Description

2025 Captive-Bred Baby Spur-Thighed Tortoise

The 2025 Captive-Bred Baby Spur-Thighed Tortoise is a wonderful choice for reptile enthusiasts looking for a hardy, attractive, and long-lived companion. As one of the best-known Mediterranean tortoise species, Spur-Thighed Tortoises are admired for their calm temperament and adaptability. They can be housed in either a tortoise table or a well-ventilated vivarium and enjoy supervised outdoor time during the warmer summer months.

Temperature & Heating

Like all tortoises, Spur-Thighed Tortoises are cold-blooded reptiles and depend on external heat to regulate their body temperature.

For a healthy enclosure, maintain the following conditions:

• Basking Area: 85°F–90°F (29°C–32°C)
• Daytime Ambient Temperature: Approximately 78°F (26°C)
• Nighttime Temperature: 65°F–70°F (18°C–21°C)

These tortoises originate from the warm, dry climates of Southern Europe, so they thrive in environments with low humidity and a properly maintained heat gradient.

UV Lighting Requirements

High-quality UVA and UVB lighting is essential for your tortoise’s health. Provide 12 hours of UV lighting every day to encourage natural behaviour, stimulate appetite, and promote Vitamin D3 production. This is necessary for effective calcium absorption, healthy shell development, and strong bones.

Whether housed in a tortoise table or vivarium, ensure the lighting system provides both adequate heat and UV exposure throughout the day.

Diet & Nutrition

Spur-Thighed Tortoises are herbivores and require a varied, fibre-rich diet to remain healthy.

A balanced daily diet should include:

• Leafy greens
• Safe edible plants and weeds
• Fresh vegetables
• Premium tortoise pellets, such as Komodo Complete Pellet Food

To support healthy growth and shell development, dust food daily with a calcium and multivitamin supplement such as Reptavite or Calcium Powder. Fresh food should always be available every day.

Hydration

Although these tortoises drink relatively little water, regular hydration is still very important.

Provide fresh drinking water daily and soak your tortoise in a shallow container of warm water at least once each week. Weekly soaking helps maintain hydration while supporting healthy digestion and the natural elimination of waste and uric acid.

Substrate

Creating a clean, dry enclosure begins with choosing the right substrate.

Hemp bedding is highly recommended because it is:

• Dust-free
• Highly absorbent
• Easy to maintain
• Comfortable for everyday use

Spot-clean droppings daily and replace the entire substrate approximately every three weeks, or whenever necessary to maintain a hygienic habitat.

Hibernation

Healthy adult Spur-Thighed Tortoises can hibernate under appropriate conditions. However, hibernation is not recommended during the first three years of life or for tortoises that have not yet reached a suitable size and healthy weight.

Always consult reliable care information before hibernating your tortoise and ensure it is in excellent health beforehand.

Species Information

• Origin: Southern Europe
• Natural Habitat: Temperate Mediterranean climate
• Daytime Temperature: 78°F ambient with an 85°F–95°F basking area
• Night Temperature: 65°F
• UV Requirement: High
• Humidity: Low
• Adult Size: Approximately 28 cm
• Diet: Herbivore

Everything You Need to Care for Your Baby Spur-Thighed Tortoise

Our complete Spur-Thighed Tortoise Starter Kits provide everything required to create a comfortable, healthy, and secure home for your new tortoise.

Essential Equipment Includes:

• UV Lighting System
• Heat Lamp
• Heat Mat
• Thermometer
• Reptile-Safe Substrate
• Secure Hide
• Food Dish
• Water Dish
• Premium Pellet Food
• Calcium & Multivitamin Supplements

Care Guide & Ongoing Support

Every baby Spur-Thighed Tortoise includes a comprehensive care sheet with detailed guidance on enclosure setup, heating, lighting, feeding, and general husbandry.

If you ever need assistance, our experienced team is available every day to provide expert advice and ongoing support, helping you give your tortoise the best possible care throughout its life.