Reptile · Tortoise
Pancake tortoise care guide
Malacochersus tornieri
The pancake tortoise is a advanced-level tortoise from Kenya, Tanzania. Adults reach 15–18 cm shell and live 25–30+ years in captivity. Flat, flexible shell: provide stacked rock crevices that are secure and cannot collapse.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a pancake tortoise cost in Canada?
Pancake tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 15–18 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 25–30+ years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Kenya, Tanzania
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 in, ≈ 86 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Pancake 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 Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a pancake tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers. Offer greens and weeds daily with calcium several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and skittish; squeezes into rock crevices when disturbed.
Health watch: Respiratory infections and injuries from falls when climbing rockwork.
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 pancake tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Pancake tortoise FAQ
Is the pancake tortoise good for beginners?
The pancake tortoise is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Fast and skittish; squeezes into rock crevices when disturbed.
What size enclosure does a pancake 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 pancake tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $800–1800 CAD to buy, about $800–1440 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a pancake tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a pancake tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, grasses, leafy greens, flowers. Offer greens and weeds 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.