Reptile · Tortoise
Aldabra giant tortoise care guide
Aldabrachelys gigantea
The aldabra giant tortoise is a expert-level tortoise from Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Adults reach 90–120 cm shell, 150–250 kg and live 100+ years in captivity. A lifetime commitment needing a heated barn and acreage; plan for an heir.
- Enclosure 600 × 400 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–30°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a aldabra giant tortoise cost in Canada?
Aldabra giant tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm shell, 150–250 kg
- Lifespan
- 100+ years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
- Minimum enclosure
- 600 × 400 × 90 cm (236 × 157 × 35 in, ≈ 5707 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – grasses, hay, weeds, leafy greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Aldabra giant tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 600 × 400 × 90 cm (236 × 157 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a aldabra giant tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, hay, weeds, leafy greens. Graze daily on grass and hay with greens.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and enjoys being scratched, but immensely heavy.
Health watch: Obesity, respiratory infections and shell problems in poorly heated barns.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a aldabra giant tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (600 × 400 × 90 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Aldabra giant tortoise FAQ
Is the aldabra giant tortoise good for beginners?
No – the aldabra giant tortoise is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Docile and enjoys being scratched, but immensely heavy.
What size enclosure does a aldabra giant tortoise need?
At least 600 × 400 × 90 cm (about 236 × 157 × 35 inches, roughly 5707 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a aldabra giant tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–10000 CAD to buy, about $26900–46380 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $2000–5000 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a aldabra giant tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a aldabra giant tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, hay, weeds, leafy greens. Graze daily on grass and hay with greens.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.