Tortoises are peaceful, slow paced pets with long lives and unique personalities but not all breeds are the same. Some love the sun, some need a warm, humid environment, and others even hibernate! If you’re thinking about welcoming a tortoise into your life, it’s essential to choose one that matches your home, experience, and commitment level. This guide walks you through the most popular tortoise breeds kept in the UK and what each one needs to stay happy and healthy.
Which Tortoise Is Right for You ?
Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo Hermann)
Size: 6–8 inches
Lifespan: 50–75+ years
Temperament: Friendly, active, great for beginners
Diet: Strict herbivore weeds, leafy greens, safe flowers
Habitat: Indoor tortoise table with UVB and basking lamp; secure outdoor pen in warm months
Humidity: Low
Hibernation: Yes usually 8–12 weeks with proper prep
Best for: First time keepers or families looking for a hardy, social tortoise
Legal note: CITES paperwork required for legal ownership in the UK
Spur-Thighed Tortoise (Testudo Graeca)
Size: 8–10 inches
Lifespan: 50+ years
Temperament: Calm, docile, slightly more sensitive than Hermann’s
Diet: Similar to Hermann’s strict herbivore, no fruit
Habitat: Tortoise table or outdoor pen; requires warm, dry setup with UVB
Humidity: Low to moderate
Hibernation: Yes proper weight and health checks essential
Best for: Patient keepers who want a more laid-back tortoise
Legal note: CITES paperwork also required
Horsfield Tortoise (Testudo Horsfieldi / Russian Tortoise)
Size: 5–8 inches
Lifespan: 40–60+ years
Temperament: Hardy, curious, loves to burrow
Diet: Strict herbivore leafy weeds and greens, avoid fruit
Habitat: Deep substrate for digging, well ventilated tortoise table, strong basking spot
Humidity: Low
Hibernation: Yes naturally hibernates in colder months
Best for: Beginners and children (with supervision), excellent indoor pet
Red-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone Carbonaria)
Size: 11–14 inches
Lifespan: 40–50+ years
Temperament: Inquisitive, intelligent, enjoys gentle handling
Diet: Omnivore leafy greens, vegetables, plus occasional fruit or protein (e.g. boiled egg or worm)
Habitat: Enclosure with high humidity, heat, and UVB lighting year-round
Humidity: High (70–80%)
Hibernation: No stays active year-round with proper heating
Best for: Experienced keepers with indoor space and time for daily attention
Extra: Can become interactive and recognise familiar faces!
Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone Pardalis)
Size: 12–18 inches (can reach 2ft!)
Lifespan: 50–100 years
Temperament: Calm, shy, grows very large
Diet: Herbivore grasses, hay, weeds; no fruit
Habitat: Large, heated enclosure or warm-climate outdoor pen
Humidity: Low to moderate
Hibernation: No doesn’t tolerate cold or damp
Best for: Experienced tortoise owners with ample indoor space
Note: Not ideal for small homes or new keepers due to size and heat requirements
Choosing the Right Tortoise for You
| Breed | Best For | Hibernates? | Humidity | Space Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hermann’s | Beginners, families | ✅ Yes | Low | Medium |
| Spur-Thighed | Calm homes, older keepers | ✅ Yes | Low–Med | Medium–Large |
| Horsfield | First-timers, kids (supervised) | ✅ Yes | Low | Medium |
| Red-Footed | Experienced, warm homes | ❌ No | High | Large indoor |
| Leopard | Advanced keepers, large setups | ❌ No | Low–Med | Very large |
Things to Remember Before Choosing a Tortoise
Long lifespan = long commitment (some outlive their owners!)
Legal ownership may require CITES documentation
Proper lighting, heating, and diet are essential these are not starter pets
Not all tortoises hibernate know what your breed needs before winter
Buy from reputable breeders or rescues never buy wild caught
