5 best tortoise species for indoor enclosures (And How to Care for Them)
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Not everyone has the luxury of a sprawling backyard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the charm of a pet tortoise.
With the right indoor enclosure and a bit of know-how, these five tortoise species can thrive in even the coziest homes, bringing a slice of the wild right into your living room.
5 best tortoise species for indoor enclosures
1. Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
Russian tortoises are like the superheroes of indoor pets. They’re small, tough, and surprisingly lively.
Quick Facts
| Size | 5-9 inches |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Size | Minimum 6×4 feet |
| Temperament | Active, curious, and fun to watch |
Why I Love Russian Tortoises
I once had a Russian tortoise named Tilly. She was like a tiny tank—unstoppable and determined. Whether it was climbing over her hide or staring me down for more greens, she was always on the move.
If you like pets with personality, this species won’t disappoint.
What Makes Them Great for Indoors
- Adaptable: Thrives in various setups.
- Hardy: Resistant to common health issues.
- Low Maintenance: Great for beginners.
How to Care for Russian Tortoises
Diet
- Leafy greens like collards and dandelion greens.
- Occasional treats like squash or carrots.
Habitat
- Keep one side warm (95°F basking area) and the other cooler (75°F).
- Use a dry substrate, like coconut coir or aspen shavings.
Bonus Tip
Add a few rocks or logs. They love to climb and explore!
Fun Fact
Russian tortoises are escape artists. Tilly once tried to scale the side of her enclosure using her water dish. Always double-check your setup!
If you want a hardy, entertaining little buddy, Russian tortoises are the way to go.
2. Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
Hermann’s tortoises are like the golden retrievers of the tortoise world—friendly, manageable, and a little mischievous. If you’re looking for a pet that’s full of charm and doesn’t outgrow your living space, this might be your perfect match.
Quick Facts
| Size | 6-10 inches (adult) |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Size | At least 4×8 feet |
| Temperament | Friendly and curious |
Why Hermann’s Tortoises Are Awesome
- Friendly Nature: Mine would peek out of his hide every time I walked by.
- Manageable Size: They’re big enough to be sturdy but not overwhelming.
- Simple Diet: Think grasses, weeds, and the occasional treat.
How to Care for a Hermann’s Tortoise
Enclosure Tips
- Provide a 4×8-foot space (or bigger, if possible!).
- Include a hide for privacy—they love a cozy retreat.
- Use substrate like soil or coconut coir for digging.
Diet
- Focus on greens like dandelion, clover, and kale.
- Avoid sugary fruits; it’s like tortoise candy—best as a rare treat!
- Add a calcium supplement to keep their shells strong.
Lighting & Heat
- UVB light is non-negotiable. It keeps their bones and shell healthy.
- Set up a basking spot around 95°F. They’ll thank you with their happiest basking pose.
Fun Fact
Hermann’s tortoises are escape artists! I once found mine halfway up a pile of books I left near his enclosure. Lesson learned—always secure your tortoise habitat.
If you want a pet that’s social, easy to care for, and fun to watch, they’re a great choice. They’re perfect for beginners or anyone who loves a tortoise with personality!
3. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
The Egyptian tortoise is tiny but mighty. It’s one of the smallest tortoises in the world. Perfect if you don’t have much space but still want a cool reptile buddy.
Key Stats
| Size | 4-6 inches (fully grown) |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Size | 3×6 feet (smaller than most species!) |
| Lifespan | 50+ years with proper care |
| Diet | Leafy greens, flowers, and calcium-rich food |
Why I Love Them
I’ll be honest—when I first saw one, I thought, “That’s not a tortoise; it’s a toy!” But Egyptian tortoises are fascinating.
Their petite size and unique coloring make them stand out. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to care for if you know what you’re doing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Small size makes them great for indoor enclosures.
- Low space requirements compared to other species.
- Stunning appearance, with pale shells that blend beautifully with their desert origins.
Cons:
- They’re rare, so they can be expensive.
- Not ideal for beginners—they need consistent temperatures and care.
Care Tips
Keeping an Egyptian tortoise happy is all about mimicking its desert home.
Temperature & Humidity
- Keep it warm! Aim for 85°F-90°F during the day.
- Use a basking lamp to hit 95°F in one spot.
