| If you are thinking of getting a Hermann's tortoise to | | | | places to hide. The Herman likes to hide rather than |
| care for you must firstly understand what its natural | | | | dig unlike the Horsfield tortoise, they also do not like |
| habitat is and this will then give you an idea of how | | | | to be out on show all the time. |
| to care for it in captivity. | | | | The natural habitat for this species is Europe, France |
| This species is golden brown in color with two dark | | | | through to Italy and Greece. It will therefore require |
| stripes on the plastron (underneath). The carapace | | | | an enclosure that mimics this environment as closely |
| (domed top shell) flares out over the back legs and | | | | as possible. This means dry, arid and low humidity |
| the females are larger than the males. Often the | | | | although this species is more tolerant of damp than |
| female will be 10 inches long and the male on average | | | | some others. However, it does require a dry sunny |
| will be only 5-6 inches. | | | | and preferably outdoor enclosure. |
| If you want to keep a tortoise in captivity it is | | | | Hibernation is not common to all the chelonian species |
| important to note that for every 12" of tortoise | | | | but the Herman tortoise does and will, given the right |
| (measure the plastron) the pet will require 3 square | | | | conditions estivate in summer (hibernate). They like a |
| yards. This could mean you will have to provide 9ft x | | | | herbivorous diet with vegetables and fruit. Also |
| 9ft enclosure which is larger than many people realise! | | | | provide a vitamin supplement. Commercially available |
| If you do not provide a suitable enclosure the | | | | tortoise pellets can be given but do not rely on these |
| Hermann's Tortoise can become stressed and very | | | | totally. It is better to have a variety in their diet but |
| unwell. All of these species like to have a variety of | | | | the bulk of it should if possible be fresh food. Water |
| areas within their enclosure. They need places to | | | | is of course important so have a shallow dish that will |
| bask in the sun, or artificial heat/light source and also | | | | not tip over if your pet gets stuck. |