Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) – A Long-Term Companion

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) belongs to the family of land tortoises (Testudinidae). Species from this family are adapted to terrestrial life in relatively dry environments. They have thick, columnar limbs with webbed toes and strong claws for digging. Their shells are typically domed and heavy, and they have a stocky, robust build.

What does a Hermann’s tortoise look like?

Hermann’s tortoise has a domed carapace (upper shell) and a flat plastron (lower shell) with upward-pointing sides. It has a long neck, a large head, and a horny beak. The front legs are slightly flattened and end in five claws, while the back legs are stumpy and typically have four claws, though some individuals may have only three. The short tail ends in a hard spike, and both the legs and head are covered with keratinized scales. The carapace ranges in color from light yellow to olive green, with dark brown or black markings on each scute. The rest of the body is uniformly gray.

Hermann’s tortoise has two subspecies that vary in size, coloration, and distribution. Testudo hermanni hermanni grows up to 20 cm in carapace length, while Testudo hermanni boettgeri can reach up to 35.7 cm.

Distribution of Hermann’s tortoise

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is found in Europe, primarily on the Balkan and Apennine Peninsulas, as well as in Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and several smaller islands. Small populations also exist along the Mediterranean coast in Spain and France. The species inhabits partly rocky, dry areas with grass, meadows, bushes, and low trees. Summers in its habitat are hot and dry, while winters are mild and humid, influencing seasonal food availability.

How long does a Hermann’s tortoise live?

Hermann’s tortoise is a long-lived species, capable of reaching up to 100 years of age. While not all individuals live that long, most reach at least 50 years, which is a significant commitment for a pet. When deciding to keep a Hermann’s tortoise, it is important to consider long-term care, as the animal may outlive its owner and need to be passed on to family members. However, this longevity also offers the unique advantage of having a lifelong companion.

What type of terrarium does a Hermann’s tortoise need?

A Hermann’s tortoise can be housed in either a closed glass terrarium or an open-topped enclosure. Young tortoises are typically kept in closed terrariums to better regulate humidity and temperature. Older individuals are usually moved to open-top enclosures to provide them with more space.

The terrarium size should be appropriate for the tortoise, ensuring it has enough room to move freely and that elements such as hiding spots, water bowls, and basking areas are not too close together. A general guideline for minimum terrarium size is:

• width: 4 times the length of the tortoise’s carapace
• length: 8 times the length of the tortoise’s carapace
• height: At least twice the carapace length, ensuring the tortoise cannot reach the lighting or escape when standing on its hind legs.

If the terrarium is closed at the top, it is also necessary to maintain a minimum distance between the lighting and the tortoise to prevent overheating or burns.

On the basis of the above, for a Hermann’s tortoise with a 20 cm carapace, the minimum terrarium dimensions should be 160 x 80 x 40 cm.

What is the best substrate for a Hermann’s tortoise terrarium?

The substrate should retain moisture well, be dust-free, and suitable for land tortoises. Loose substrates pose a risk of ingestion and digestive blockage, so a hardened substrate with high clay content, such as Tropical Terraclay, is recommended. Alternatively, a piece of turf with vegetation can be used, provided it is free from pesticides.

A spacious hiding place is essential, and placing a flat stone under the heat lamp can help maintain warmth at night. Additional flat stones will also help wear down the tortoise’s claws naturally. The enclosure should include a water basin and a food dish.

Outdoor enclosure for Hermann’s tortoise

If you have a garden, an outdoor enclosure is an excellent option, as it closely mimics the tortoise’s natural habitat. This enclosure should be larger than an indoor terrarium, providing more exercise and environmental enrichment. It should be placed in a sunny location, preferably on a lawn or meadow, and additional edible plants can be sown for grazing. Before placing the tortoise outdoors, ensure there are no toxic plants present.

The enclosure must be secure to prevent escapes and protect against predators. Despite their slow appearance, Hermann’s tortoises are skilled climbers and diggers, so the enclosure should be enclosed on all sides. A shelter should be provided to protect against adverse weather conditions.

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) can stay in an outdoor enclosure from late spring to early fall, as long as nighttime temperatures do not drop below 20°C. While additional lighting is not necessary, a radiant heater in a sheltered area (or inside the hiding spot) can be useful for colder nights.

What lighting does a Hermann’s Tortoise need?

The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a diurnal species that, in its natural environment, spends a significant part of the day in direct sunlight. Its skin is adapted to high UVB exposure, enabling it to synthesize the necessary amount of vitamin D3. At the same time, thermal radiation is crucial for maintaining the appropriate body temperature. Therefore, Hermann’s tortoise requires lighting that mimics natural sunlight as closely as possible.

Terrarium shops offer separate heat lamps, UVB lamps, and combination lamps that emit visible light, UVB radiation (often also UVA), and heat. Whether you choose a single lamp or separate heat and UVB bulbs, they should be positioned at one of the terrarium’s extreme zones. This setup ensures the tortoise receives the full spectrum of necessary lighting at a single basking spot. Since Hermann’s tortoises spend considerable time in this warm zone, it is essential that they also receive sufficient UVB radiation there. Additionally, if the terrarium is large, installing extra UVB lighting in the cooler area is beneficial.

The lighting power should be adjusted based on the terrarium’s size and the distance between the bulb and the tortoise. For Hermann’s tortoises, lighting designed for steppe reptiles with approximately 10% UVB output is recommended. Some manufacturers use different labeling systems, so always verify that the lighting is suitable for Hermann’s tortoises. The lights should be used for 10–12 hours per day.