- Keep the enclosure dry to avoid health issues.
Diet
- Stick to greens like dandelions and endive.
- Add calcium supplements for strong shells.
- Avoid fruit—it’s like junk food for tortoises.
Enclosure Setup
- Use a sandy soil substrate to mimic their natural habitat.
- Add a small hideaway so they feel safe.
- Bonus points if you make it look like a tiny desert.
My Experience
I once met an Egyptian tortoise at a reptile show. It was smaller than my palm and surprisingly bold.
It marched right up to the glass like it wanted to say hello. If you’re looking for a unique, charming companion, this species won’t disappoint.
The Egyptian tortoise might be small, but it comes with big responsibilities. If you can provide the right care, they’ll reward you with years of fascinating company.
Just don’t expect them to play fetch!
4. Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
Marginated tortoises are the largest of the Testudo species, but they’re still manageable for indoor setups. Their unique shell shape makes them look like little armored tanks. I think they’re like the gladiators of the tortoise world—rugged and tough, but surprisingly chill.
Quick Facts
| Size | 10-12 inches |
|---|---|
| Space Needed | At least 8×4 feet for an adult |
| Personality | Hardy, docile, and easygoing |
| Why They’re Great | Distinctive shell and adaptable nature |
Why Pick a Marginated Tortoise?
- They’re sturdy and can adapt well to indoor environments.
- Their shell flares out at the edges, giving them a unique look.
- They don’t need fancy diets—just leafy greens and fibrous plants.
When I first saw one, I thought, “Wow, this little guy has style!” Their shell looks like it belongs in an art museum.
Setting Up Their Enclosure
Marginated tortoises love to explore, so don’t skimp on space.
- Minimum Size: 8×4 feet. Bigger is better!
- Substrate: Use topsoil or coconut coir for digging. Avoid anything too moist.
- Lighting: They need UVB to stay healthy. It’s like their version of a morning coffee.
- Basking Spot: Keep it around 95°F. They like it toasty!
Diet and Feeding
These tortoises are herbivores, so stick to plants.
What They Eat:
- Dandelion greens
- Timothy hay
- Kale (in moderation)
Avoid: Sugary fruits or iceberg lettuce—it’s like junk food for them.
When I feed mine, I love watching them munch. It’s oddly satisfying and kind of meditative!
Bonus Tip
Marginated tortoises don’t love being handled all the time. Think of them as introverted roommates—they’re happy if you respect their space.
Marginated tortoises are perfect for someone who wants a larger tortoise without the huge commitment of outdoor-only care. If you give them the right setup, they’ll thrive—and you’ll have a little armored buddy for life!
5. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)
The Greek tortoise is a superstar among indoor pets. They’re low-maintenance, charming, and sociable. If you’re looking for a pet that won’t outgrow your home, this might be it.
Size and Space
- Size: 8-12 inches (average).
- Enclosure: Needs a space of at least 8×4 feet.
I started with a smaller enclosure for my Greek tortoise, and let me tell you—it wasn’t enough. These guys love to roam. Make sure you give them plenty of room to explore.
Why Choose a Greek Tortoise?
- Sociable and engaging. Mine practically comes to say “hello” when I approach!
- Thrives indoors with proper care.
- Their diet is easy to manage (they’re not picky eaters).
Diet
What They Eat:
- Grasses and weeds.
- Leafy greens like kale and dandelion.
- Occasional veggies like carrots.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle calcium powder on their food twice a week. Their shells will thank you!
I tried giving mine a strawberry once—big mistake. They need low-sugar diets, so stick to greens.
Habitat Needs
- Lighting: UVB light is a must. No UVB = shell problems.
- Substrate: Use a mix of soil and sand for digging.
Temperature:
- Basking spot: 95°F.
- Cool side: 70-75°F.
I learned the hard way that Greek tortoises love a good hideout. Add a small cave or shaded area for them to feel secure.
Quick Care Tips
| Care Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Diet | Leafy greens, calcium-rich food |
| Lighting | UVB light 8-10 hours/day |
| Space | Minimum 8×4 feet enclosure |
Greek tortoises are delightful companions. Mine even “dances” under the heat lamp! Just be prepared for their big personalities. If you can give them space and attention, they’ll thrive.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
