Greek Tortoise

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

Thigh spurs and a dry pen

Greek tortoises, Testudo graeca, are a cluster of subspecies from the Mediterranean and farther east. Adults are usually 5 to 8 inches. 50 to 100 years or more. A spur on each thigh is the usual field mark that separates them from a Hermann's tortoise, which carries the spur on the tail.

They want heat and a dry shell. Cold, wet grass that a Hermann's might tolerate can give a Greek tortoise a respiratory infection. Basking near 95°F, a warm side in the 80s, and a cooler retreat are the temperatures to hold. UVB or real sun is daily, not a weekend extra. Indoors, a 4 by 2 foot table is the start. Outdoors in summer is better if the pen is escape-proof and shaded in part.

Weeds, not a fruit bowl

Leafy weeds, flowers, and hay are the diet. Grocery fruit is how these tortoises get soft, pyramided shells. Soak a baby in shallow lukewarm water a few times a week so it drinks. Subspecies from wetter mountains and subspecies from desert edges are not identical, so ask the breeder which animal you actually bought.

Wild Greek tortoises are protected and should not be in the pet trade. Captive-bred only. Bubbling at the nose or a tortoise that stays buried and skips meals needs a reptile vet. ARAV keeps a clinic list, and the symptom checker is there when you are unsure how fast to go.

Greek tortoise questions

How can I tell a Greek tortoise from a Hermann's?

Greek tortoises usually have a spur on each thigh. Hermann's tortoises have a spur on the tip of the tail. The care overlaps, and the animals are still different species.

Are Greek tortoises good for a first reptile?

Care is intermediate. The diet is simple. The lifespan of 50 to 100 years and the need for a dry, bright pen are the hard parts.

Why is the shell pyramiding?

Young Greek tortoises pyramid when the diet is too rich, fruit is common, or they grow in a constantly dry box with no humid shelter. Fix the food and the moisture before the shell is set.