Authored by Andrew Hermes Arizona Tortoise Compound
Star Tortoises | Indoor living!
Considering a new pet for your apartment or your new “Tiny” house? Limited on space but would really enjoy a new member of the family? Ever think of a tortoise, as a pet? Yes, there are many different species of tortoises that stay small as adults and are capable of living indoors. One of these species is the Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans). This beautiful tortoise has one of the nicest shell designs and patterns available, being captive bred by many trustworthy breeders. Star live for 50-60 years in captive environments and are a long-term commitment.
Star Tortoises come in three different recognized varieties being Indian, Sri Lankan and Burmese Stars. Ranging from smallest to largest, Indian Star Tortoises are the most common of the three. Sri Lankan and Burmese being rarer and growing larger. Star tortoises all have high domed, black shells with bright yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute. These radiating lines and patterns are also specific to the locality and can be used to tell the varieties apart from one another. Female specimens grow larger than the males in this species. As adults they will reach the size of six to thirteen inches, again depending on the variety and sex. Star tortoises are active year-round and do not hibernate. Classified as a grassland tortoise, their shell patterns provide excellent camouflage while they are among grasses and vegetation. The radiating lines of the Burmese Star appear to be somewhat blurry and thick in appearance. Sri Lankans have a thin, very distinct and uniform radiating lines. Indian star’s lines can be thick and thin with more randomness throughout the shell. Skin color patterns are also very appealing with contrasting black and white coloration. All star tortoises are very beautiful and have their own uniqueness and even personality.
Star Tortoise Enclosures
For the most part, Star Tortoises are a very docile species of tortoise that does well in groups or even being housed alone. Most male tortoises get overly aggressive during mating season or when housed with other males. This is not true with Star Tortoises! Along with their calm demeanor, they are not ones to try to climb out of their enclosure to escape. So “capping the corners” of the enclosure is not needed. If there enclosure is properly set up, daily care is minimal. Star Tortoises in captivity should have access to a water source at all times. This can simply be a shallow ceramic dish slightly sunken into the substrate. This should be filled and cleaned as needed. In regards to the substrate for Stars, you are looking for something that provide a firm footing for them to walk around on and gain strength, also the substrate is used to retain moisture and help with humidity levels.
Different available food sources can be planted throughout their enclosure. This will ensure they have access to different foods at all times of the day. When offering supplemental food like different greens, weeds or the occasional fruits, these offerings should be placed on a plate or a flat surface for the tortoise to eat from. Like other tortoises Stars need a day and night cycle and proper lighting is very important. Using a mercury vapor light bulb
Star Tortoises enjoy temperatures ranging from 75 to 90°. This can easily be achieved year-round indoors. One side of the enclosure should be the warm side, with the opposite side being the cool side. Lighting and heating should be located on the warm side. A basking area with the temperature of 90° should be provided and the other side can be room temperature. This will allow the tortoises to be able to self regulate their own body temperatures. Star Tortoises are prone to respiratory problems and being able to catch a cold if housed in cold,wet environments. At the same time humidity and hydration is also important to the health of the tortoise.
When humidity levels or moisture is high in the enclosure, temperatures should be increased. Keep the cool side dry and the warm side moist is a safe way to go.
Maintaining and caring for tortoises is very rewarding. Even that much more so when its a Star Tortoise! Native habitats of this species and many others around the world are being destroyed due to deforestation and being over collected. As Tortoise keepers we need to do our part to help keep captive populations at thriving level. With a little love and attention to detail, Star tortoises will make lifelong family friends.