It is recommended that you have experience in caring for other reptiles before trying to get the top 10 pet tortoise species. But this is just one of many opinions on the internet by anonymous keyboard warriors. We personally believe that as long as you are passionate and willing to learn, a tortoise is a wonderful first pet reptile. Torties are better beginner pets. Here are some of the best pet tortoise breeds for beginners to care for:

Tortoise Breeds or Species For Beginners

1. Indian Star Tortoise

These popular pet tortoise species are found throughout India and Sri Lanka. This breed is legendary for the star-like pattern they’re named after. it’s now illegal to export this tortoise because they’re threatened in their native habitat. Indian Star Tortoises are an equivalent size because of the Greek Tortoise, growing to 12 inches. What makes this tortoise an excellent beginner pet is its adaptability to survive in several humidity levels; this is often because India faces monsoons and dry periods annually.

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Quick Facts

• Price: $500-$4,000
• Size: 12 inches long
• Lifespan: 35 years

2. Egyptian Tortoise

This species of tortoise is additionally referred to as the Kleinmann’s Tortoise. One of the best pet tortoise breeds for beginners, only growing to be about 5 inches long, they’re critically endangered within the wild. To guard the endangered wild population they ought to only be purchased through authorized breeders. The Egyptian Tortoise makes an appropriate pet for somebody that doesn’t have the maximum amount of space to deal with larger tortoises.

Quick Facts

• Price: >$1,000
• Size: 5 inches long
• Lifespan: 70 to 100 years

3. Leopard Tortoise

The Leopard Tortoise is the second-largest species native to Africa and therefore the fourth largest tortoise within the world. These top 10 pet tortoise species for beginners are 17 inches long and weigh up to 40 pounds. due to their large size, they need to be kept in an outside enclosure a minimum of 80 square feet. If they’re to be housed indoors, they will take up an entire room. they have a mean enclosure temperature of 80-90°F, and that they don’t tolerate moist conditions.

Quick Facts

• Price: $200-$300
• Size: 17 inches long
• Lifespan: 50+ years

4. Marginated Tortoise

This best pet tortoise breed for beginners named Marginated Tortoise likes to dig and spend much time outside whenever possible, especially when it’s warm and sunny. It’s best to deal with them outside if you’ve got the space. Their enclosure should be a minimum of 16 square feet and will be kept at an overall temperature of around 80℉. they ought to have a UVB light, a 90℉-95℉ basking spot, and humidity between 50%-70%. These tortoises do better once they are well hydrated and have a varied diet of weeds, leaves, and flowers.

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Quick Facts

• Price: $200-$500
• Size: 12-14 inches long
• Lifespan: 35 to 50 years

5. Red-Footed Tortoise

The Red-Footed Tortoise is the first species on this list native to South America and a number of other Caribbean islands. As their name suggests, they often have red legs. However, their tail and head are often red too – earning them the nickname “cherry head”. These popular pet tortoise breeds for beginners are often a medium-sized tortoise, growing not than 14 inches long. they ought to have a 50 square feet enclosure with temperatures of 80℉ year-round. they ought to even be given UVB light and humidity levels should be kept between 70% to 80%.

Quick Facts

• Price: $150-$400
• Size: 14 inches long
• Lifespan: 50 years

6. Pancake Tortoise

The Pancake Tortoise is found in Sub-Saharan Africa and is legendary for its flat, sea turtle-like shell (most tortoises have high rounded shells). The flat shells of these best pet tortoise species or beginners don’t provide much protection from predators, in order that they avoid them with speed and adaptability. Their speed makes them a really fun pet tortoise! they’re happy to be housed during a 40-gallon aquarium (or 4-square foot turtle table), provided it’s a basking spot, UVB light, 70℉-75℉ gradient, and a 60%-75% humidity. Like many breeds during this list, Pancake Tortoises eat leafy greens and grasses and have fairly easy-care requirements.

Quick Facts

• Price: $400-$600
• Size: 7 inches long
• Lifespan: 30 years

7. Hermann’s Tortoise

These famous pet tortoise breeds for beginners feature a yellow and brown shell with beautiful patterns. The Hermann’s Tortoise is from the Mediterranean Basin and maybe a small tortoise measuring 8 inches long. These tortoises are unique for his or her single, horn-like claw found at the ideas of their tails. they need to be housed in an outside warm environment and will have a minimum of 16 square feet of space. To best mimic the natural Mediterranean environment, the perfect temperature for his or her enclosure is 70°F-80°F, with UVB light and a basking spot.

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Quick Facts

• Price: $200-$800
• Size: 8 inches long
• Lifespan: 75+ years

8. Sulcata Tortoise

This tortoise species is additionally called the African Spurred Tortoise. The Sulcata Tortoise, found within the Sahara, is that the largest tortoise in the world. These famous pet tortoise species or beginners can reach a whopping 30 inches long and weigh over 100 pounds. don’t let their large size intimidate you, they still make an excellent beginner tortoise, even as long as they’re not handled frequently! Like the Russian Tortoise, the Sulcata likes burrowing and digging. they’re also like most tortoises on this list as they readily eat grass, lettuce, and leaves. They cost between $50 and $200 and are readily available as captive-bred.

Quick Facts

• Price: $50-$200
• Size: 30 inches long
• Lifespan: 50 years

9. Greek Tortoise

The Greek Tortoise is widespread throughout the Mediterranean and therefore the Middle East. Just like the Russian, they’re one of the most popular pet tortoises breeds or beginners and the price is $200. They’re easy to spot due to their domed shell and golden to black color patterns. These best tortoise pet species earned its alternate name, the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise, from its characteristic “spurs” on either side of its tail. Whether inside or outside, they ought to have an environment that’s 75℉-90℉, a UVB light, a hot basking area, and 40%-60% humidity.

Quick Facts

• Price: $200
• Size: 10 inches long
• Lifespan: 125+ years

10. Russian Tortoise

The Russian Tortoise is often found anywhere from southeast Russia to the center East. they’re a really popular pet tortoise within us. These tortoises can live for quite 40 years and like to measure in warm outdoor enclosures. If they’re housed indoors, they ought to be kept at a temperature and have a hot basking area, UVB light, and 30%-50% humidity. This Tortoise is hardy and has the capability to adapt to different temperatures which makes them easy-to-care-for beginners. An enclosure of 8 square feet is suitably provided it’s secure. These top 10 pet tortoise breeds for beginners, are burrowers and should attempt to dig at the corners of their enclosure. they need the capability to hibernate and dig underground when temperatures get too cold or hot (i.e. outside of the 60℉-90℉ range).

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Quick Facts

• Price: $80-$200
• Size: 8-10 inches long
• Lifespan: 40+ years

So far we have discussed the top 10 pet tortoise breeds for beginners, which contains the proper information regarding all the pet tortoise breeds for beginners care guides. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about pets caring then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about.

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Nisha Patel

I'm Nisha, a passionate pet enthusiast who love to share my knowledge with all pet owners. With years of firsthand experience and a deep love for animals, I bring a unique perspective to the world of pet care.