Reptile · Tortoise
Chaco tortoise care guide
Chelonoidis chilensis
The chaco tortoise is a advanced-level tortoise from Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia. Adults reach 20–25 cm shell and live 40+ years in captivity. Rarely captive-bred; confirm origin and CITES paperwork.
- Enclosure 150 × 75 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 33–35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a chaco tortoise cost in Canada?
Chaco tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 40+ years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 in, ≈ 134 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 33–35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Chaco tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 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 33–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a chaco tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens. Offer weeds and greens daily with calcium several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; tolerates occasional handling.
Health watch: Respiratory infections and parasites in imported animals.
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 chaco tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 75 × 45 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
Chaco tortoise FAQ
Is the chaco tortoise good for beginners?
The chaco tortoise is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy; tolerates occasional handling.
What size enclosure does a chaco tortoise need?
At least 150 × 75 × 45 cm (about 59 × 30 × 18 inches, roughly 134 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chaco tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $800–1500 CAD to buy, about $1160–1990 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chaco tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 33–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a chaco tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens. Offer weeds and greens daily with calcium several times a week.
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.