Which Land Tortoise Species to Choose: Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

In this article, I will return in detail to the topic of which land tortoise species to keep as a beginner breeder, and I hope this helps you choose the right species. Although it might not seem like it, this is a crucial long-term decision—and if you are lucky, a lifelong one, since tortoises have the potential to outlive you in most cases. As beginner keepers, we are often confused by the various species offered on the market, and some pet traders take advantage of this to push a species that is completely unsuitable for you and that you would never buy under normal circumstances.

We will discuss the most common and frequently offered tortoises on our market, from both private breeders and pet stores. Everyone likes something different, and some people choose purely based on appearance and the cuteness of baby tortoises. That is a fundamental mistake; the criteria for selection lie elsewhere. I will go through them in order, starting with the most commonly available species, ranked by their frequency on the market, including the average adult size ranges found among breeders without distinguishing between males and females.

I will not list body weight, but a direct proportional rule of thumb can be applied: 15 cm – 700 g, 20 cm – 1200 g, 25 cm – 2.5 kg, 30 cm – 3.2 kg... Weight is approximate (+-) and not strictly definitive for our purposes. The size in cm given for each species represents the maximum limit, and 90% of individuals will not reach it. Therefore, expect a real adult size in the Testudo genus to be about 2–3 cm smaller, and in the Geochelone genus easily up to 10 cm smaller. Of course, subspecies exist where dimensions can be smaller or larger than stated, but we are discussing the most commonly sold land tortoise species on our market.

In young tortoises, sex can only be guessed without guarantees. In adults, it is usually clear, and the size of males and females varies across species. In some, males are smaller (e.g., T. h., T. g.), in others equal (T. m.), and in others larger (G. s.). Dimensionally, they should fall within the stated values regardless of sex. On the other hand, it would be unfair not to state the upper limit, even though extremely developed specimens may exceed it.

In any case, the final size of an individual is influenced by many other factors, such as parents, diet, breeding conditions..., so the adult size can always only be roughly estimated!

These are roughly the most commonly offered land tortoises on our market. Baby prices normally range from 1,500 to 4,000 CZK depending on the seller. So, which species should you dive into breeding? I have deliberately avoided less common or more expensive species, as you practically won’t encounter them in mass classifieds, and keeping them as a beginner is too risky. I am writing these lines not as a merchant aiming to promote the sale of tortoises I offer, but as a breeder of many land tortoise species who tries to give honest advice to everyone.

Primarily, your choice should depend on the conditions you can provide now and throughout the tortoise’s entire life. Keep in mind that when buying a cute little baby tortoise, you are influenced not only by its appearance but often by the seller. Today’s world favors the prepared, and that will be you if you thoroughly study everything in advance rather than rushing in blindly. A land tortoise is not a hamster; it is your lifelong companion.

1) Adult Tortoise Size. It is safer to plan for an individual reaching the upper size limit so nothing catches you by surprise. If it turns out smaller, all the better; the opposite could disappoint you in the future. You might easily find yourself owning a small calf-sized tortoise instead of a cute little pet.

2) Apartment vs. House Living. In the vast majority of households living in a standard apartment up to 3+1 (3 rooms + kitchen), getting a species that grows over 25 cm (T. m., G. p., G. c., G. s.) is complete nonsense. Here, focus strictly on smaller species. In contrast, a house owner with a garden can consider all species, provided they can build a large outdoor pen.

3) Space Capabilities. We must determine what space we are willing to sacrifice for the tortoise. In a house with a garden, both outdoor and indoor space are determining factors. For species capable of hibernation, having the right conditions for winter sleep is crucial.

4) Financial Demands. In an apartment, the rule is: the larger the species, the more expensive year-round upkeep becomes. European tortoise species capable of hibernation require the least operating cost. In contrast, heat-loving tropical tortoises (the entire Geochelone genus) do not hibernate and require an indoor heated enclosure for part of the year, significantly driving up electricity bills.

5) Hibernation. Representatives of the Testudo genus are capable of hibernation (requiring temperatures of +1 to +10 °C for at least three months). While hibernation lowers operating costs, on the other hand, you are essentially without your tortoise and left worrying. Conversely, Geochelone tortoises do not hibernate.

6) Location and Climate. Generally speaking, Testudo tortoises suit almost anywhere. For Geochelone, the rule is: the harsher the climatic conditions, the higher the year-round heating costs.

7) Diet. While Testudo species are trouble-free (common meadow plants and winter purchases from grocery stores), Geochelone—and especially the red-footed tortoise—requires a diet partially containing animal protein and mushrooms.

8) Overall Husbandry Conditions. Species like T. m., T. h., T. g. require no special luxury. However, G. s. or T. hs. require deep substrate layers for burrowing. G. carbonaria requires very high humidity, making it unique among land tortoises.

Notes on Evaluation:
Testudo horsfieldii (Russian tortoise) is a special case. Because it withstands extreme conditions in the wild and survives by digging deep burrows, unlike Mediterranean species, it requires large annual temperature fluctuations. It suits apartments only if winter hibernation facilities are available. They are much harder to breed in our climate, which is why specimens offered by breeders are often wild-caught imports or farm-bred animals carrying associated risks.

Conclusion: Generally speaking, the most accessible species of the Testudo genus are definitely a cheaper option, even if you choose not to hibernate them. They require less space. Representatives of the Geochelone genus become expensive primarily due to space requirements, electricity consumption, and the necessity to simulate summer for them during winter months.

Take this article not as a rigid and exact manual for acquiring a land tortoise, but merely as advice to help you better navigate the complex tortoise world and avoid missteps. Otherwise, you might find yourself keeping a 70 cm giant in a small 1-bedroom apartment. Good luck with your choice!

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