Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) Care

Species Overview

Common Name:Pancake Tortoise
Scientific Name:Malacochersus tornieri
Adult Size:6–7 inches, 1 lb or less
Lifespan:25–35+ years

Pancake tortoises are unique among tortoises — their shells are soft, flat, and flexible, allowing them to wedge themselves into narrow rock crevices to escape predators. They are agile climbers, surprisingly fast for a tortoise, and are fascinating pets for keepers prepared to meet their specialized needs.

Natural Habitat

Native to rocky outcrops and savanna regions of Tanzania and Kenya, pancake tortoises spend much of their time hiding in crevices and basking on rocks. Their environment is hot, dry, and well-ventilated, with seasonal rains providing some humidity.

Housing

Enclosure Requirements

Pancake tortoises are active climbers and require horizontal and vertical space for exploration.

• Indoor Enclosure Size: Minimum 4×2 feet for a pair; larger for groups

• Walls: At least 12 inches high with a secure top — they are excellent climbers and escape artists

• Preferred Setup: Tortoise table or large wooden pen with plenty of rockwork for climbing and hiding

• Outdoor Housing: Can be provided in warm, dry climates, with predator-proof fencing and rock piles for natural behavior

Substrate

Choose a dry, well-draining substrate:

• Mixture of organic topsoil, play sand, and small gravel/pebbles to simulate rocky terrain

• Provide flat rocks, slate, or stacked stones for climbing and basking

• Keep substrate mostly dry — avoid damp, marshy conditions

Temperature & Heating

Pancake tortoises need a warm, arid environment with a distinct basking area.

• Basking Spot: 95–100°F

• Ambient Warm Side: 85–90°F

• Cool Side: 75–80°F

• Night: Can drop to 65–70°F safely

Use overhead basking lamps or ceramic heat emitters. Monitor with thermometers and regulate with a thermostat for safety.

Lighting

Provide UVB lighting for 12–14 hours daily indoors to support calcium metabolism.

• Use high-output fluorescent UVB tubes (10.0) or mercury vapor bulbs

• Place UVB source 12–18 inches from the basking site (no glass barrier)

• Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

Humidity

Maintain moderate humidity(40–60%).

• Mist the enclosure lightly a few times a week or provide a humid hide with slightly damp sphagnum moss

• Avoid overly wet environments, which can cause shell or respiratory problems

Diet

Pancake tortoises are strict herbivores and grazers.

Staple Diet (80–90%)

• Grass and hay (timothy, orchard, Bermuda)

• Edible weeds (dandelion, clover, plantain, sowthistle)

• Dark leafy greens (endive, escarole, mustard, turnip greens, collard)

Occasional Foods

• Squash, bell pepper, carrot (grated)

• Edible flowers (hibiscus, nasturtium, rose petals)

• Fruit should be rarely offered(a very small treat)

Avoid

• High-protein foods (dog/cat food, beans, peas)

• Iceberg lettuce (low nutritional value)

• Spinach and beet greens in large amounts (can bind calcium)

Supplementation

• Dust food with calcium carbonate 2–3× weekly

• Offer a reptile multivitamin 1× every 2–4 weeks

Hydration

• Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking

• Soak weekly in shallow warm water to encourage hydration

Behavior & Temperament

Pancake tortoises are more social than most tortoises and can be housed in small groups (one male with several females). However, multiple males may fight. They are shy but curious and will explore when they feel safe.

Special Considerations

• Their shells never harden — avoid rough handling to prevent injury

• They are excellent climbers — enclosures must be secure to prevent escapes

• Provide multiple rock hides and crevices — this is essential for their mental well-being

Common Health Concerns

• Calcium deficiency / Metabolic Bone Disease: Prevent with proper UVB and calcium supplementation

• Shell injuries: Avoid falls or overcrowded rock piles that may shift and crush them

• Respiratory disease: Avoid high humidity and poor ventilation

Key Points

• Provide a rocky, arid habitat with plenty of hides and climbing areas

• Keep temperatures warm and humidity moderate

• Focus on a high-fiber, grass-based diet with calcium supplementation

• Secure the enclosure — pancake tortoises are excellent climbers and surprisingly fast

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Our veterinarians can help you design the perfect rocky habitat and diet plan to keep your pancake tortoise healthy and thriving.