Elongated Tortoise

Enclosure

Ideal size

One adult needs at least a 6 ft x 3 ft indoor enclosure; larger is better. Outdoors is ideal in warm climates (like Miami). Use cypress mulch, soil, leaf litter, or coco husk for humidity retention and digging. Provide hides and shaded areas.

Temps

Basking 88–92°F, cool side 75–80°F, ambient 80–85°F, humidity 60–80%. They require UVB (10–12%).

Ideal range

Prefers warm, humid climates 75–90°F. Can tolerate brief dips to 65°F but should not be kept cold. Over 95°F requires extra shade and moisture.

Diet and Hydration

Elongated tortoises are primarily herbivores, with a small amount of fruit and occasional protein in the wild.

Weekly Feeding (adult)

Daily

Large handful of mixed greens

• 3–4× weekly: Vegetables
• 2× weekly: Fruits (small amounts)
• 1× weekly: Optional protein (cooked egg, low-fat dog food, or mushroom) for individuals that need it—avoid overuse

Food Options

Staples

Spring mix, collard greens, mustard greens, endive, escarole, cactus pads, hibiscus leaves/flowers, mulberry leaves

Vegetables

Squash, zucchini, bell pepper, green beans, carrots (small portions)

Fruits (treats)

Papaya, mango, banana with skin, berries, melon

No Feed/Toxic

Onion, garlic, avocado, rhubarb, iceberg lettuce, high-oxalate greens daily, dog/cat food as a regular diet

Hydration

Provide a large shallow water dish for soaking and drinking. Soak juveniles 3× weekly; adults 1× weekly. Maintain humidity with regular misting.

Supplements

Calcium with D3 2–3× weekly, multivitamin 1× weekly.

Behavior note

They often rush food and may overeat fruit—keep fruit controlled.

Health

Prone to respiratory infections if kept too dry or cold, shell rot from poor substrate, internal parasites (common in wild imports), and dehydration-related kidney issues. Must maintain humidity and regular soaks.

Handling

Elongated tortoises stress easily with excessive handling. They tolerate calm handling but prefer minimal interaction. Always support the entire body and avoid flipping or squeezing the shell edges. Loud environments may scare them.

For shows

Not ideal. They are shy, may urinate/defecate when stressed, and do not enjoy repeated handling. They also can dry out or overheat quickly. Not recommended for kids to hold.

Requirements for Show Animals

Super friendly/handleable

No – shy and stress-prone

Not messy

No – may poop when stressed

Multiple shows per day

No

Can be boxed all day

No, needs humidity

Good with heat

Moderate, but dries out fast

Conclusion

Not suitable for Shadow’s Reptiles show roster.