| The Herman is often spelled in various different | | | | of vegetation and plants in which it can both hide and |
| forms. For clarity it is often more advantageous to | | | | also eat. Ensure you research the types of |
| use the Latin name as this will be recognized all over | | | | vegetation to plant as some can be toxic. |
| the world. This species is one of the smaller species | | | | This species will usually like to hibernate in the winter |
| and is a very popular choice to keep as a pet. | | | | and may also hibernate during the heat of the |
| However, there are a few factors to consider | | | | summer. In both cases you will need to be able to |
| before you decide this is the pet you would like to | | | | recognize the signs your pet is wanting to hibernate |
| care for. | | | | and then to provide the correct environment for it to |
| Although it is one of the smaller species it will require | | | | do so (If it is sick do not allow your pet to hibernate |
| a sunny, preferably, outdoor enclosure which is dry | | | | as this may prove fatal). |
| and not too humid. Their natural environment is | | | | This little tortoise enjoys a varied herbivorous diet, |
| southern Europe, from France south through to Italy, | | | | including fleshy vegetables and some soft fruits. It is |
| Greece and the former Yugoslavia into Turkey. Their | | | | also advisable to provide some form of vitamin and |
| habitat has been eroded by civilization as it prefers to | | | | mineral supplement, although you will need to ensure |
| live in Mediterranean forests, arid grasslands and | | | | you measure this correctly as too much can be as |
| scrubby hillsides. | | | | detrimental to health as too little. |
| Specialist breeders have helped to ensure the | | | | If you have the correct type of enclosure and |
| longevity of the species and therefore if you decide | | | | environment for this species the Herman tortoise will |
| to acquire one of these hardy little specimens you | | | | make and excellent pet for you and your family for |
| should preferable go to a reputable breeder. The | | | | many years. In order for you to make an informed |
| enclosure you provide for the Herman tortoise should | | | | decision, ensure you do some research into how to |
| have a sunny aspect, not be too damp and have lots | | | | care for these special creatures. |