The **baby marginated tortoise** (Testudo marginata) is one of the most popular tortoises in the pet trade, known for its hardiness, manageable size, and charming appearance. If you’re considering adding a tortoise to your family, this species is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts alike.

At **newyorkreptiles.com**, we offer healthy and ethically sourced baby marginated tortoises for sale. These little reptiles are perfect for anyone looking for a pet that will grow into a gentle, long-lived companion. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about caring for a baby marginated tortoise, including habitat setup, diet, behavior, and more. We’ll also touch on the **marginated tortoise price** and what to expect when purchasing one.

The **marginated tortoise** is native to Southern Greece, parts of the Balkans, and Italy. It is the largest species in the genus *Testudo*, which also includes the more common Greek and Hermann’s tortoises. The baby marginated tortoise is especially appealing due to its unique shell shape and manageable size.

One of the most notable characteristics of the marginated tortoise is the flare or “skirt” at the back of its shell, which gives it an almost armored appearance. This feature becomes more pronounced as the tortoise matures, making it a particularly striking pet to own.

– **Size at Hatchling Stage**: Baby marginated tortoises are typically around 1.5 to 2 inches in length when they hatch.

– **Adult Size**: As adults, they can reach up to 12-14 inches in length, with males being slightly larger than females.

– **Lifespan**: Like most tortoises, marginated tortoises can live for a very long time—up to 100 years or more with proper care.

– **Coloration**: Baby marginated tortoises have dark brown or black shells with lighter yellowish markings, which become more defined as they grow.

Choosing a baby marginated tortoise as a pet is an excellent decision for several reasons. These tortoises are not only beautiful, but they are also relatively easy to care for and have a friendly, calm nature. Below are some of the reasons why a marginated tortoise might be the perfect pet for you:

1. **Manageable Size**: While the marginated tortoise grows larger than some other species in the *Testudo* genus, it remains a manageable size, even as an adult. Its compact, sturdy body makes it a great option for those who want a larger tortoise without dealing with the size of a species like the sulcata tortoise.

2. **Easy to Care For**: Baby marginated tortoises are hardy animals that can adapt well to different environments, as long as their basic needs for temperature, humidity, and diet are met.

3. **Unique Appearance**: The flared, skirted edge of the marginated tortoise’s shell is truly unique and makes these tortoises stand out. As they age, this feature becomes more pronounced, making them a visually striking pet.

4. **Friendly Temperament**: Marginated tortoises are generally docile and calm, making them great companions for both children and adults. They are known for their curious nature and can be fun to watch as they explore their environment.

5. **Long-Term Commitment**: With their incredibly long lifespan, a baby marginated tortoise will be with you for decades, potentially becoming a family heirloom passed down through generations.

At newyorkreptiles.com we take pride in offering healthy, captive-bred **baby marginated tortoises for sale**. All of our tortoises are ethically sourced, and we ensure they receive the best care from birth until they are ready to join your home.

– **Ethical Breeding**: We work with responsible breeders who ensure that all marginated tortoises are bred in captivity. This helps support tortoise conservation efforts by reducing the demand for wild-caught animals.

– **Health Guarantee**: When you purchase a baby marginated tortoise from us, you can rest assured that it is healthy and well-adjusted. We provide a health guarantee, ensuring that your tortoise is free from illness when it arrives at your home.

– **Expert Support**: Not only do we provide quality tortoises, but we also offer ongoing support and advice to help you care for your new pet. From enclosure setup to dietary advice, we’re here to answer any questions you may have.

– **Safe and Secure Shipping**: We use temperature-controlled packaging to ensure your tortoise arrives safe and sound, regardless of where you’re located.

Proper habitat setup is crucial for the health and well-being of your baby marginated tortoise. While they are hardy creatures, providing them with the correct environment will help ensure they grow into healthy adults.

#### 1. **Choosing the Right Enclosure**

For a baby marginated tortoise, you don’t need a massive enclosure right away, but they do need space to move and explore.