Optimal temperature for a Hermann’s tortoise

The temperature should vary across the terrarium, with the basking area reaching 35-40°C and gradually decreasing to 26-30°C at the opposite end so that the tortoise can choose where it feels more comfortable at a given moment. At night, temperatures should not drop below 20°C.

Water and humidity requirements

The Hermann’s tortoise should always have access to a water basin. It’s important that the basin is spacious yet shallow – a high edge can make it difficult for the tortoise to reach the water or climb out. While this species may enter the water to hydrate or cool down, it cannot swim, so the water level should be low enough to allow the tortoise to wet only its limbs and the underside of its shell. The basin should be large enough for the tortoise to fit inside completely, yet heavy enough to prevent tipping over.

Proper placement of the water basin is also essential. It should be positioned in a cooler area of the terrarium, away from the heating lamp, to prevent the water from overheating.

In addition to providing water, maintaining proper humidity is crucial for the well-being of a Hermann’s tortoise. While the water basin helps increase humidity, the air inside the terrarium can often be too dry. To keep humidity levels between 70-75%, mist the terrarium regularly – usually once a day is enough. The substrate should also remain slightly moist. For the best results, mist the terrarium early in the morning, mimicking the natural morning dew. As the day progresses and the heat lamp warms the enclosure, this moisture will evaporate, helping to maintain proper humidity levels throughout the day.

What should you feed a Hermann’s tortoise?

The Hermann’s tortoise is a herbivore, primarily feeding on grasses and meadow plants. During the dry summer months, much of the vegetation in its natural habitat dries out, and at this time, its diet consists mainly of dry plant matter. Its digestive system is adapted to process fiber-rich (12%) and protein-containing (20%) food, while its natural diet remains low in fat and sugars. Although Hermann’s tortoises occasionally consume invertebrates, they should not be a regular part of their diet. To ensure your Hermann’s tortoise stays healthy, its diet should closely resemble what it would eat in the wild. Avoid feeding too many vegetables or fruits, as they contain excessive sugar. Instead, provide food on a flat dish to prevent accidental substrate ingestion. You can also plant clumps of grass or meadow plants in the terrarium substrate to create a more natural and engaging feeding experience.

High-quality prepared plant-based foods for Hermann’s tortoises should be rich in vitamins A and D3 and maintain a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Tropical Biorept L and Tropical Reptiles Herbivore are excellent choices. For more details on proper nutrition, check out “What to Feed Herbivorous Land Tortoises.“

To support healthy shell and bone development, use calcium carbonate supplements. These come in powder form such as Tropical Vigorept Mineral and Tropical Vigorept Multivit, which can be sprinkled onto food. Additionally, cuttlefish bone (sepia) is a great option, as it can be left in the terrarium at all times for the tortoise to nibble on as needed. Chewing on cuttlefish also helps naturally wear down the tortoise’s beak, preventing overgrowth.

Hibernation in Hermann’s tortoise

In the wild, Hermann’s tortoises hibernate, and this period of rest can also be provided in captivity. Hibernation is a natural process that impacts the tortoise’s lifespan, fitness, and reproduction. During hibernation, the tortoise does not eat, and its vital functions slow down to a minimum. To ensure the tortoise is ready for hibernation, the entire preparation process must be carefully planned well in advance. A tortoise in poor condition may become ill during hibernation or fail to wake up.

Preparing a Hermann’s tortoise for hibernation requires optimal conditions throughout spring and summer, along with a rich and varied diet. In autumn, gradually transition the tortoise to a vegetation-based diet and deworm it. About a month before hibernation, start gradually reducing the light exposure, decreasing food intake, and giving warm baths to help clear the tortoise’s digestive system. Around two weeks before hibernation, stop feeding entirely, give a final warm bath, and move the tortoise to a cooler room with a temperature of 10-15°C. At this stage, also turn off the light. The next step is the hibernation phase, which should be carried out at a temperature of 2-4°C for about four months. The waking-up process should also be done gradually, ensuring a smooth transition back to regular activity.

Health concerns

Like any animal, Hermann’s tortoises can get sick or require special care. Most health problems are caused by improper husbandry and diet, while some illnesses result from a weakened immune system or infections.

One of the diseases that affects Hermann’s tortoises is rickets, which develops due to an inadequate diet and/or incorrect lighting conditions. Tortoises can also become infected with internal or external parasites (mites), requiring treatment with the appropriate preparations. Internal parasites and an improper diet may also lead to digestive issues and diarrhea. Any worrisome symptoms could indicate illness, so it is advisable to schedule regular veterinary check-ups and have the tortoise’s droppings tested.

When caring for a Hermann’s tortoise, it is sometimes necessary to trim its claws, correct its beak or
assist in shedding by helping remove dead skin when needed.

Is Hermann’s tortoise a good pet for beginners?

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is an excellent choice for beginner keepers due to its relatively straightforward care requirements. However, thorough preparation and commitment are essential to ensure a long and healthy life for the tortoise.

Angelika Dawidowicz PhD

Literature:

This text was created based on personal experience and the following sources:

Reptile Database: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Testudo&species=hermanni

Global Biodiversity Information Facility: https://www.gbif.org/species/2441454

Online Encyclopedia: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%BB%C3%B3%C5%82w_grecki

Schuiten, B. I. (2008). Zwierzęta w terrarium, transl. J. Borycka-Zakrzewska (Wydawnictwo REA, 2011), pp. 107–120.

Website on Hermann’s Tortoise Care: https://testudo-hermanni.prv.pl/pl/001/

Terrarium: https://www.terrarium.com.pl/zolw-grecki/

Ullrich, W. (2001). Płazy i gady w terrarium, transl. M. Karwat (Agencja Wydawnicza Jerzy Mostowski, 2005), pp. 104–109.