Hermann’s tortoise

Testudo hermanni is a Mediterranean tortoise. Eastern and western populations differ in size, so a photograph cannot reliably establish a pet’s subspecies or final dimensions. Its natural routine includes moving between open feeding and basking ground and sheltered vegetation.

Plan for decades of care and a future keeper if needed. RSPCA guidance starts at 180 × 120 cm indoors, with welfare guidance describing around 10 square metres outdoors. Use these as starting sizes, then plan the shelter, ground, climate and other care your tortoise needs.

Provide secure boundaries, varied terrain, shade and a weatherproof warm retreat. Protect youngsters from predators and prevent access to ponds, toxic plants and garden chemicals. Use suitable soil deep enough for digging and covering. A small indoor table should not be assumed to provide lifetime housing.

Welfare and veterinary advice describes local basking around 35°C and cooler daytime areas around 20–25°C. Night advice differs, so have an active-season plan reviewed individually. Control indoor heat and check at shell height and on surfaces. Outdoor glass shelters can overheat even on mild days.

Provide appropriate UVB and bright daytime light when useful unfiltered sunlight is unavailable. Ordinary window glass is not a reliable UVB route. The sources do not agree on one UVI target. Assess the fitted lamp at shell height, preserve shade and follow output checks rather than relying on visible light.

Provide sheltered moisture without cold saturated ground and clean shallow drinking water with safe entry and exit. Young tortoises need particular hydration checks; a completely dry heated table can be unsuitable. Any advised bathing needs supervision and does not replace drinking access.

Base the diet on varied, correctly identified safe leafy plants and suitable high-fibre greens, with coordinated calcium and vitamins. Avoid pesticide-treated browse and fruit, meat or dog and cat food as staples. Feed on a clean surface and record growth and condition rather than judging health by shell appearance alone.

Keep one tortoise to avoid competition and mating harassment. Support the whole body with both hands for necessary moves, staying close to the ground. Never tether it, drill the shell or apply oils to make it shine. Digging, browsing and sheltered exploration belong in its enclosure.

Nasal discharge, swollen eyes, abnormal breathing, shell injury, weakness or persistent appetite loss need a tortoise vet. Females need private digging access; straining or weakness needs prompt help. Hibernation requires an individual health and weight plan. Do not assume seasonal slowing proves an animal is healthy enough to hibernate.

Keep legal-origin and identification documents, including existing certificates. Article 10 commercial-use rules and import permits are different requirements. A GB captive-bred exemption must not be assumed to cover every animal or Northern Ireland. Ask APHA to confirm the current marking, specimen and transaction requirements before purchase or movement.

Prepare secure indoor and outdoor housing, safe browse, water and measured heat and UV. Agree a written winter plan before arrival. Remove waste and inspect fencing, shelters and substrate regularly. Recheck garden chemicals, predator access and weather whenever outdoor conditions change.