damp environment or injury.

●      Vitamin A deficiency: Can lead to swollen eyes and lethargy.

Regularly clean the enclosure, and always provide fresh water daily. Tortoises often defecate in their water, so the dish needs to be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Find all the reptile health and hygiene products you need to keep your pet in top shape.

Looking after a tortoise is work that requires dedication, research, and patience. By providing the right environment, diet, and care, you can ensure your shelled companion lives a long, fulfilling life. Quiet as they might be, their distinct behaviours and personalities make them truly rewarding companions.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your reptile-parenting journey, explore our full range of reptile supplies online to get everything you need for your new friend.