A large plastic storage container works well for an indoor habitat. (No top is needed. ) When you need a larger container, you can build or purchase a tortoise table, which is a large wooden enclosure on tall legs.
Letting your tortoise out to bask in the natural sunlight for a few hours a week is a good idea. Do not put a glass tank in direct sunlight, however, as this can cause the enclosed area to become too hot. When your tortoise does not have access to natural sunlight, use a UV lamp to provide artificial sunlight. The exact amount of UV exposure your tortoise will require depends on the species, but it varies between 8 and 12 hours per day.
Desert tortoises should be kept in dry habitats, while tropical tortoises should be kept in moist habitats. Some tortoises may need even warmer habitats, so find out what the requirements are for your species. You can increase the humidity by moistening the substrate, especially in the area under the basking lamp. You can tilt the pen slightly to keep all of the moisture on one side. This will provide your tortoise with different micro-climates to choose from. [4] X Research source
Many would add some water in the soil and then thoroughly mix it while discarding any unwanted objects in the process, this will prolong the substrate’s freshness which reduces the frequency of substrate changes. Adding critters such as Earthworms, Springtails, and Pillbugs can help the substrate last much longer through aeration and eating leftover food.
Don’t be too alarmed if your tortoise doesn’t seem to drink much. Some species, especially those that are native to arid climates, drink very little water, but it’s still a good idea to have it available for them.
Make sure the water doesn’t go any higher than the tortoise’s chin. The tortoise may start drinking while it is soaking, so make sure the water stays clean.
Desert tortoises should be fed a combination of grasses, leafy greens, and cactus flowers, with a small amount of fruit. Grassland grazers like leopard tortoises should be fed a variety of grasses and leafy green vegetables. You should not feed them other vegetables, or meat. A strawberry every now and then is ok. just don’t feed them fruit every day. [9] X Research source
You can buy supplements in powder form at any store that sells supplies for tortoises. You can also crush supplements that come in pill form.
If you are keeping your tortoise indoors, make sure your other pets do not have access to the enclosure. If you bring your tortoise outside, be sure to cover the pen with a sturdy metal mesh top to keep predators out.
If you do handle the tortoise, be careful not to distress it by flipping it over or dropping it. Do not allow children to handle the tortoise without supervision or for long periods of time.
Pyramiding may be due to calcium deficiency and/or humidity levels. Try increasing your tortoise’s calcium intake by dusting his food with a balanced calcium supplement. You can also try increasing the humidity level in the pen.
Never feed your tortoise junk food, even if it seems to enjoy it. Always stick to the recommended diet for your species. Be careful not to keep the habitat too moist. There should always be some dry land available. Let your tortoise have as much exposure to natural sunlight as possible. Use a substrate material that will not create dust or get lodged in your tortoise’s nose. It’s also important to reduce the tortoise’s stress and not overcrowd the habitat with too many tortoises.
