The Best Tortoise Habitats
Tortoise habitats provide your pet with a comfortable and safe place to thrive. These enclosures mimic their natural habitat in the wild, allowing them to live comfortably in a familiar environment. They also give them room to roam around, exercise, and explore. With so many tortoise habitats on the market, finding the right one is often a difficult task. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best tortoise habitats the internet has to offer.
What to Look For
It’s important to keep the following things in mind when shopping for a tortoise habitat: The type of tortoise you have, the amount of space the tortoise habitat provides, and whether it has a basking area for your tortoise to get sunlight. Our top pick was the tortoise habitat from Aivituvin, which can be used indoors or outdoors and has a sleeping area as well as an activity room. We also really liked the tortoise habitat from Rockever, which provides turtles with plenty of space to play. Keep reading to learn about the rest of our picks and discover the best one for your tortoise.
Aivituvin Wooden Tortoise Habitat
A cozy place to live
Whether you’re preparing to bring a tortoise into your home or you already have one, it’s hard to go wrong with this tortoise habitat from Aivituvin. The habitat has an attractive finish and can be upgraded with a waterproof bottom to protect your floors from moisture. It’s made of lightweight and durable fir wood, making it easy to transport when needed. The enclosure is divided into two compartments, one with a sleeping area and another for roaming around.
Pros:
- You can buy two of these habitats and attach them together to create an even larger enclosure for one or multiple tortoises.
- The habitat is simple to clean and has an easy-to-open cover that makes it quick to access the interior.
Cons:
- The habitat takes some time to assemble if you don’t use an electric drill.
Rockever Hutch Tortoise Habitat
Taking it easy
If you’re looking for an enclosure for your tortoise that can be used indoors and outdoors, this tortoise habitat from Rockever is up to the task. The medium-sized habitat has two sections, so your pet has a place to hide and a place to bask during the day. That’s not all; it has a closed compartment with a handle, making it easy for you to check in on your turtle throughout the day.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how well the habitat regulated temperature, keeping the warm and cool spots at the correct level.
- The habitat keeps turtles safe from predators when placed outside and also prevents household pets from bothering them.
Cons:
- It’s not waterproof, but it’s still a quality habitat.
Amosijoy Glass Tortoise Habitat
Crystal clear
Keep an eye on your turtle as it goes about its daily life with this glass tortoise habitat from Amosijoy. The habitat’s three-level design features hidden filters that remove large particles, making it easy to keep the tank clean. Heavy-duty glass surrounds the enclosure, making it difficult for tortoises to escape. All in all, you can’t go wrong with this straightforward glass tank.
Pros:
- We found this habitat was an excellent option for baby turtles, giving them enough room to explore freely while helping them stay safe.
- This enclosure’s filters remove water and waste, allowing turtles to spend time in its shallow water without it needing to be changed daily.
Cons:
- This habitat isn’t suitable for large tortoise species.
GDLF Indoor Tortoise Habitat
Functional fun
There are many reasons you may need to keep your tortoise indoors, including changes in the weather or to protect them from predators. When it’s time for your turtle to come inside after spending time outdoors, there aren’t many homes better for it than the tortoise habitat from GDLF. This habitat’s sleeping area features a waterproof tray, making cleaning easier and keeping moisture away from your floors. Plus, it’s large enough to keep your pet comfortable while spending time indoors.
Pros:
- We were thrilled that this enclosure comes with straightforward instructions that make it easy to assemble.
- This habitat provides easy access to turtles through its top compartment and has plenty of room for tortoises to hide and bask.
Cons:
- It’s mainly for indoor use.
Penn-Plax Large Tortoise Habitat
No place like home
If you want an enclosure that blends into your home’s decor while allowing your tortoise to live like royalty, this tortoise habitat from Penn-Play might be right for you. This sleek habitat features a glass viewing area that lets you observe your pet throughout the day. The top part of the enclosure even has mesh wire that facilitates ventilation and UV light penetration. Plus, it has enough room to ensure your pet is comfortable.
Pros:
- We especially liked the durability of this enclosure is made with solid, heavy-duty materials that should last several years with proper maintenance.
- This habitat is moisture-resistant and will withstand humidity and spills without warping.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with assembly instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a tortoise habitat be?
Your tortoise needs a lot of space to move around, so you want to be sure you invest in a habitat that meets their needs. You should purchase an enclosure at least 12 inches higher than your tortoise is while standing on its hind legs. The larger your tortoise is expected to grow as an adult, the bigger the space you’ll need.
Should I keep the basking lights on at night?
It’s a good idea to expose your turtle to a natural amount of light during the day and darkness at night. Your turtle has a biological clock, making it unnecessary to leave basking lights on at night. The only time you may want to consider leaving the lights on at night is if the temperature is expected to drop below about 50° overnight.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.