Tortoise - Housing
What type of cage does my tortoise require?
We are finally realising that tortoises are reptiles and need a controlled environment. The UK climate is not suitable and so they can only be kept outside for limited parts of the year. An environmentally controlled vivarium should therefore be available for any period when the weather is not Mediterranean in nature!
A controlled environment should also be available for hibernation. See the hibernation care sheet.
Tortoise vivaria can be of two types:
- A standard reptile vivarium is fine. It doesn't need to be very high as they don't need to climb. An overhead heat source should be used to keep environmental temperature at 25-32°C during the day and 20-25°C at night. A full-spectrum unshielded ultra-violet light should be used for 12 hours a day. It needs to be within 12-18 inches from the tortoises.
- An alternative is a 'tray', ie an open-topped box. A heat source can be directed over one end and ultra-violet light suspended over the top. Alternatively a combined ultra-violet/heat source may be used. However, this type can only be used in a very warm room as it is impossible to insulate.
Heat source
As an overhead heat source, either bulbs or ceramic-type heaters may be used. However, if using a bulb then an alternative heat source is necessary at night.
Heat mats are not appropriate when used on the floor. However, they may be placed on the wall of the vivarium to provide supplementary heat at night.
Whatever is used a thermostat is essential to ensure overheating does not occur. Maximum-minimum thermometers should be placed at each end of the vivarium so the full temperature range can be monitored continuously.
Ultra-violet light
UV light is necessary to provide Vitamin D-3. Failure to provide UV light can predispose your tortoise to shell and bone deformities. Outside, of course, the sun provides quite adequate UV light but for animals kept inside an artificial UV light is needed.
The UV light should emit light in the UV-B range (290-320 nanometers). Advice should be sought on the best type to use for your set-up. Typically, fluorescent tubes are used, but newer types combined with a heat source are excellent. The UV output of these lights decreases with age; they should be replaced every six months. For UV light to work, it must reach the pet in an unfiltered form, which means that you must make sure there is no glass or plastic interposed between the pet and the light. Finally, the light should be within 12-18 inches from the tortoise in order for the pet to receive any benefit.
Tortoises do not need to spend all day in the vivarium. As long as they can bask first thing in the morning and after feeding they can be let out to wander until the evening.
Does my tortoise need bedding in his cage?
Newspaper makes an ideal substrate as it is easy to clean out and non-toxic. It also gives the tortoises the opportunity to bury. A box or hollow log may also be provided as a hiding place. Dusty poor quality hay or straw should be avoided as eye problems may result. Bark chippings or shavings are not appropriate.
Outside
When allowing your tortoise to go outside, it should be contained within an enclosure. Make sure a shaded area is provided, as well as a hiding area. Tortoises can dig out of enclosures, so bury the fencing 6-12 inches or put bricks or rocks under the area.
Finally, remember that tortoises can become prey for neighbourhood dogs and cats as well as foxes, so keep this in mind when housing a tortoise outdoors.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jun 24, 2008.