Tortoises might not fetch a ball or curl up in your lap, but they have a charm all their own. With their ancient faces, slow-and-steady vibes, and fascinating personalities, these shelled reptiles make surprisingly rewarding pets. But here’s the thing: not all tortoises are created equal when it comes to pet potential.
Some grow massive, some need outdoor enclosures, and others have super-specific humidity and lighting needs. So, before you dive into tortoise parenthood, let’s slow down (tortoise-style) and look at how to choose the best pet tortoise for you—and which species are actually better for beginners.
Why a Pet Tortoise?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of species and enclosures, let’s talk about what life with a tortoise is really like.
Pros:
- Long lifespan – many tortoises live 50+ years, and some even pass the century mark.
- Quiet and hypoallergenic – no barking, meowing, or shedding.
- Low daily maintenance – once their setup is dialed in, they don’t require constant attention.
- Fascinating behaviors – tortoises are quirky, curious, and love to explore their space.
Cons:
- Long lifespan – yes, it’s a pro and a con! You need to plan for a lifetime of care.
- Specialized habitat needs – heat lamps, UVB lighting, humidity control, and lots of space.
- Not cuddly – they’re not into snuggling, and most don’t like being picked up.
If that still sounds like a dream pet, read on!
How to Choose the Right Pet Tortoise
- Consider Your Living Situation
Do you have room for a large enclosure? Do you live in a warm climate where your tortoise can go outside, or will it need to stay indoors year-round? These factors will narrow your options fast.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing
- Smaller species like Russian or Greek tortoises can be housed indoors in large tortoise tables.
- Larger species like Sulcatas or Leopard tortoises really need outdoor pens, especially as adults.
- Climate Requirements
Humidity and temperature are big deals for tortoises. Some need dry, arid conditions while others thrive in humid, tropical environments. Matching your tortoise’s needs to your home climate (or your ability to recreate it) is key.
- Size at Maturity
That adorable baby Sulcata? It can grow to 100+ pounds. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before falling in love with a hatchling.
- Lifespan
Many species live 40–100 years. Are you ready for a pet that might outlive you? (No pressure!)
- Temperament
Some tortoises are shy and solitary; others are more interactive. If you want a tortoise that doesn’t retreat into its shell at the sight of you, choose a species known for being social.
Best Tortoise Species as Pets for Beginners
These species are generally considered the most manageable and beginner-friendly in terms of size, care, and temperament.
Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
- Adult size: 5–10 inches
- Lifespan: 40–50 years
- Habitat: Arid/dry climate; low humidity
- Why it’s great: Small, hardy, and relatively easy to care for. Great for indoor setups and not too picky about food.
Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)
- Adult size: 5–9 inches
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Habitat: Mediterranean-like conditions
- Why it’s great: Easygoing and tolerates handling better than most. Not as prone to health issues if kept in proper conditions.
Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
- Adult size: 6–8 inches
- Lifespan: 50–75 years
- Habitat: Mild, dry climates
- Why it’s great: Very personable and active during the day. Known to recognize their caretakers.
Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
- Adult size: 11–14 inches
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Habitat: Humid, tropical forest environment
- Why it’s great: Colorful, curious, and more social. They tolerate humidity well and enjoy the occasional fruit treat.
Larger Tortoise Species (For Experienced Keepers)
If you have plenty of space, time, and a warm climate—or you’re just all-in on giant reptiles—these species might be for you. Just know what you’re signing up for!
Sulcata Tortoise (African Spurred Tortoise)
- Adult size: Up to 150 pounds
- Lifespan: 70–100+ years
- Why it’s challenging: Huge size, strong diggers, and require secure outdoor enclosures. Not for apartment dwellers.
Leopard Tortoise
- Adult size: 12–24 inches
- Lifespan: 50–100 years
- Why it’s challenging: Large and shy; needs warm, dry conditions year-round. Best for large outdoor spaces.
What Do Tortoises Eat?
Tortoises are mostly herbivores, but the exact diet depends on the species. Here’s a general breakdown:
Typical Diet:
- Leafy greens – Dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, endive
- Vegetables – Squash, zucchini, bell pepper, carrots (sparingly)
- Weeds & grasses – Safe backyard weeds like clover and plantain (no pesticides!)
- Fruits – Occasionally, for some species like red-footed tortoises (berries, melon, mango)
- Calcium source – Cuttlefish bone, calcium powder (especially important for growing juveniles)
Avoid iceberg lettuce (zero nutrition) and keep high-oxalate greens (like spinach) to a minimum.
What About Water?
All tortoises need:
- A shallow water dish that they can easily climb into and out of
- Regular soaking, especially for hatchlings and young tortoises (2–3 times per week)
- Clean, fresh water daily, even if they rarely seem to drink—it’s important for overall health
Some tropical species also benefit from light misting to keep humidity levels up.
Common Tortoise Health Problems (And How to Prevent Them)
Even with the best care, tortoises can still run into health issues. Many of them are preventable with proper husbandry.
- Respiratory Infections
- Cause: Poor ventilation, too much humidity (for arid species), or cold temps
- Symptoms: Wheezing, bubbling at the nose, lethargy
- Prevention: Maintain correct temperatures and humidity; avoid drafts
- Shell Rot
- Cause: Fungal or bacterial infection from damp, dirty substrate
- Symptoms: Soft, discolored, or foul-smelling shell spots
- Prevention: Keep enclosure clean and dry (especially for dry-climate species)
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Cause: Lack of calcium or UVB exposure
- Symptoms: Soft shell, pyramiding, lethargy, deformities
- Prevention: Use proper UVB lighting and supplement calcium
- Parasites
- Cause: Often from wild-caught tortoises or contaminated food
- Symptoms: Weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy
- Prevention: Stick with captive-bred tortoises and keep food clean
- Overgrown Beak or Nails
- Cause: Improper diet or lack of rough surfaces
- Prevention: Offer cuttlefish bone, rough slate for feeding, and regular trims if needed
A yearly vet check with a reptile specialist is always a smart move, even if everything seems fine.
Basic Setup Needs for Any Tortoise
Even the most beginner-friendly species still require a well-thought-out habitat. Here’s a quick look at the basics:
- Enclosure: Tortoise table or large outdoor pen with solid walls
- Substrate: Coconut coir, organic topsoil, or a mix (avoid sand-only setups)
- UVB Lighting: Critical for calcium metabolism and shell health
- Heat Source: Basking lamp with proper temperature gradient (usually 90–100°F basking spot)
- Humidity: Varies by species (dry for Russians, humid for red-footed)
- Diet: Mostly leafy greens, weeds, and flowers; some species tolerate occasional fruits
- Water: Shallow water dish, regular soaking, and fresh daily water
Bonus Tips
- Adopt responsibly – Avoid buying wild-caught tortoises, as they’re often stressed and carry parasites. Look for breeders or rescues that work with captive-bred tortoises.
- Do your homework – Each species has different needs. Join tortoise owner forums, read species care guides, and ask questions.
- Don’t rush the setup – A poorly set up enclosure leads to stress and health problems. Make sure everything is dialed in before bringing your tortoise home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a pet tortoise isn’t just about finding the cutest one in the bunch (though let’s be real—they’re all adorable in their own way). It’s about matching their needs with your lifestyle, space, and long-term plans.
If you’re new to tortoises, Russian, Greek, or Hermann’s tortoises are solid bets. They’re manageable in size, have relatively straightforward care requirements, and won’t bulldoze your backyard. But no matter which species you choose, tortoise ownership is a long, slow-moving journey—literally and figuratively.
Take your time, do your research, and get ready for one of the most unique and rewarding pet experiences you’ll ever have.