Herman's Tortoise
(Testudo hermanni spp.)
Contributed by:Stuart Dodsworth of www.reptiletrust.com
Distribution
There are currently two sub-species of Herman's Tortoises, which are recognised.
One is Testudo hermanni boettgeri, which originates from the Balkans, Albania, Southern Italy and Yugoslavia.
The other subspecies is Testudo hermanni hermanni, which occurs in France, Mediterranean Coast of Spain and Italy. Most Herman's tortoises kept in the UK are Testudo hermanni boettgeri.
Although the care of both subspecies is similar, they should not be kept together.
At one point this species was removed from its natural habitat in such numbers that they are now all protected by law. For more information on registering your tortoise contact DEFRA, who will be able to assist you through the paperwork required. N.B. All captive bred tortoises in the UK should have paperwork to prove their origin.
Size
Adult Herman's Tortoises can reach sizes of around 15 - 20cm (for T. hermanni hermanni) and up to 25cm (for T. hermanni boettgeri). Males are always smaller than females.
Diet
Herman's tortoises are vegetarian and eat a wide range of green leafy plants as well as their flowers.
For further information on tortoise diets it is advisable to read The Tortoise and Turtle Feeding Manual by Andy Highfield.
Requirements
Heat Source:This can be either a reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red, ceramic or tubular heaters.
UV Light Source: The Herman's Tortoise requires access to a Reptisun 5.0 UV light to assist in synthesis of D3.
Housing:They are very active animals. It should be noted that glass aquariums are not designed to maintain tortoises in. It is best to house Herman's Tortoises separately, unless a large area is provided like a garden or a converted greenhouse. Males should always be kept separately.
A large enclosure is best, one measuring 180cm long x 120cm wide x 60cm high (6ft x 4ft x 2ft).
These measurements are meant as a guide only. If a vivarium is chosen then it is best to ensure that your tortoise cannot see out of the front as it will damage itself. A wooden plinth can be placed along the front to stop this problem occurring.
Thermostat:An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the internal heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet becoming too hot or too cold.
Wire Mesh Guards:These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
Thermometers:One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature shown on the thermostat as this is often inaccurate.
Hides:These should always be provided to prevent the animals from becoming exposed and stressed.
Water: It was once believed that tortoises obtained all of their moisture from food. This has been disproved by studies on wild Herman's tortoises. They should be offered water daily in the form of a shallow bath. Even if they do not have a drink, it aids them in the excreting of waste products.
Temperature
The Herman's Tortoise should have access to a basking area of around 30°C (86°F). The background temperature should drop to around 20°C (68°F) although at night the temperature may be allowed to drop to around 17°C (62.6°F).
Longevity
Herman's Tortoises have been recorded living beyond 100 years old.
Hibernation
Herman's Tortoises should be hibernated, unless they have been unwell during the course of the year. Just prior to hibernation and after waking up they should be given a health check by a vet. The Tortoise Trust can provide an information pack on hibernation.
Substrate
The safest substrate is newspaper or chip shop paper.
Salmonella
Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal.
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