Thinking of a tortoise as a pet?

These long-lived reptiles make excellent pets (albeit not very handleable ones). They are full of personality, true little characters, and surprisingly opinionated for animals that can spend twenty minutes deciding whether a dandelion is worth walking toward. But how easy is it to look after a tortoise? In this article we will discuss a suitable environment, dietary requirements, and consistent care for two of the most popular species of pet tortoise: the Hermann and the Horsfield.

Horsfield and Hermann Tortoises

Tortoises are often marketed as “easy pets.” This is usually by someone who has never watched one bulldoze through an enclosure, redecorate its water bowl, and then attempt to climb a rock with all the confidence of a mountaineer and none of the coordination.

That said, with the correct care, tortoises are hardy, fascinating reptiles that can live for decades. In some cases, they may outlive your sofa, your car, the government and possibly your enthusiasm for gardening.

Creating a tortoise enclosure

The correct environment is the most important part of keeping a tortoise. Without proper housing, a captive tortoise can develop health issues very quickly, particularly babies, who somehow manage to be both tiny tanks and incredibly fragile at the same time.

There are several key components required to ensure a happy and healthy tortoise:

• Tortoise table

Tortoises need a lot of ventilation, and many species do not do well in enclosed vivariums like other reptiles. Tortoise tables are specifically designed to maximise ventilation and floor space. Think of it less as a cage and more as a tiny Mediterranean bungalow with heating.

• Basking site

Tortoises are reptiles and cannot regulate their own body temperature. They rely on external heat sources to raise their metabolism in order to feed, digest, and grow. Without heat, a tortoise becomes essentially a decorative rock with legs.

Basking lamps are ideal for this purpose, and tortoises generally require heat for 10–14 hours per day.

• UV spectrum lighting

Horsfield and Hermann tortoises originate from hot, dry climates and have evolved to deal with high levels of UV exposure. Both species require UV exposure of 10–14% or Ferguson Zone 3.

UVA promotes natural behaviours, while UVB allows the tortoise to synthesise vitamin D3, which helps regulate blood calcium levels and supports healthy shell, bone, and beak development. In simple terms: sunlight turns your tortoise from “slightly confused pebble” into functioning reptile.

• Shelter

Tortoises occasionally want to retreat from both heat and light. Providing shelter allows the animal to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviours. Even the boldest tortoise sometimes wants a quiet moment away from the world and your constant camera attention.

• Substrate

Substrate is the material covering the bottom of the enclosure. Mediterranean tortoise mixes are ideal. Both species naturally dig and bury themselves, usually moments after you’ve carefully cleaned the enclosure.

• Water source

Fresh water should be available at all times in a shallow dish that is easy to climb into and difficult to overturn. This will not stop the tortoise from attempting to walk directly through it anyway.

• A temperature gradient

Tortoises require a basking area between 32–38°C. This should be positioned on one side of the enclosure, preferably opposite the sheltered area, allowing the remainder of the enclosure to form a heat gradient from warm to cool.

This gradient allows the tortoise to thermoregulate naturally, moving between temperatures as needed. Reptiles invented central heating long before humans did — theirs just involves more walking.

Tortoise Treats – A Starting Point for Dietary Requirements

Horsfield and Hermann tortoises are herbivores, and their diets should be high in fibre and low in fats and proteins. If your tortoise is looking at a strawberry like it has won the lottery, that’s because sugary fruit is the reptile equivalent of cake.