Radiated Tortoise Care Sheet

Meet the Radiated Tortoise!

Say hello to one of the most stunning tortoises on the planet! The Radiated Tortoise — critically endangered and native to the forests and scrublands of Madagascar — is instantly recognizable by its smooth, high-domed carapace marked with brilliant yellow lines that radiate from the center of each dark plate. Its body is yellow with a distinctive black patch on its head. A truly majestic species for the dedicated keeper. 🌟🐢

Fast Facts

🔬 Scientific name: Astrochelys radiata

🎯 Experience level: Intermediate

📏 Size: 10 to 16 in. (25 to 40 cm) in shell length

⚖️ Weight: 5.5 to 35 lbs (2.5 to 16 kg)

⏳ Lifespan: 60 to 80 years

🥗 Diet: Herbivore

Housing / Terrarium

Enclosure: A Radiated Tortoise needs a large and secure enclosure. The enclosure should be at least 5x2 feet (1.5x0.6m) for a young tortoise, and at least 9x5 feet (2.7x1.5m) for an adult tortoise.

Substrate: The substrate should hold moisture and provide a comfortable surface to walk on. Recommended options include coconut bark, soil, and cypress mulch. A terrarium mat can be added for easier cleaning maintenance.

Lighting: Tortoises require a basking spot. A UVB light should also be provided to help with calcium absorption. The light should be on for 12–14 hours per day. A ceramic heater or daytime heat lamp is also needed to maintain proper temperatures.

Maintenance: Maintain a clean environment by removing feces and uneaten food daily, and changing the substrate every 2–3 months.

Diet / Feeding

🌿 Grasses & Weeds (80%): Should make up the majority of a Radiated Tortoise's diet. Timothy hay and alfalfa hay can be offered as a supplement to the grasses.

🌵 Cactus & Plants: Mulberry leaves, Opuntia cactus pads (a favorite food!), and Gumamela flowers and leaves.

🥕 Vegetables (20%): Carrots, squash, saluyot, kangkong, talbos ng kamote, kale, alugbati, sayote fruit and leaves. Commercial pellets such as Armour Exotics Booster Pellets (should only be fed occasionally).

⚠️ Avoid: Foods high in oxalates such as spinach, broccoli, pechay, and cabbage — feed only occasionally.

💧 Water: A large water dish should always be available in the enclosure for the tortoise to drink. Change the water daily.

Supplements

Radiated Tortoises should also be provided with calcium supplements to prevent shell deformities. Armour Exotics Calcium Bites or calcium powder can be offered in the enclosure.

Enrichment: Radiated Tortoises need mental and physical stimulation. Providing different plants, textures, and hiding places will help keep them entertained.

🛒 Shopping Checklist for Needed Supplies

• Appropriately sized enclosure
• Thermometer and hygrometer
• Substrate (eco-nut, eco-bark, terrarium mat)
• Moss
• Food dish (exo-feeder)
• Water dish
• UVB lighting and dome
• Ceramic heater or daytime heat lamp
• Food (grass, cactus, hay, booster pellets)
• Hide / shelter (exo-hut)
• Supplements (calcium bites)

🚩 Red Flags — When to See a Vet

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or lack of activity
• Discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Shell abnormalities such as cracks or softness
• Abnormal behavior such as hiding or excessive basking
• Diarrhea or blood in the stool, constipation

Note: If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian with experience in treating reptiles as soon as possible.

Common Health Issues

• Respiratory infection
• Shell rot
• Impaction (Urates)
• Pyramiding

If you feel confident managing all of the above, make sure your Radiated Tortoise has everything they need before you bring them home. A well-prepared setup means a happy, healthy tortoise from day one — and a much less stressed new pet parent! Scroll down to shop all the starter tortoise supplies you need in one click! 👇🛒

👉 Shop Tortoise Supplies at Pet Nation PH