Indian Star Tortoise Care (UK Guide)
 
 
 
🏡 Housing
 
 
Indoor only in the UK — outdoor housing is risky due to their delicate immune systems.
A spacious tortoise table or enclosed pen is recommended.
Minimum size: 4ft x 2ft for a single adult, but larger is better.
 
Use a soil/coco coir/sand mix for the substrate, kept dry but not dusty.
Include low hides, cork bark, and shallow water dishes.
 
 
🛑 Avoid glass vivariums — they can cause stress and poor airflow.
 
 
 
 
🌡️ Heating & Lighting
 
 
UVB lighting (6% for the first 2 year  then 12% T5 tube) for 10–12 hours a day to help with vitamin D3 synthesis.
Basking spot temp: 32–35°C.
Cool end of the enclosure: 24–26°C.
Nighttime temp should not drop below 22°C — they are very cold-sensitive.
Use ceramic heat emitters (CHEs) or radiant heat panels at night.
 
 
 
 
 
🥬 Diet
 
 
Primarily high-fibre, low-protein diet.
Feed:
Grasses, weeds (dandelion, plantain, clover, chickweed)
Leafy greens (endive, escarole, romaine, turnip greens)
 
Occasionally: opuntia cactus, hibiscus flowers, herbs like coriander and parsley
Avoid: fruit, soft veggies, spinach, iceberg lettuce
Provide cuttlefish bone or a calcium supplement.
Clean, shallow water dish always available.
 
 
 
 
 
⚕️ Health Considerations
 
 
Prone to respiratory infections if kept damp or cold.
Regular check-ups with an exotics/reptile vet are essential.
Shell pyramiding can result from poor diet or lighting — monitor growth carefully.
 
 
 
 
 
📏 Size & Lifespan
 
 
Grows to about 7–12 inches (18–30 cm).
Females are usually larger than males.
Lifespan: 30–80 years, depending on care.
 
 
 
 
 
⚠️ Legal & Ethical Points (UK Specific)
 
 
Indian Star Tortoises are listed under CITES Appendix I.
You must have a valid Article 10 certificate to buy, sell, or display them.
Always source from a licensed breeder or reputable rescue.
 
Never import wild-caught individuals — it’s illegal and unethical.