| Testudo Hermanni is the Latin name for this little | | | | grasslands so you have to try to mimic this as far as |
| tortoise. It is often better to go by the Latin name | | | | is possible in your enclosure. |
| rather than the common name to get the best | | | | 3. Make plenty of hiding places inside your enclosure |
| research on the species. The spelling is more usually | | | | so that your pet has time to hide away at times. If |
| Hermann with two n's. So this can cause confusion! | | | | they are constantly on show they become stressed |
| If you are thinking of buying one of these little pets | | | | and this often leads to physical illness. The substrate |
| to care for at home there are a few things you will | | | | (covering on the bottom of the enclosure) is also |
| need to consider. At first glance, caring for a Herman | | | | very important as some types are dangerous for the |
| tortoise may appear to be straight forward as they | | | | tortoises digestive tract. |
| are well known to thrive in captivity and they are | | | | 4. Artificial lighting and heating. All chelonians are |
| one of the smaller varieties for you to choose from. | | | | exothermic (cold blooded) and have to bask in |
| If you have decided the this is the species you want | | | | sunshine and heat in order to function normally. |
| then the next few points will help you to plan your | | | | Therefore you will have to provide a special reptile |
| enclosure and what you should place in it in order for | | | | lamp that is placed above the enclosure. This is a |
| your pet to live a happy and illness free life. After all | | | | critical element in the care of your pet. You will also |
| many of these creatures do live for a long time! | | | | need to provide appropriate photoperiods for your |
| Top Five Herman tortoise tips | | | | pet as they need to have a certain amount of light in |
| 1. How big should your enclosure be? This depends | | | | their day or they will again become unwell. |
| on the size of your pet. This particular species will | | | | 5. Feeding your Herman? Their natural diet is a varied |
| grow up to 10 inches in length. The males will average | | | | herbivorous one that should include fleshy vegetables |
| about 5 inches. The basic rule is that you should | | | | and some soft fruits. There are some naturally |
| provide at least 3 square foot of space per inch of | | | | growing plants that are toxic to your pet so you |
| tortoise. This can be a considerable area to find spare | | | | should do some research on exactly what you have |
| in your home. At first however, you will be fine with | | | | to feed him for optimum health. This is especially true |
| a reasonably sized tortoise table or enclosure. But | | | | if you keep your pet in a more natural outside |
| you must keep in mind how large your pet may | | | | enclosure. It is also advisable to provide a vitamin and |
| grow. | | | | mineral supplement to help nutrition. |
| 2. What sort of environment should you provide for | | | | This is just a snap shot of what you need to |
| your Herman tortoise? It's natural habitat is Europe | | | | consider if you are thinking of getting a Herman |
| from France through southern Italy and Greece. | | | | tortoise to care for but they do make fantastic pets |
| They naturally live in Mediterranean forests and | | | | and will be your companion for many years to come! |