When a tortoise is young it can be held in captivity in wooden boxes. The dimensions of the box should be seven to ten times bigger than the size of the tortoise’s hoof (also known as: carapace). The lining (carpeting) can be made of natural grass (do not use artificial grass), beaten land, carpet for reptile, triturated rind of tree (vegetal carpeting for maintenance of reptiles) or even newspaper (ideal for nestlings). The tortoise also needs space to walk. Make sure to provide them with a firm ground and soil to walk in. Slippery floor, like tiles and a wooden floor might cause defects in your pet.

The diurne reptiles need sun light. It is very important that your pet be exposed to the sun light for, at least, 15 minutes a day (in the morning or late afternoon). You can also make use of artificial light. Use specific light bulbs for reptiles with ultraviolet radiation B (UVB). The light bulb must be placed up to no further than 30 cm away from the tortoise, in order for the basal cells of the skin can synthecize the precursor of the D3 vitamin. The lack of of light may cause decalcification and rickets.

It´s also necessary to provide a source of heating heating. The most suitable and practical are warm rocks or plates (both specific for maintenance of reptiles). Tortoises’ shouldn´t be kept in captivity without a heat source, except in the regions where the weather is warm enough for them.

When a tortoise is bigger than 15 cm is generally grown in external environments, like gardens. The floor must be grass or another non-abrasive material. This space must allow the sun incidence during some hours of the day. Some shelters, as stone burrows, and bushes must be part of this environment. Tortoise uses to shelter from the cold, mainly at night, in the burrows. Watch out for lakes and swimming pools, because they can fall in and drown.

If you keep female tortoises in captivity, it is very important to provide them with a suitable site to dig their nests. If they don't find anywhere to bury their eggs they will accumulate them inside the body, resulting in death. Provide a shallow dish of fresh water for drinking and bathing in. Also it is very important to keep the water area always clean. Wash the containers of water and food daily and removes excrements, at least, three times a week.