Tortoise Care Guide

Tortoises are long-lived, patient animals that thrive on high-fiber diets of grass hay and dark leafy greens, require UVB lighting (outdoor access is ideal), and need diggable substrate at least 4-6 inches deep. Plan for a 50-100 year commitment.

Quick Care Facts

• Diet: Unlimited grass hay (orchard/timothy) plus dark leafy greens — no fruit, no protein
• Lifespan: 40-100+ years depending on species
• UVB: T5 HO 10.0 required indoors; outdoor time strongly preferred
• Substrate: 4-6 inches deep for digging — topsoil and play sand mix
• Outdoor enclosure recommended in warm climates

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