Reptile · Tortoise
Egyptian tortoise care guide
Testudo kleinmanni
The egyptian tortoise is a expert-level tortoise from Egypt, Libya (coastal desert). Adults reach 10–13 cm shell and live 50–70 years in captivity. Critically endangered and CITES Appendix I; buy only documented captive-bred animals.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, ambient 26–30°C, night 18–21°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a egyptian tortoise cost in Canada?
Egyptian tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 10–13 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 50–70 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Egypt, Libya (coastal desert)
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 30 cm (35 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, ambient 26–30°C, night 18–21°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – dry-adapted weeds, grasses, hay, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Egyptian tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 30 cm (35 × 18 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix10 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist.
Temperature: Basking 35°C, ambient 26–30°C, night 18–21°C. Humidity: 30–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a egyptian tortoise eat?
Herbivore – dry-adapted weeds, grasses, hay, flowers. Offer a mix of weeds and grasses daily with calcium dusting several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and delicate; keep handling to a minimum.
Health watch: Very sensitive to damp and cold, leading to respiratory infection; watch for dehydration too.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a egyptian tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 30 cm).
Egyptian tortoise FAQ
Is the egyptian tortoise good for beginners?
No – the egyptian tortoise is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Tiny and delicate; keep handling to a minimum.
What size enclosure does a egyptian tortoise need?
At least 90 × 45 × 30 cm (about 35 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a egyptian tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–3000 CAD to buy, about $470–850 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a egyptian tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, ambient 26–30°C, night 18–21°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a egyptian tortoise eat?
Herbivore – dry-adapted weeds, grasses, hay, flowers. Offer a mix of weeds and grasses daily with calcium dusting 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.