Photo Credit: Reptile Supply
Hermann’s Tortoise Care
Testudo hermanni
Hermann’s tortoises — also known as Mediterranean spur-tailed tortoises — are a medium-sized species native to Europe. The Eastern subspecies is most common in the pet trade; the Western subspecies is rarely encountered. Adults typically reach 6–11 inches, with females growing larger than males.
You can distinguish males from females by several features:
- Females: smaller tail spur, flat plastron (bottom shell), narrower V-shape to the anal scutes
- Males: large, long tail with a prominent spur, slightly concave plastron, wider V-shape to the anal scutes
Life expectancy: 50–80+ years under ideal conditions.
Enclosure
Hatchlings and juveniles are best housed indoors for protection in an enclosure of at least 2×3 ft until they grow larger. Adults require a minimum of 4 ft W × 6 ft L × 2 ft H, with larger being preferred.
A tortoise table style enclosure with solid opaque walls and a predator-proof top is recommended for juveniles — this reduces stress, prevents escape, and provides protection. Glass aquariums are not ideal and often result in stress and pacing. Larger adults do best housed outdoors with natural sunlight, with a heated shelter available when temperatures drop below 65°F.
Substrate
Recommended indoor substrates include top soil, coconut coir/fiber, and cypress mulch, which helps retain humidity for hatchlings. Substrate should be:
- At least 4″ deep to allow burrowing
- Inspected daily for mold or mildew
- Never wet or saturated
- Spot cleaned daily and fully replaced every 3 months
Decor & Enrichment
Provide hides on both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure using half logs, caves, cork bark flats, or nontoxic live or artificial plants. Outdoor enclosures should be heavily planted for cover. Shade is essential in Arizona.
Humidity
Maintain 40–60% humidity, measured with a digital hygrometer.
Heating
Provide a consistent temperature gradient throughout the enclosure:
- Cool end: 75–80°F
- Warm end: 90°F
- Basking area: 95–100°F
- Nighttime: 68–72°F
Use digital probe monitors at both ends and spot-check with an infrared thermometer gun. Basking bulbs or ceramic heat emitters are recommended.
UVB Lighting
Indoor tortoises require a 10.0 UVB bulb on a timer providing 12–14 hours of light daily. Place the bulb approximately 12 inches from the basking area (distance may vary based on bulb type and whether a mesh screen top is used). Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months per manufacturer guidelines.
Diet & Feeding
Hermann’s tortoises are herbivores and should be fed daily. Always feed on a dish or flat stone — not directly on substrate — to prevent accidental ingestion and impaction.
Good food options include:
- Grass hays — timothy, bermuda, orchard
- Weeds — dandelion, chickweed, plantain
- Plants — grapevine, hibiscus, mulberry
- Dark leafy greens — collard, turnip, mustard, endive, escarole
Fruits should be offered only rarely as treats. A commercial pelleted diet such as Mazuri LS or Original (soaked in water until soft) can be fed 1–2 times per week to supplement nutrition.
Supplements
- Calcium carbonate (without D3) — e.g., Repti Cal — sprinkled over food 2–3 times per week
- Multivitamin with D3 — e.g., Reptivite — once every 1–2 weeks for indoor animals
- Outdoor animals do not need D3 supplementation
Water
Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water, changed daily. For hatchlings and juveniles, offer a shallow warm soak (below chin level) for 15 minutes, 3–4 times per week to support hydration.
Brumation
In the wild, this species naturally undergoes brumation during colder months. If you plan to brumate your tortoise, a veterinary examination beforehand is strongly recommended to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the process.
Veterinary Care
An annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation for parasites is recommended for all pet reptiles.
