Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) Care Sheet

The Vivarium Vault: Comprehensive Care Sheets
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Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) Care Sheet

​A guide for the successful keeping of this small to medium-sized Mediterranean tortoise, emphasizing high-quality indoor setups for temperate climates.

​1. Overview & Commitment

  • ​Common Name: Hermann’s Tortoise (Eastern or Western)

  • ​Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni

  • ​Natural Habitat: Mediterranean scrubland and hillsides. In captivity in temperate regions (like Ireland), they require robust indoor habitats year-round.

  • ​Size: Small to medium, typically reaching 15 – 20 cm (6 – 8 inches).

  • ​Lifespan: 75 – 100+ years in captivity.

  • ​Temperament: Hardy, curious, and outgoing. Strictly diurnal.

​2. Vivarium/Enclosure (Indoor Focus)

​Hermann’s Tortoises require a large, open, and well-lit indoor area that mimics the expansive ground of their native habitat.

  • ​Enclosure Type (Mandatory): A Tortoise Table or custom-built open-topped enclosure is mandatory. Glass vivariums should be avoided as they do not provide adequate ventilation and can cause stress due to reflective walls.

  • ​Minimum Adult Enclosure: A generous floor space of at least 1.5 x 0.9 m /5 x 3 feet is necessary. The focus must be on floor space to encourage grazing and exercise.

  • ​Structure: Provide rocks, slight mounds, and terrain changes to encourage walking and natural nail wear. Provide dry hides for resting.

  • ​Outdoor Access (Supervised): Short, supervised access to a secure, warm garden enclosure during the height of summer may be beneficial, but must be done when ambient temperatures are safely above 18^C 65^F.

​3. Substrate

​The substrate must be dry and well-draining to prevent shell rot and respiratory issues.

  • ​Recommended Substrate: A deep layer of a well-draining mix, such as Organic Topsoil mixed with Play Sand (approx. 70/30 ratio).

  • ​Management: The substrate must be kept dry in most areas. A small, separate humid hide filled with damp moss should be provided to allow the tortoise to self-regulate moisture.

​4. Heating & Temperature

​In an Irish climate, consistent, high-intensity overhead heat must be provided year-round to mimic the Mediterranean sun.

  • ​Primary Heat Source: An overhead basking lamp (halogen or incandescent) connected to a dimming thermostat.

  • ​Basking Spot Temp: The surface temperature directly under the lamp must be 35°C – 37°C (95°F – 98°F). This is crucial for proper digestion.

  • ​Cool Ambient Area: 21°C – 24°C (70°F – 75°F).

  • ​Night Time: Temperatures can safely drop to 15°C – 18°C (60°F – 65°F), but supplemental heat may be needed if the room is cold.

​5. Lighting & UV

​Powerful, high-quality UV light is absolutely mandatory for bone health, especially in indoor setups.

  • ​UVB Light (Mandatory): A high-output 10% or 12% T5 linear fluorescent tube is essential. It must span at least two-thirds of the enclosure and be positioned correctly to deliver adequate UV intensity over the tortoise.

  • ​Photoperiod: Maintain a consistent 12-14 hour day/night cycle year-round.

​6. Humidity & Hydration

​Hermann’s Tortoises require regular soaking even though their enclosure must be dry.

  • ​Ambient Humidity: Should be moderate, generally 50% – 70%.

  • ​Soaking (Mandatory): Soak the tortoise in shallow, warm water 3–4 times per week (daily for hatchlings) for 15-20 minutes. This is the most important aspect of hydration and prevents kidney issues.

  • ​Water Dish: A shallow water dish should be available for drinking, but the surrounding area of the enclosure must remain dry.

​7. Diet & Feeding

​Hermann’s Tortoises are strict herbivores and require a high-fiber, calcium-rich, low-protein diet based on weeds and grazing.

  • ​Staple Diet: Edible weeds (Dandelion, Plantain, Clover, Hibiscus), high-fiber grasses, and appropriate dark, leafy greens (collards, turnip greens). Foraging is crucial.

  • ​Avoid: Fruits, human foods, and high-protein pellets.

  • ​Supplementation: Calcium Powder (Pure): Dust food every day. Multivitamin: Dust food 1–2 times per week.

​8. Handling & Maintenance

  • ​Handling: Limit handling to short sessions for weighing or inspection.

  • ​Maintenance: Spot-clean feces daily. Mandatory regular soaking is the most important weekly routine.

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