– **Size**: A 2×3 foot enclosure is suitable for a hatchling or juvenile. As your tortoise grows, you will need to upgrade to a larger space. Adult marginated tortoises should have at least 6×4 feet of space, especially if they are housed outdoors.

– **Substrate**: The substrate in the enclosure should mimic the natural environment of a marginated tortoise, which is dry and rocky. A mixture of topsoil and play sand works well, or you can use coconut coir or cypress mulch to help retain moisture in certain areas.

– **Temperature and Lighting**: Like all reptiles, baby marginated tortoises need both heat and light to stay healthy. A basking area with a temperature of 90-95°F is essential, while the cooler areas of the enclosure should be around 70-75°F. UVB lighting is also necessary to ensure proper calcium absorption and prevent metabolic bone disease.

– **Humidity**: Although marginated tortoises come from arid environments, baby tortoises require slightly higher humidity levels to prevent dehydration. Aim for 50-60% humidity in the enclosure.

#### 2. **Diet for a Baby Marginated Tortoise**

A baby marginated tortoise is primarily an herbivore, and its diet should consist mostly of leafy greens and vegetables.

– **Staple Greens**: Leafy greens should make up the majority of your baby tortoise’s diet. Some great options include dandelion greens, collard greens, kale, and mustard greens.

– **Vegetables**: You can offer vegetables like zucchini, squash, and bell peppers in moderation. Avoid feeding your tortoise too many starchy vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.

– **Calcium and Supplements**: To ensure proper shell growth, it’s important to provide a calcium supplement. You can dust their food with calcium powder a few times a week. Additionally, offering a cuttlebone in their enclosure will give your tortoise an extra calcium source.

– **Water**: Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish, ensuring your tortoise can easily access it. While marginated tortoises get much of their moisture from their diet, they still need water for hydration and soaking.

#### 3. **Behavior and Socialization**

Baby marginated tortoises are curious and active, especially when given the right environment to explore. Though they are not as social as some other pets, they do enjoy interaction and can become quite tame with regular gentle handling.

– **Handling**: While your baby tortoise is still small, handle it gently and sparingly. Too much handling can stress young tortoises, but over time, they will become more comfortable with human interaction.

– **Enrichment**: Providing enrichment in the form of rocks, logs, and plants will keep your tortoise mentally stimulated. These items also encourage natural behaviors like digging, burrowing, and foraging.

While marginated tortoises are generally hardy, they can still suffer from a few common health issues, especially if their habitat or diet is not optimal.

– **Respiratory Infections**: If the enclosure is too cold or humid, your tortoise may develop a respiratory infection. Signs include wheezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, take your tortoise to a reptile veterinarian.

– **Shell Rot**: If the enclosure is too damp or dirty, your tortoise can develop shell rot, which manifests as soft or discolored patches on the shell. Maintaining clean and dry conditions, along with proper diet, can help prevent this issue.

– **Metabolic Bone Disease**: Lack of proper UVB lighting or calcium in the diet can lead to metabolic bone disease, which weakens the bones and shell. Ensuring your tortoise gets enough UVB light and calcium is essential to prevent this condition.

If you’re considering buying a baby marginated tortoise, it’s important to understand the **marginated tortoise price** and what factors influence it. The price of a marginated tortoise can vary depending on several factors, including age, health, and breeding practices.

– **Baby Marginated Tortoises**: The price for a baby marginated tortoise typically ranges from $150 to $300. Captive-bred tortoises from reputable breeders tend to be more expensive but are worth the investment for their health and longevity.

– **Adult Marginated Tortoises**: If you’re looking for an adult marginated tortoise, expect to pay more. Prices can range from $300 to $500 or more, depending on the size and health of the tortoise.

Owning a **baby marginated tortoise** is a fulfilling and long-term commitment. With their manageable size, striking appearance, and easygoing nature, these tortoises make excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts of all experience levels. At **newyorkreptiles.com**, we offer **marginated tortoises for sale** that are ethically sourced and come with our commitment to quality and care. Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or adding to your collection, buying a baby marginated tortoise from us ensures you’re getting a healthy and happy new companion.