Tortoise vs. Turtle
The differences between a turtle and a tortoise can be seemingly insignificant. But pending your lifestyle and the type of care you’re willing to provide, those differences can determine which species is the best fit for you as a pet owner.
For starters, tortoises and turtles thrive in different environments. Tortoises live mostly on land, while turtles live in mostly aquatic habitats. For bigger tortoises like the African Sulcata (which can grow to more than 100 pounds!), the ideal habitat is an outside pen, build to an appropriate size for roaming. The pen can be bedded with mulch, sand, dirt, or even tree bark. Like all reptiles, pet tortoises depend on owners to provide sources of light and heat to regulate their body temperatures. Be sure to include a UVB lamp as well as a heater in your tortoise’s enclosure.
Turtles on the other hand, thrive in enclosures such as aquariums that can house an efficient amount of water for the animal to swim and soak in. The aquarium should never be filled completely with water, as turtles like to come up for air to perch on logs or bask under light and heat sources. If you don’t have sufficient space for a tortoise to roam outside, a turtle may be a better fit. If you’d rather not manage an aquarium, then having a pet tortoise is your better bet.
Turtles and tortoises also differ in the illnesses they are prone to. Turtles like the Red Ear Slider are prone to ear abscesses that can cause neurological pain. Tortoises, however, are more susceptible to respiratory issues and metabolic bone disease, also known as MBD. MBD can be mitigated through a diet rich in calcium. Both reptiles are high carriers of salmonella and frequent hand washing in encouraged, especially after handling either animal.
While on the subject of handling, neither tortoises nor turtles are fit for owners who want frequent physical interaction with their pets. These reptiles do not like to be handled or held often, and prefer to keep to themselves.
The diets of the two also differ. A tortoise should be fed lots of veggies that are rich in Vitamin to avoid a deficiency. Protein should be avoided due to potential toxicity and joint issues. Turtles have a more complex diet and eat shrimp, fish, and leafy veggies.
Ready for a fun fact? Tortoises hibernate! Like bears and other mammals, tortoises stock up on food and go through their version of hibernation, called burmation, during the colder months. Turtles do not experience this process.
Tortoises and turtles do have some similarities, however. One similarity is the potential for shell rot. Shell rot is an infection of the shell caused by either fungus or bacterial. To determine the course of treatment, your vet will have to examine the shell to decide if your pet should receive antifungal or antibiotic medication. If untreated, shell rot can cause serious damage to the shell and expose the reptiles to additional infections. Symptoms of shell rot are discoloration, presence of an abscess, or other signs of irritation.
You probably won’t have to visit the vet often when carrying for a turtle or tortoise because neither require much preventative care. But like dogs, we do advise microchipping your tortoise or turtle. Though they have a reputation for moving slowly, both are known to easily escape their enclosures.
Here at CyFair, we’re here to provide you with any information that can make your choice easier. Have more questions? Reach out and let us answer your questions!
