Reptile · Tortoise
Greek tortoise care guide
Testudo graeca
The greek tortoise is a beginner-level tortoise from North Africa, southern Europe, western Asia. Adults reach 15–20 cm shell and live 50–80 years in captivity. Use edible plants only. Subspecies differ in hibernation needs, so know your animal's origin.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a greek tortoise cost in Canada?
Greek tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 50–80 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- North Africa, southern Europe, western Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 in, ≈ 86 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Greek tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 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 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a greek tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily, dusted with calcium several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and tolerant of brief handling; males can be pushy with other tortoises.
Health watch: Respiratory infections, pyramiding and intestinal parasites in wild-caught 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 greek tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 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
Greek tortoise FAQ
Is the greek tortoise good for beginners?
Yes – the greek tortoise is a good choice for beginners. Calm and tolerant of brief handling; males can be pushy with other tortoises.
What size enclosure does a greek tortoise need?
At least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (about 47 × 24 × 18 inches, roughly 86 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a greek tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $870–1530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a greek tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a greek tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily, dusted 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.