How easy is it to look after a tortoise?

How easy is it to look after a tortoise? These long-lived reptiles make wonderful companions. They are full of personality, surprisingly stubborn, and can somehow create chaos while moving at the speed of a microwave clock.

But how easy are tortoises to actually care for?

The honest answer is:
Fairly straightforward… once everything is set up correctly.

Tortoises are not difficult in the same way as some reptiles, but they are long-term commitments that require proper heating, lighting, diet, and daily maintenance. In this article we’ll look at two of the most popular pet species:
the Hermann’s tortoise and the Horsfield’s tortoise.

Tiny tanks with huge attitudes

Hermann’s and Horsfield tortoises are both Mediterranean species that stay relatively manageable in size, but don’t let that fool you.

A small tortoise can still:
• Bulldoze decorations
• Rearrange its enclosure
• Climb things it absolutely should not be climbing
• Stare directly at a wall for 20 minutes before attempting escape anyway

Owning a tortoise is a bit like living with a demented armoured potato.

Creating the perfect tortoise enclosure

The enclosure is the single most important part of tortoise care. Without proper heating, lighting, and ventilation, tortoises can develop health problems very quickly—especially babies.

A tortoise doesn’t need luxury.
It just needs:

1. Correct environmental conditions
2. Somewhere to dig
3. Food
4. The confidence to destroy your carefully arranged decorations anyway

Tortoise table

Tortoises require excellent ventilation, which is why open-topped tortoise tables are preferred over enclosed vivariums.

Unlike tropical reptiles that enjoy humidity, Mediterranean tortoises prefer drier, well-ventilated conditions.

Think:
“Sunny hillside.”
Not:
“Steamy jungle sauna.”

Tortoise tables also provide more usable floor space, which is important because tortoises love walking.

Constantly.
Forever.
Usually toward the exact place they shouldn’t be.

Basking site

Tortoises are ectothermic reptiles, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

A basking lamp is essential and should create a hotspot between:

Tortoises typically require heat and light for around 10–14 hours per day.

And yes, they will somehow manage to sit directly under the warmest spot imaginable looking deeply satisfied with themselves.

UV lighting

Both Hermann’s tortoise and Horsfield’s tortoise require strong UV exposure—typically 10–14% UVB (Ferguson Zone 3).

UV lighting helps tortoises synthesise vitamin D3, allowing proper calcium metabolism for:
• Strong bones
• Healthy shell growth
• Proper beak development
• Immune system support

Without UV lighting, a tortoise can develop serious health issues, including metabolic bone disease.

Which is a lot less cute than the internet makes tortoises look.

Shelter and hiding spaces

Even desert tortoises need somewhere to escape heat and light occasionally.

Providing a shaded hide or “bedroom” allows the tortoise to feel secure and regulate its own temperature naturally.

A happy tortoise alternates between:
• Basking
• Exploring
• Eating
• Digging
• Judging you silently from under a piece of cork bark

Substrate

Mediterranean tortoises love to dig, burrow, and bury themselves.

A good natural substrate allows this behaviour and helps the tortoise feel secure.

Commercial Mediterranean tortoise mixes work extremely well, especially those designed to hold burrows without becoming dusty.

Do not underestimate how much joy a tortoise gains from redecorating its own enclosure at 7am.

Water source

Fresh water should always be available in a shallow dish.

Tortoises will drink, soak, walk through it dramatically, fill it with substrate, and occasionally sit in it looking extremely pleased with themselves.

This is normal tortoise behaviour.
No one fully understands why.

What do tortoises eat?

Both Hermann’s and Horsfield tortoises are herbivores with diets that should be:
• High in fibre
• Low in protein
• Low in sugar
• Rich in weeds and leafy greens

The vast majority of their diet should consist of weeds, flowers, and browse.

The dream diet: weeds

A tortoise’s ideal menu includes:
• Dandelion
• Plantain
• Clover
• Chickweed
• Sow thistle
• Hawkbit
• Hibiscus flowers
• Nasturtium

Essentially, the average tortoise looks at your carefully maintained garden and sees an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Fruit is a treat, not a lifestyle

Fruit should make up only around 1% of the diet.

Why?
Because Mediterranean tortoises are not built for sugary foods.

Too much fruit can upset digestion and cause health issues.

To a tortoise, strawberry should mean:
“special occasion.”
Not:
“breakfast, lunch, and dinner because it looks cute on Instagram.”

Daily maintenance

Tortoises are relatively low-maintenance pets once the setup is correct, but they still require daily care.

This includes:
• Checking temperatures and lighting
• Refreshing water
• Removing waste
• Replacing old food
• Monitoring behaviour and appetite

Thankfully, most tortoises are creatures of habit.

If your tortoise suddenly stops eating, becomes lethargic, or behaves unusually, it’s often a sign something is wrong.

Or it has discovered a corner it particularly enjoys staring at for mysterious tortoise reasons.

Outdoor enclosures

During warmer months, outdoor time is hugely beneficial for Mediterranean tortoises.

Natural sunlight is unbeatable for:
• UV exposure
• Exercise
• Grazing opportunities
• Mental stimulation

However, outdoor enclosures must be secure because tortoises are surprisingly talented escape artists – cue the Great Escape theme music

A creature shaped like a rock should not be able to climb fencing as effectively as they do.
And yet somehow:
they absolutely can.

Are tortoises easy pets?

Compared to many reptiles:
Yes.

Compared to a goldfish:
Absolutely not.

Tortoises are hardy, fascinating animals when cared for correctly, but they require:
• Specialist lighting
• Heating
• Proper diet
• Space
• Daily care
• Decades of commitment

Some tortoises can live 80–100 years.

Meaning there is a very real possibility your tortoise could outlive:
• Your furniture
• Your car
• Several governments
• Probably you

Final thoughts

Tortoises are charming, stubborn, intelligent little reptiles that reward good care with decades of fascinating behaviour and companionship.

They may not cuddle.
They may not fetch.
They may occasionally attempt to bulldoze a flowerpot for no obvious reason.

But they are full of personality and can become incredibly rewarding pets for keepers willing to meet their needs properly.

So, how easy is it to look after a tortoise?

As easy—or as difficult—as you make it.

And remember:
If your tortoise is peacefully basking, munching dandelions, and not actively trying to escape the garden, you’re probably doing a good job.

For some tips and tricks check out our YouTube channel we have some fun videos with our animals and herptile care!