If you’re thinking about bringing home a tortoise from Smith’s Reptiles, one of the first things we’ll ask you about is your setup.
We know getting a new pet is exciting, and it can be tempting to focus on choosing your tortoise first. However, having the correct environment ready before they come home is one of the most important parts of responsible tortoise ownership.
That’s why our reptile team has a few essential requirements that every setup must meet before one of our tortoises can leave the store.
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Quick Answer: What do I need before buying a tortoise from Smith’s Pets?
As a minimum, we require:
- An enclosure measuring at least 100cm x 60cm (minimum size for baby tortoise)
- A suitable T5 UVB lighting system
- A suitable basking flood lamp
- A dimming thermostat controlling the basking lamp
- Photos or videos of your setup if it has not been purchased from us
We do not accept multi level small animal cages as suitable tortoise housing, and we do not accept combination UVB and heat lamps in place of separate suitable lighting and heating.
These are our minimum requirements. A complete tortoise setup will require additional equipment and supplies depending on the species and individual animal.
Why do we check your tortoise setup?
Our responsibility for an animal doesn’t end when they leave our shop.
Tortoises are long lived reptiles with very specific environmental needs. Their enclosure, heat and access to appropriate UVB all play an important role in their long term care.
We would much rather help you get everything right before your tortoise comes home than discover a problem afterwards.
That is why, if you already have your enclosure at home, our reptile team will ask to see photos or videos of the complete setup before approving the sale.
It isn’t about catching anyone out. It allows us to check that the essential requirements are in place and gives you an opportunity to ask questions before bringing your tortoise home
How big does a tortoise enclosure need to be?
For tortoises sold by Smith’s Pets, we require an enclosure measuring at least 100cm long by 60cm wide.
This is a minimum requirement for baby tortoise rather than a target to stop at. As your tortoise grows, its space requirements may increase.
We do not accept multi level small animal cages as suitable tortoise housing. Tortoises need appropriate usable floor space rather than additional levels designed for animals that climb between platforms.
If you’re unsure whether an enclosure you already own is appropriate, speak to our reptile team before buying your tortoise.
What UVB lighting does a tortoise need?
We require a suitable T5 UVB lighting system.
UVB is an essential part of creating an appropriate environment for a tortoise. Simply placing an enclosure somewhere bright or close to a window is not a replacement for suitable reptile UVB lighting.
The exact equipment and positioning matter too, so our team can help you choose an appropriate system for your setup.
What type of heat lamp should I use?
Your tortoise will also need a suitable basking flood lamp connected to a dimming thermostat.
The basking lamp creates the warm area your tortoise needs, while the thermostat helps control the heat being produced.
At Smith’s Pets, we require suitable heating and UVB to be provided separately. We do not accept combination UVB and heat lamps as meeting our setup requirements.
Our reptile team can explain what equipment you need and how it should work together.
Can Smith’s Reptiles refuse to sell me a tortoise?
Yes.
If a setup does not meet the minimum requirements set by our reptile team, we will refuse the sale until the necessary changes have been made.
This isn’t something we do to make buying a tortoise difficult.
We care about our customers, but most importantly, we have a responsibility to the animals in our care. We want every tortoise leaving Smith’s Pets to go into an environment that is properly prepared for them.
And remember, not now doesn’t mean not ever.
If your setup isn’t suitable yet, our team can explain what needs changing so you can get everything ready before returning.
Can I buy a complete tortoise setup from Smith’s Reptiles?
Yes. We offer complete tortoise setups in store, and our reptile team can talk you through the equipment you’ll need, what each part does and how to set everything up correctly.
There are additional supplies involved in creating a complete tortoise environment beyond the minimum requirements listed in this article, so please speak to us about the particular tortoise you are interested in.
Before you bring your tortoise home
Our biggest piece of advice is simple: do your research and prepare the home before choosing the tortoise.
Having your enclosure, UVB, heating and other essentials ready beforehand makes bringing your new tortoise home much smoother and gives you time to ask questions without rushing.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup meets our requirements, bring photos or videos into Smith’s Pets and speak to a member of our reptile team.
We’ll be happy to help you get it right.
Smith’s Reptiles Team
