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If you're looking for a large turtle to own as a pet, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that turtle is often used interchangeably with tortoise, but the terms refer to reptiles with different adaptations – turtles are typically aquatic, while tortoises are terrestrial. Now, for those seeking a sizeable companion, the Aldabra tortoise is a great choice. Native to the Seychelles, these reptiles can grow to impressive sizes, weighing between 290 and 550 pounds, with a carapace length of about 48 inches. Another option is the Sulcata tortoise, which can reach up to 200 pounds and 36 inches in length. These are the two largest tortoise species commonly kept as pets. If you're open to aquatic turtles, the African Sideneck Turtle, with a maximum size of 11 inches, is an option, but it requires a large aquarium setup. For a smaller yet still sizeable option, the Leopard tortoise, native to sub-Saharan Africa, can be a good choice, growing up to 16-18 inches.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Common Name | Aldabra Tortoise |
Scientific Name | Geochelone gigantea |
Adult Size | 3-4 ft long & up to 550 lbs |
Lifespan | 150+ years |
Tank Size | at least 30x30 ft |
Common Name | Sulcata Tortoise |
Scientific Name | Geochelone sulcata |
Adult Size | 24-30 in long & 70-200 lbs |
Lifespan | 57-127 years |
Tank Size | 80 sq. ft |
What You'll Learn
Aldabra tortoise
The Aldabra tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is one of the largest species of tortoise that can be kept as pets. Native to the Seychelles, they are typically dark grey, brown or tan with a tall, domed shell. They have long necks for a tortoise, which helps them to graze on trees in the wild.
Males are considerably larger than females, with an average carapace (shell) length of 122 cm (4 ft) and a weight of up to 250 kg (550 lb). In comparison, female carapaces average 91 cm (3 ft) and they weigh 159 kg (350 lb). An Aldabra tortoise weighing 305 kg (672 lb) is the world's largest free-roaming tortoise ever recorded.
Due to their size, Aldabra tortoises require a lot of space. They can be kept outdoors in a pen, provided the weather is not extreme. Their enclosure should have walls over two feet tall, and include a tortoise hide space that is sheltered and heated. Young Aldabra tortoises under two years old are more vulnerable to predators and should be kept indoors.
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Sulcata tortoise
The Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Native to the arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, these tortoises can adapt to various living conditions, which is one reason why they have become popular as pets. However, they may not be ideal for everyone due to their long lifespans and specific care requirements.
Size and Lifespan
Housing
Due to their size, sulcata tortoises require spacious outdoor or indoor enclosures. They are excellent burrowers, so their enclosures should have sturdy fences that extend at least a foot underground to prevent them from escaping. The fences should also be around two feet tall to prevent the tortoises from climbing out.
Diet
Behaviour and Temperament
Health Considerations
Suitability as Pets
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Red-eared slider
The Red-Eared Slider is a popular choice for those looking to own a turtle due to its vibrant colours and patterns. Native to North America, these turtles are identifiable by their distinctive red streak on each side of their face.
Appearance
Size
Habitat
Diet
Behaviour
Health
Lifespan
With proper care, red-eared sliders can live up to 20-30 years, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners.
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African sideneck turtle
The African sideneck turtle (Pelusios castaneus) is an aquatic reptile native to the warm climates of Africa. It is one of the biggest turtles you can own, with an adult size ranging from 7 to 12 inches long. They are known for their unique neck, which is considerably longer than that of other turtles. Due to the length of their neck, African sideneck turtles are unable to retract their head into their shell fully and instead tuck their head to the side, giving them their distinct name.
The African sideneck turtle is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-living pet reptile, with an average lifespan of between 25 and 50 years, and some reports suggesting they can live beyond 50 years in captivity. They are relatively easy to care for, but their environmental requirements, moderate size, and long lifespan make them more suitable for intermediate and advanced turtle keepers.
These turtles are curious and active, with a quirky appearance that includes a perpetual grin and large, rounded eyes. They are typically dark-colored, with their underbellies, called plastrons, being a grayish-black color and their heads olive-to-brown with black markings. They have webbed feet with long, sharp claws, and two small barbels (beard-like sensory organs) that protrude from the lower jaw.
Housing for an African sideneck turtle typically requires a tank of at least 40 gallons for a single adult, with a larger tank of 75 gallons being ideal. The tank should be filled halfway or three-quarters full of water, with the rest left as open-air space and basking perches. It is important to provide a dry land area using a floating dock or large rocks so that the turtle can climb out of the water to dry off. A quality water filter is also essential to maintain water cleanliness.
In terms of lighting and temperature, African sideneck turtles require a fluorescent and incandescent lighting system to simulate a day and night cycle and provide heat. The ambient air temperature should be maintained in the low 80s, and a basking lamp should be used to create a focused hot area for the turtle to warm its body. Additionally, UV lighting is crucial to help the turtles metabolize calcium efficiently and prevent metabolic bone disease.
Overall, the African sideneck turtle makes a wonderful pet due to its relatively easy-going and curious nature. They are energetic and social, becoming more active and explorative the more you interact with them. However, they can be easily stressed and are capable of delivering a painful bite, so it is best to keep handling to a minimum.
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Eastern box turtle
The Eastern box turtle is a native of southern Ontario and the eastern United States, excluding most of Florida and the extreme northeast. They are typically found in moist habitats such as forests, hardwood swamps, marshy meadows, pastures, and areas near bodies of water.
These turtles are typically active during the day and spend their time roaming and foraging for food. They are not big fans of frequent handling and may retreat into their shells when stressed. However, regular interactions and gentle handling are recommended to help them get comfortable with your presence and minimise stress when they need to be moved.
These turtles require a specialised setup to thrive. They need access to both shade and sunshine, and their environment should be protected from predators and harsh weather. They also need easy access to shallow pans of water for soaking and drinking.
In terms of diet, the Eastern box turtle is an omnivore, eating both plant and animal matter. Their diet should be roughly 50% animal matter and 50% plant matter.
The average price for an Eastern box turtle ranges from around $50 to $300, depending on its age.
It is important to note that Eastern box turtles are illegal to keep as pets in some parts of the US, so be sure to check your local laws before acquiring one.
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Frequently asked questions
The biggest turtle breed you can own is the Aldabra tortoise. They are the second-largest species of tortoise, only smaller than the giant Galapagos tortoise, which cannot be kept as a pet.
Aldabra tortoises can grow to be around 3-4 feet long and weigh up to 550 lbs.
Other large turtle breeds that can be kept as pets include the Sulcata tortoise, the Red-eared slider, the African Sideneck turtle, and the Eastern box turtle.
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle, growing up to 40 inches and weighing up to 220 lbs. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest species of land turtle, with a shell length of over 30 inches and a weight of over 230 lbs.