Hermann’s Tortoise Beginner’s Guide

This is golden brown in color with two dark stripes at the bottom (plastron). Males have longer and thicker tails but are much smaller than females. Hermann’s female tortoise can reach 10 inches in length and males average only 5 inches.

These chelonians originate from Europe and can be found from southern France to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Sadly, much of their natural habitat has been lost due to deforestation and urbanization of the arid grasslands and scrub slopes where they originate.

Hermann’s tortoise is a tough and hardy creature, but needs a dry, sunny outdoor enclosure if possible. Although this species is more tolerant of humidity than the Russian or Horsfield tortoise, it will not be happy in a humid environment. Since they can grow to more than 10 inches, they will also require a considerable area to live. A small hutch will not be enough or a glass nursery!

These species of turtles like to hibernate in the winter given the right circumstances and depending on their location. (If your pet is unwell, do not let it hibernate, as it could die when it hibernates. If you are not sure, check with your vet).

Hermann’s tortoise is herbivorous and will eat fleshy vegetables and some soft fruits. They are known to eat small insects in the wild and can do so if you have an outdoor enclosure for their own to live on.

Breeding this species can be successful if you understand its needs. Eggs are laid in clutches of three to five and should be incubated at 91 degrees and 80 percent humidity. After 60 to 70 days, Hermann’s baby turtles will emerge and then the hard work will begin.