Did You Know: Turtles and tortoises are some of the longest lived reptiles that are kept as pets! Even commonly available turtles can live over 50 years with proper care, and several tortoises can live over 100 years!
So, do turtles and tortoises make good pets? For the right person, absolutely!
Here's everything you should know before bringing one home!
Turtle vs. Tortoise: What's the Difference?
All tortoises are turtles, BUT not all turtles are tortoises.
The difference comes down to lifestyle:
- Aquatic turtles (like red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and musk turtles) spend most of their lives in water and need a large aquarium with a filter, heater, and basking area.
- Semi-aquatic and box turtles (like the eastern, three-toed, or ornate box turtle) live mostly on land but need high humidity and access to shallow water.
- Tortoises (like Russian, Hermann's, Greek, and Sulcata tortoises) are fully land-dwelling. They have domed shells, sturdy elephant-like legs, and are very poor swimmers.
Knowing which type you want is the first step, because their care requirements are very different.
The Pros: Why Turtles and Tortoises Make Great Pets
- They're quiet and low-odor when their enclosure is kept clean.
- They have real personalities. Many learn to recognize their keepers, come running at feeding time, and explore every inch of their environment.
- They don't require affection They're content doing their own thing, which suits busy households.
- They're fun to watch. Turtles and tortoises are quite active, and a well set up habitat will showcase their adventurous lifestyles!
- They're a long-term companion. If you want a pet that stays with you for decades, few animals compare.
The Cons: What Nobody Tells You
1. They Live a Very Long Time
This is the big one. Turtles and tortoises are a multi-decade commitment:
- Red-eared sliders: 20–40 years
- Box turtles: 30–50+ years
- Russian tortoises: 40+ years
- Sulcata tortoises: 70+ years
It is not unlikely that your turtle or tortoise will outlive you, so it's worth thinking about who would care for your pet down the road.
2. They Get Bigger Than You Think
That tiny hatchling won't stay tiny. A red-eared slider can reach 10–12 inches and needs a tank or pond of 125+ gallons as an adult with a powerful filter. A sulcata tortoise can grow past 100 pounds and needs a large outdoor yard. Always research the adult size of a species before buying, as well as the requirement for how much space they need. Even small tortoises can require a large pen due to their active nature!
3. The Setup Costs More Than the Animal
The turtle itself might cost $20–$300, but a proper habitat is the real investment. Expect to budget for:
- A properly sized enclosure
- UVB lighting (replaced every 6–12 months)
- A basking heat lamp and thermostat
- A quality canister filter and water heater (aquatic species)
- Substrate, hides, décor, and water dishes
- Food and supplements
- A veterinary budget for any health concerns that could arise
A complete setup often runs several hundred dollars or more, plus ongoing costs for heat bulbs, UVB bulbs, and quite a lot of food!
4. Aquatic Turtles Are Messy
Aquatic turtles eat, poop, and shed in their water. Without strong filtration and regular water changes, a tank can get dirty and smelly FAST. Plan on weekly partial water changes and regular filter maintenance to keep the water clear and stink-free!
5. Most Don't Like Being Handled
Turtles and tortoises are "look, don't hold" pets, and many find handling stressful. They're better suited to owners who enjoy observing and caring for an animal rather than holding it.
6. Salmonella Is a Real Risk
Reptiles, including turtles, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they look perfectly healthy. Always wash your hands after handling your turtle or anything in its enclosure, and keep it away from kitchen surfaces. This is one reason small turtles are often not the best choice for households with very young children. (It's also why the sale of turtles with shells under 4 inches has been banned in the U.S. since 1975. In case it needs to be said, don't put your turtle in your mouth!)
What Turtles and Tortoises Need to Thrive
Space
Bigger is always better. A common rule for aquatic turtles is about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. The larger volume of water you can offer your turtle, the less frequently you will have to do water changes. A sizable turtle will dirty up a small volume of water extremely fast!
Tortoises need plenty of floor space to roam. Typical glass tanks are way too small with inadequate ventilation, so tortoises will need a front opening vivarium, tortoise tables, or a custom built pen!
UVB Lighting
Turtles and tortoises need UVB light to synthasize vitamin D3. Without it, they can develop metabolic bone disease and shell deformities. A quality linear UVB tube spanning the entire basking area is required!
Heat
As cold-blooded animals, they rely on their environment for warmth. Provide a basking spot (check the specific temperature range for your species) with a cooler side so they can regulate their body temperature.
Diet
- Tortoises mostly eat leafy greens, weeds, and flowers (like dandelions, clover, and endive), plus soaked tortoise pellets, calcium supplement and cuttlebone. Most should get little to no fruit.
- Aquatic turtles eat a mix of quality pellets, leafy greens, aquatic plants, and occasional protein like insects or fish. They become more herbivorous as they age.
- Box turtles are omnivores and need a varied diet of insects, worms, vegetables, and some fruit.
Humidity and Hydration
Many species, especially box turtles and young tortoises, need proper humidity to stay healthy and grow smooth shells. Always have a shallow water dish available and offer occasional soaks to help keep them hydrated. Keep a deep layer of substrate for young tortoises where they can burrow into burrows with higher humidity.
Best Beginner Species
- Russian tortoise: Small (8–10 inches), hardy, and personable. Extremely active.
- Hermann's tortoise: Compact, active, and relatively easy to care for.
- Musk turtle: One of the smallest aquatic turtles (about 4–5 inches), so it needs a much smaller tank than a slider.
- Red-eared slider: Hardy and widely available, but gets large and needs a big tank.
Not recommended for beginners: sulcata tortoises (they get huge!), snapping turtles, and softshell turtles.
Before You Buy: A Quick Checklist
- Am I ready for a 20–70+ year commitment?
- Do I have space for the adult-sized enclosure?
- Can I afford the full setup and ongoing costs?
- Is there a reptile veterinarian near me?
- Am I buying from a reputable breeder or adopting from a rescue — not taking a wild animal or supporting the removal of animals from their natural habitat?
- Have I checked local laws? Some states restrict certain species of turtle/tortoise.
And one important rule: never release a pet turtle into the wild. It's harmful to local ecosystems, often illegal, and most released pets don't survive.
Is A Turtle or Tortoise Right For Me?
Turtles and tortoises can be wonderful, rewarding pets, but they aren't "starter pets" or low-effort animals.
They need proper space, lighting, heat, diet, and a long-term commitment.
If you do your research and build the right habitat from day one, you'll have a unique lifelong companion.
