A Beginner’s Guide to Owning a Pet Tortoise

Have you ever considered the idea of owning tortoises as pets? If you have, this guide is for you. Deciding to get a tortoise is basically a lifelong commitment, as many tortoises can live for over 50 years, so you’ll need to know what you’re getting yourself into. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, including the monthly cost of tortoise ownership, the items you’ll need to get started, the time it will take to raise your new pet, and more. Once you learn all you need to know, we hope you’ll go all-in on the rewarding life of a tortoise owner.

Where Should You Get Your Tortoise

The first aspect to consider when owning tortoises is where to obtain one. Some specialty pet stores may sell tortoises, but most experts don’t recommend getting one at a store. Instead, they suggest getting a captive-bred tortoise. 

That’s because many animals in pet stores have had a tough time. Many times, the animals are captured in a violent way and then shipped in less-than-desirable conditions. As a result, many of them are stressed, and that anxiety can even lead to disease. By not purchasing tortoises from pet stores, you are more likely to get a healthier pet and also send a message to stores that you do not support unethical practices.

When purchasing a tortoise from an authentic source, ensure it’s healthy and ask the seller for documentation. Many tortoises can carry parasites, and some may be aggressive, which can cause serious injuries and potentially shorten their lifespan. Therefore, ask the seller about any history of parasites or other conditions.

As a note, although we mention owning tortoises, it’s not advisable to get more than one. At the very least, you should not keep more than one tortoise in a single enclosure. If you do, they may become territorial and could attack each other.

Different Tortoises for Different People

Currently, there are close to 50 different living tortoise species, and many of them can be great pets. Experts often recommend some species over others. Here are a few to consider:

• Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise – This is a great starter tortoise that is easy to care for. It’s generally very active during the day, so you and the kids can interact with them.
• Leopard Tortoise – These are unique tortoises that have interesting markings on their shells, and they don’t hibernate, so they are great pets for all year.
• Red-Footed Tortoise – This is a great tortoise for more humid climates. It’s a fun species, but it is a bit shy.
• African Spur-Thighed Tortoise – It’s one of the more common tortoises, and as adults, they are amongst the friendliest and most interactive breeds.

While your choice of tortoises may come down to appearance and level of friendliness, most are wonderful companions.

What Does Owning Tortoises Cost?

Before you find a pet that can live for potentially 50+ years, you should know what you’re getting into financially. While we will go over some general costs, it’s important to realize that the price of tortoise ownership will depend on the type of tortoise you get, where you live, the amount of veterinary care your tortoise will require over time, and other factors. When it comes to purchasing a tortoise, the cost can range from $50 to over $300, depending on the type of tortoise and the buyer. If you want a rare species, it could cost over $1,000. Still, that’s a one-time cost.

Enclosure

An evolving cost that you may need to consider over time is the enclosure. If you get your tortoise when it’s young or a baby, you can purchase a starter enclosure for between $50 and $100. However, most tortoise breeds are going to grow over time, and some of them can get quite large. Over time, you will need to purchase larger enclosures, and if you buy them pre-made, they can cost hundreds of dollars. Next, you’ll need to purchase several items that’ll be placed inside the enclosure, including heat lamps, mercury vapor lamps, heat panels, fluorescent lights, food and water dishes, a thermometer, and more. Fortunately, most of these items can be found for $10 to $50. 

Food 

Though you’ll need to buy food for several decades, you can get what your tortoise enjoys the most while you’re at the supermarket, and it won’t cost you much. Most tortoises are satisfied with a diet of vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. That could mean that you spend $10 or less per week to feed your tortoise. You may also need to provide your tortoise with some form of protein, such as worms, crickets, shrimp, or snails, but these are generally affordable.

You’ll also need to provide your tortoise with fresh water. You’ll need a water dish that is large enough for the tortoise to sit in. The water should be deep enough for your pet to sit in so that the water reaches its face. Since tortoises often defecate in their water sources, it is recommended to change the water daily. This won’t cost extra money, but you’ll want to schedule time into your day to ensure it gets done.

Veterinary Costs

Like any pet, you’ll need to pay to bring your tortoise to the vet from time to time. It’s not easy to tell when a tortoise is sick, so you’ll need to bring it in for regular vet visits. Signs of a sick tortoise can include several symptoms, such as nasal discharge, puffy eyes, a soft shell, and loss of appetite. However, if you purchase a healthy tortoise at the start, you shouldn’t have to deal with many issues. All in all, you could end up paying $100-$200 a year for general wellness costs.

What Maintenance Does A Tortoise Require?

While tortoise ownership is not as time-consuming as owning a dog or a more active pet, there is still plenty you’ll need to do to ensure the health and safety of your new animal friend. For starters, you’ll want to go into the tank every day or two and remove their excrement and the clumps of soil that are wet from urine. This is not a process that will take more than five or 10 minutes, but you’ll need to remember to do it regularly. If you have a tortoise that hibernates, you can use that time to thoroughly clean the enclosure, tortoise table, toys, and any other dirty areas.

Owning tortoises also means providing them with a suitable climate. Many tortoise breeds require a specific level of humidity in their enclosure. Therefore, you’ll need to regularly adjust the lighting and heat lamps and use thermometers to ensure the enclosure remains at the proper conditions. These are also quick tasks, but you’ll want to do them regularly.

Do Tortoises Require Play and Attention? 

When it comes to pet ownership, owning tortoises is about the furthest thing from owning dogs. You’re not going to take it for walks or play fetch. But that also doesn’t mean you won’t have any interaction at all. The amount of attention that a tortoise will accept often depends on the breed. Many types of tortoises enjoy having their shells scratched and petted. That’s because some tortoises have nerve endings in their shells, so they enjoy the sensation.

Every tortoise is different, so you’ll need to interact with your pet a bit to see what they’re willing to do. Some people have had tortoises that come to their owners when called, while others like to climb and sit on their owners’ laps. Your tortoise is unlikely to get sad if you don’t play with it, but some are more people-friendly than others, and they won’t mind your companionship.

Handling Your Tortoise

Even if you do have a friendly tortoise as a pet, you’ll still need to be careful when handling it. Many tortoises will thrash their claws when they’re picked up, so be cautious and pick them up by the shell while supporting their limbs. Be warned that dropping a tortoise, even from a low height, can shatter its shell. If that happens, it can lead to a life-threatening infection. That’s why a tortoise may not be a good pet for small children. If you have young children and plan to get a tortoise, you and other adults should be responsible for the primary care and maintenance.

Conclusion

In summary, owning tortoises can be a rewarding and enriching experience. They are remarkable creatures that have quite a personality once you get to know them. Like all pets, they will require some maintenance, but it’s not overbearing or overly expensive. Just remember that tortoises can live for many decades, so this will be a long-term commitment, but it’s certainly worth it.