Reptile · Tortoise
Burmese mountain tortoise care guide
Manouria emys
The burmese mountain tortoise is a advanced-level tortoise from Southeast Asia: Myanmar to Borneo and Sumatra. Adults reach 45–60 cm shell, 20–30 kg and live 50+ years in captivity. Asia's largest tortoise likes cooler, wet conditions and large soaking pools rather than hot basking.
- Enclosure 300 × 150 × 75 cm
- Temp 22–27°C, mild basking 30°C, avoid over 30°C ambient
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a burmese mountain tortoise cost in Canada?
Burmese mountain tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 45–60 cm shell, 20–30 kg
- Lifespan
- 50+ years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- Southeast Asia: Myanmar to Borneo and Sumatra
- Minimum enclosure
- 300 × 150 × 75 cm (118 × 59 × 30 in, ≈ 892 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C, mild basking 30°C, avoid over 30°C ambient
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Omnivore – leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, occasional protein
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Burmese mountain tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 300 × 150 × 75 cm (118 × 59 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 22–27°C, mild basking 30°C, avoid over 30°C ambient. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a burmese mountain tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, occasional protein. Feed greens and vegetables daily with fruit and occasional protein.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle and personable; adults are very heavy.
Health watch: Overheating and dryness cause stress; watch for respiratory infections and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
- Refresh the water bowl.
Weekly
- Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
- Spot-clean large waste promptly.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
- Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a burmese mountain tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (300 × 150 × 75 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Cypress Substrate
Optional top layer (cypress)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Tubes
Secure hides at both ends of the gradient
Malaysian Drift Wood
Sturdy enrichment for heavy-bodied animals
Burmese mountain tortoise FAQ
Is the burmese mountain tortoise good for beginners?
The burmese mountain tortoise is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Gentle and personable; adults are very heavy.
What size enclosure does a burmese mountain tortoise need?
At least 300 × 150 × 75 cm (about 118 × 59 × 30 inches, roughly 892 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a burmese mountain tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $600–1500 CAD to buy, about $5130–8620 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $600–1100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a burmese mountain tortoise need?
Temperature: 22–27°C, mild basking 30°C, avoid over 30°C ambient. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a burmese mountain tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, occasional protein. Feed greens and vegetables daily with fruit and occasional protein.
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.