If you’re planning to care for a pet tortoise indoors, this guide will help you create a suitable environment. At Kapidolo Farms, we’re sharing essential information on how to properly care for an indoor tortoise.
Certain tortoise species that originate from arid climates can adapt well to indoor living. These include Mediterranean species like Hermann’s, Marginated, and Spur-thighed tortoises, as well as Horsfield’s (Russian), Egyptian, Leopard, and Sulcata tortoises.
Setting Up an Indoor Enclosure
A tortoise needs a proper enclosure to thrive indoors. An open-topped tortoise table is ideal, as it allows for good airflow and provides enough space for movement and exercise. If you have other pets in the house, you can cover the table with a frame and chicken wire for added protection.
There are several options for indoor enclosures:
- Pre-made tortoise tables (available for purchase or DIY builds)
- Large indoor cages (originally designed for rabbits or guinea pigs)
- Repurposed furniture (such as an old bookcase turned on its back with the shelves removed or a large dresser drawer)
Where Should You Place the Tortoise Table?
The enclosure should be placed in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. It must also be kept away from drafts and positioned near a power supply to accommodate heating and lighting needs. Choose a quiet location, away from small children and other pets, to reduce stress on your tortoise.
What Size Should the Indoor Enclosure Be?
This guide focuses on small tortoises, but if you have a larger or older tortoise, you’ll need to increase the enclosure size and adjust heating and lighting accordingly.
The indoor setup must be spacious enough for your tortoise to move around comfortably. A minimum enclosure size for a hatchling should be 91 cm x 61 cm (3 ft x 2 ft), with solid sides at least 20 cm (8 inches) high above the substrate level.
For juvenile tortoises, a larger enclosure is recommended to accommodate growth and provide plenty of room for exploration. A bigger setup ensures your tortoise remains active and healthy for a longer period before needing an upgrade.
Lighting and Heat for Indoor Tortoise Care
Tortoises require proper light and heat to stay healthy. In their natural habitat, they rely on UVA and UVB light from the sun, along with heat sources that allow them to regulate their body temperature. Since tortoises are cold-blooded, they need to thermoregulate by moving between warm and cool areas throughout the day. Creating a temperature gradient in their enclosure helps mimic this natural behavior, making it essential for their well-being.
UVB Light
UVB light is necessary for tortoises to produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium from their diet, leading to strong bones and a healthy shell. Since indoor tortoises lack direct sunlight, artificial UVB lighting must be provided for at least 12 hours per day to meet their needs.
Heat and Basking Area
Heat is essential for tortoises to bask and raise their body temperature to a healthy level. Their enclosure should include a designated basking area, where they can warm up slowly under a heat source. The heat bulb should be installed at one end of the enclosure to create a gradient, allowing the tortoise to move between warm and cool zones as needed.
To prevent burns and dehydration, the light should be mounted high enough, and a digital thermometer should be used to monitor temperatures.
Temperature readings should be taken at tortoiseshell height, not ground level, as the warmest area is directly beneath the bulb. Using a high-quality digital thermometer or a laser temperature gun will ensure accurate readings.
Types of Heating and Lighting Equipment
You can provide heating and UVB light using either a mercury vapor bulb or a combination of a full-spectrum fluorescent UVB tube with a separate heat bulb.
- Mercury Vapor Bulb – Provides UVB, light, and heat in a single bulb.
- Full-Spectrum Fluorescent UVB Tube – Requires a separate heat bulb for warmth.
Installing Heat and UVB Bulbs
- Use a ceramic bulb holder for safety—avoid plastic holders as they may overheat.
- The bulb should be hung vertically, not from the side, to protect the tortoise’s eyes from excessive UVB exposure.
- Suspend the bulb at 12 inches (30 cm) above the tortoise’s shell for optimal heat and UVB distribution.
- Avoid fixing bulbs at a permanent height—use an adjustable lamp stand or hanging basket bracket to raise or lower the bulb as needed.
The basking temperature directly under the bulb should be around 86°F (30°C), while the cooler end of the enclosure should be around 68°F (20°C). If additional warmth is needed, a reflector bulb can be installed at the opposite end to maintain the correct temperature gradient.