Reptile · Tortoise
Marginated tortoise care guide
Testudo marginata
The marginated tortoise is a intermediate-level tortoise from Southern Greece, southern Balkans, Sardinia (introduced). Adults reach 25–35 cm shell and live 60–100 years in captivity. The largest European tortoise: plan for an outdoor enclosure as it grows.
- Enclosure 150 × 75 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a marginated tortoise cost in Canada?
Marginated tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 60–100 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Greece, southern Balkans, Sardinia (introduced)
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 in, ≈ 134 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers, hay
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Marginated 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 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a marginated tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers, hay. Offer weeds and greens daily with calcium dusting several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and tolerant of gentle handling; the largest Testudo needs a bigger pen.
Health watch: Respiratory infections, pyramiding and overgrown beaks on soft diets.
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 marginated 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
Marginated tortoise FAQ
Is the marginated tortoise good for beginners?
The marginated tortoise is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and tolerant of gentle handling; the largest Testudo needs a bigger pen.
What size enclosure does a marginated 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 marginated tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $500–900 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 marginated tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a marginated tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers, hay. Offer weeds and greens 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.