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Egyptian Tortoise Care Sheet

Description:	The Egyptian Tortoise is one of the rarer tortoises found in captivity, however they make good pets because of their small size.
Scientific Name:	Testudo kleinmanni
Lifespan:	Up to 50 years, sometimes more
Average Size:	Up to 6 inches
Origin:	Egypt, Israel and Libya

Feeding

Feed your Egyptian Tortoise plenty of leafy greens. Provide them with a good variety to ensure that they do not get bored.

One point of note is that Egyptian Tortoises have been known to have problems when fed fruit. Most turtles and tortoises should be fed small portions of fruit whereas the Egyptian Tortoise should not be fed any at all.

Since you are likely housing your Egyptian Tortoise indoors not only will you need to provide a calcium supplement but you will also need to provide it with a vitamin D3 supplement. The vitamin D3 will make up for the lack of sun rays that the tortoise would receive if it was outdoors.

Habitat

Humidity:	A humidity level of 20% to 30% works well for these tortoises as this mimicks their natural environment.

Lighting:	You should provide your Egyptian Tortoise with 12 hours of UV light per day. The also enjoy to bask so providing them with a light under which they can bask is a good idea.

Physical Design:	Plenty of hiding spots will be required for an Egyptian Tortoise because they are known for becoming stressed very easily.

Size:	A habitat that is approximately 3 feet long by 2 feet wide should be the minimum size for a single Egyptian Tortoise. Providing them with a larger enclosure will keep them happy and allow you to provide them with more hiding places.

Substrate:	Peat moss makes an excellent substrate for these tortoises.

Temperature:	85 degrees F is a good temperature for Egyptian Tortoises but beware that a temperature any higher than this is likely to make them inactive.


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