Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Other animals

Turtle or tortoise? Here’s how to choose

PawTracks
By

Turtles and tortoises make wonderful pets for families who want something more unexpected than a puppy or kitten. Naturally, each one requires different food, habitats, and care routines. Furthermore, between each species, there are varying breeds that may call for unique attention. If you’re contemplating turtle versus tortoise in your home, here are some ways to choose which one might make more sense.

Turtle walking on a table

Turtle vs. tortoise: Habitat

Like a dog needs a crate or their own bed, turtles and tortoises need their own space.

  • Turtle: Turtles have distinct, webbed feet. This means they’re made to swim and, therefore, live in water. Nevertheless, they also need a dry-ish, warm place to bask in. A properly installed UV light gives them the sunlight they need every day.
    You’ll need a water tank that’s at least 40 gallons, though a larger one is ideal if you’re planning on fostering a pair or a large breed. You’ll also need to install an efficient water filter to keep their living conditions clean and prevent any common waterborne diseases. Without a water filter, you will need to change the water daily.
  • Tortoise: Tortoises have thick, flat feet. This means they’re made to walk on land, so a terrarium is their most practical habitat. Your tank needs to be at least 40 gallons with space on one side for basking in UV light and another side that’s cooler.
    Depending on your tortoise breed, you’ll need different bedding like plant fiber, sand, or bark. They’ll need a structure to hang out in and hole up under.
Recommended Videos

What are their size differences?

Size is an important factor, particularly if you live in an apartment or a compact home.

  • Turtle: Pet turtle breeds are typically smaller than tortoises. They grow to about 5 to 10 inches long during adulthood, making them easy to care for. Common pet species include the mud turtle, red-eared slider, and the painted turtle. According to vets and pet owners, as a rule of thumb, for every inch of a turtle’s shell you need 10 gallons of tank space. For instance, a turtle with a 5-inch shell would require a 50-gallon tank. This might be a good way to narrow down your choice if you’re short on space.
  • Tortoise: On average, tortoises grow larger than turtles. Common pet tortoise breeds grow an average of 10 to 15 inches long. Note that tortoises also tend to be heavier since they have large, domed shells. Since tortoises are larger, they’ll also need more space to roam and live.

What food do they eat?

Both turtles and tortoises might need additional vitamin A supplements, though a balanced diet should suffice. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet needs extra vitamins.

Related
  • Turtle: Turtles are omnivores and eat fruits, vegetables, small insects, and even meat. The exact diet depends on your turtle’s species, but many pet stores carry turtle-specific food if you want to give them no-prep food. Since turtles will most likely drink the same water they swim in, changing their water or your filter regularly is important.
  • Tortoise: Tortoises are herbivores and will eat anything from bell peppers to oranges. However, keep the vegetable to fruit ratio roughly 80/20. You may also feed your tortoise hay, depending on their species. Place a dish or bowl where they hang out so they can have access to water at all times.

What is their lifespan?

One of the biggest concerns with pet turtles and tortoises is their long lifespans. We’re talking at least 20 years up to 50 years or more! If you’re looking for a lifetime companion, then a tortoise might be best.

  • Turtle: Pet turtles, on average, live up to 20 years, give or take 10 years. Some species like the Eastern box turtle and the wood turtle can live up to 50 years or more, though. If you want a pet with an average dog breed’s lifespan, consider a map turtle, which lives for about 15 to 20 years.
  • Tortoise: Get this — 50 years is the low end of the spectrum for pet tortoises! Considering that some tortoise species live up to 200 years, a 50-year lifespan for a pet tortoise almost seems short. Expect to care for your tortoise for decades, and plan to leave them in someone’s trustworthy care in case you move and can no longer care for it.
  • Tortoise walking in garden

When you welcome a pet into your home, you should be fully prepared and committed. Turtles and tortoises are amazing creatures that will be a part of your family for decades. If your household is under a turtle vs. tortoise debate right now, it’s good to think about their habitat, sizes, diets, and even lifespans. We hope this article ends your stalemate, and good luck!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
Wondering what to feed baby birds? Here are 5 things you should never offer them
Don't add these foods to your baby bird's meal plan
Hatchlings in a nest begs for food

Even though baby birds look like little dinosaurs, they aren't quite as tough. Since they're not actually velociraptors, you can't throw just anything down their gullets. Chicks have very specific food needs that will change as they age and also vary from species to species. While it can be tricky to manage your brand-new birdie's diet, we're here to tell you what to feed a baby bird. When choosing your avian's menu, avoid these five foods that may harm the little critter.

What can you feed a baby bird?
In the wild, newborn birds eat basically what their mamas and papas do, only all chewed up. You probably shouldn't go through the regurgitation process, but you'll replicate this type of feeding in your home without the ick factor. The tiniest of birds eat formula when they live away from their parents. In addition to being their favorite food (well, actually their only food), this will help you bond with your pet.

Read more
Can snakes swim? Here’s what you need to know about how these legless creatures move through water
Yes, all snakes can swim — here's how they do it
Water snake swimming through seaweed

Love snakes or hate them, they're fascinating creatures. Unlike other reptiles, snakes don't have arms or legs. Yet, even without appendages, these slitherers can move across many different types of terrain, often very quickly. They can make their way up mountainsides and climb to the tops of trees. Some even leap and glide from branch to branch!

But have you ever wondered, "Can snakes swim?" -- and which snakes can swim? Well, the answer, interestingly, is all of them.

Read more
Aquatic turtles: Care and feeding basics every Testudine enthusiast needs to know
The fundamentals of aquatic turtle care and feeding
Turtle walking on a table

Did you know the difference between turtles and tortoises is that turtles live at least partially in the water, while tortoises live exclusively on land? Both types make great pets, but caring for them can be a time-intensive task. If you’re considering buying an aquatic turtle, you should first know how to best take care of one. You certainly don't want to bring a new turtle home and realize you're in way over your head. Read on to learn the fundamentals of aquatic turtle care.

What is the water vs. land ratio?
Most turtles spend some time on land; even sea turtles venture to dry ground to lay their eggs. Turtles do not need and should not have enclosures full of water. Small floating platforms that turtles can climb onto should suffice for turtles that spend most of their time underwater. However, some aquatic turtles enjoy exploring the land and need more of a dry area. Research the particular species of aquatic turtle you’re interested in to find out how much time they spend in the water compared to on land.

Read more