Hermann's Tortoise — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Hermann's Tortoise get?

An adult Hermann's Tortoise typically measures 15–25 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Hermann's Tortoise — origin: Southern Europe — the Mediterranean rim.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C

Cool side18–20 °C

Warm side22–28 °C

Basking spot32–38 °C

Winter brumation, only for a healthy animal

Enclosure (adult)

200 × 100 × 40 cm

Secure, planted OUTDOOR enclosure (ideal); an indoor tortoise table for cold spells

Allow several square metres per adult; protection against predators and escape

Humidity

40–60 %

A humid hide for juveniles (to prevent pyramiding)

Substrate

Soil/sand mixHay

UVB

Recommended

ESSENTIAL (or natural full sun) — Ferguson zone

Water source

Always available

A shallow dish for drinking and bathing

Origin

Testudinidae

Southern Europe — the Mediterranean rim

Feeding & health

Diet

Strict herbivore — Wild plants, flowers and fibre- and calcium-rich vegetation; NO fruit or animal protein

Calcium supplement (cuttlebone); the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is key

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 2–12 eggs/young. Egg incubation; brumation is necessary for breeding; sex is determined by temperature

Health watch points

MBD / pyramiding (diet, UVB, humidity)
Respiratory infections / herpesvirus
Parasites
Death from poorly managed hibernation
Bladder stones

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Hermann's Tortoise.

Hypomelanistic / Golden high yellowDom
Albino (T-) amelanisticRec

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Hermann's Tortoise × Hermann's Tortoise

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the hermann's tortoise.

How big does an adult Hermann's Tortoise get?▾

An adult Hermann's Tortoise typically measures 15–25 cm (carapace length; the western subspecies is smaller than the eastern one).

What temperature and humidity does a Hermann's Tortoise need?▾

A gradient of roughly 18–20 °C on the cool side to 22–28 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–38 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.

What does a Hermann's Tortoise eat?▾

Strict herbivore: Wild plants, flowers and fibre- and calcium-rich vegetation; NO fruit or animal protein.

Is the Hermann's Tortoise a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Hardy and active, a grazer Plan ahead: a lifespan of 50–90 yrs.

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