The numbers
Enclosure
240 × 120 cm
Temperature
cool 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) / night Down to ~18 °C
Humidity
35–50% (dry species)
UVB
T5 10–12%; replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Testudinidae / Testudines
Adult size
13–20 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
40–50+ yrs
Activity
Diurnal; terrestrial burrower
Temperament
Hardy, active, personable — top beginner tortoise
Price (THB)
~3,000–10,000
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
35 °C (95 °F)
Cool side
24–27 °C (75–80 °F)
Night
Down to ~18 °C
Humidity
35–50% (dry species)
UVB (required)
T5 10–12%; replace ~6 mo
Min. size
240 × 120 cm (8×4 ft) ideal; outdoor best
Substrate
Topsoil / coco + sand (burrows)
Water
Shallow dish
Diet
Diet type
Herbivore
Grasses & greens
Weeds, dandelion, collard, mustard, hibiscus
Avoid
Fruit (<10%), high-protein, pellets
Calcium
No-phosphorus Ca 1–2×/week + cuttlebone
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal (ground tortoise) but interactive
Digging
Prolific burrower
Cohabitation
Males can be territorial — watch
Defense
Retreats into shell
Children
Great to observe
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~3–4 yrs (by size)
Clutch
2–6 eggs
Incubation
~60–75 days
Note
May brumate in winter — research first
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signssoft/deformed shell
PreventUVB + calcium
Shell pyramiding
Signsbumpy raised scutes
Preventhydration + high-fiber low-protein diet
Respiratory infection
Signsrunny nose, wheezing
Preventcorrect temps; see vet
Bladder stones
Signsstraining
Preventproper hydration
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Also called Horsfield's tortoise; a champion burrower digging deep to escape heat and cold.
- Can live 40+ years — it may outlive its owner.
- Active and curious — one of the most engaging small tortoises.
Common questions
Glass tank okay?
No — needs a large open-top table or outdoors.
How long do they live?
40–50+ years — a lifelong pet.
Do they hibernate?
Can brumate — research carefully first.
What it needs
- Tortoise table / large enclosure
- T5 UVB 10–12%
- Basking lamp + thermostat
- Topsoil/coco substrate
- Hide
- Shallow water dish
- Calcium + cuttlebone + weed mix