Buyer question
Is a Greek tortoise good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Greek tortoise 3 out of 5 for beginners (subspecies vary).
Source: the Greek tortoise page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Greek tortoise in the Animal Library
The detail
Greek, or spur-thighed, tortoises come from North Africa, southern Europe and the Middle East. They are small to medium and hardy, but subspecies vary widely, so knowing the origin of your animal matters.
- Best fit
- Keepers in mild climates
- Handling
- 3 out of 5 (Calm, active)
- Setup complexity
- 3 out of 5 (Outdoor setup best)
- Feeding ease
- 4 out of 5 (Eats weeds and greens)
What to weigh
Greek tortoise subspecies differ in climate needs, and mixing them can cause problems. They can live 50 years or more.