Tortoises
Marginated tortoise care guide
Testudo marginata
The largest Testudo, with a flared rear shell. Outdoors when weather allows.
Terrestrial — floor space first
New to reptiles? Check your keeper level first →Marginated tortoise enclosure size
Terrestrial — floor space first. An adult marginated tortoise should live in at least 72" L × 36" W × 18" H; we build toward 96" L × 48" W × 24" H (8 × 4 × 2 ft, roughly 32 sq ft of floor and about a 479-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 36" L × 18" W × 12" H recommended · min 30" L × 12" W × 12" H
- Juvenile
- 48" L × 24" W × 18" H recommended · min 48" L × 24" W × 12" H
- Adult
- 96" L × 48" W × 24" H recommended · min 72" L × 36" W × 18" H
Temperature and heating
Overhead heat (halogen, deep heat projector or radiant panel) on a thermostat, creating a warm-to-cool gradient.
- Basking / warm surface
- 95–100°F basking spot
- Warm side (ambient)
- 80–85°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 70–75°F
- Night
- No lower than 60°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Strong UVB required (T5 HO 10–12% across most of the enclosure). Run lights on a 12 hours on, 12 hours off photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 40–60%. Shallow water dish; damp hide for juveniles.
Substrate and depth
Soil/sand mix. Depth: 4–6 in.
Diet and feeding
Mostly weeds and leafy greens (dandelion, plantain, endive), grasses and edible flowers; calcium dusting. Little or no fruit.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Hides on both the warm and cool sides
- Clean water available at all times
- Clutter — cork, leaf litter, plants — for cover
Build list
- Enclosure at adult size — Buy for the adult footprint to avoid repeated upgrades.
- Digital thermostat — Every heat source must run through a thermostat — unregulated heat burns animals.
- Two digital probe thermometers + hygrometer — Read the warm side, cool side and humidity directly.
Marginated tortoise FAQ
How big should an adult Marginated tortoise enclosure be?
At least 72" L × 36" W × 18" H, and we recommend building to 96" L × 48" W × 24" H — about 8 × 4 × 2 ft, or a 479-gallon glass equivalent. Terrestrial — floor space first.
What temperatures does a Marginated tortoise need?
Basking or warm surface 95–100°F basking spot, warm side 80–85°F, cool side 70–75°F, night No lower than 60°F. Overhead heat (halogen, deep heat projector or radiant panel) on a thermostat, creating a warm-to-cool gradient.
Does a Marginated tortoise need UVB?
Strong UVB required (T5 HO 10–12% across most of the enclosure). Photoperiod: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
What humidity does a Marginated tortoise need?
40–60%. Shallow water dish; damp hide for juveniles.
What substrate is best for a Marginated tortoise?
Soil/sand mix, at a depth of 4–6 in.
How big does a Marginated tortoise enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 36" L × 18" W × 12" H recommended, minimum 30" L × 12" W × 12" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own marginated tortoise record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.