Reptile Vault
Care Sheet
Generated May 18, 2026
reptilevault.com
Hermann's Tortoise
Testudo hermanni
Hermann's tortoise is a beautiful Mediterranean species increasingly popular as an alternative to Russian tortoises. These attractive tortoises have high-domed shells with distinctive yellow and black markings. Two subspecies exist - Western Hermann's (6-8 inches) and Eastern (8-11 inches). Like Russian tortoises, they naturally brumate which promotes health. They are strict herbivores requiring grass and weed-based diet with no fruit. Active and curious, they thrive outdoors in appropriate climates and may live 50-80+ years.
Quick Facts
Care Level
beginner
Adult Size
6-8 inches (Western) to 8-11 inches (Eastern)
Lifespan
50-80+ years
Diet Type
herbivore
Activity
diurnal
Temperament
docile
Group
tortoise
Origin
Southern Europe (Mediterranean)
Beginner Suitability
First Reptile?with research
Beginner Score7/10
⚠ Beginner Warnings
Requires brumation, strict diet no fruit, 50-80+ year commitment
Temperament & Handling
Temperamentdocile
Handling Tolerancegood
Handling Notes
Tolerant of handling. Active and curious.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Basking95°F
Ambient78°F
Night60°F
Basking 90-95°F, ambient 75-85°F. Night can drop to 60°F.
Humidity
Target Range40% – 60%
Moderate humidity 40-60%. Helps prevent pyramiding.
Lighting & UVB
UVB RequiredYes — Required
Target UVI2.9-4.0
Lighting Notes
Ferguson Zone 3. Natural outdoor sun ideal.
Enclosure
Minimum Size4x2 ft tortoise table
Recommended Size6x3 ft or outdoor enclosure
Enclosure Typeterrestrial
Substrate & Environment
Substrate TypeOrganic topsoil and sand mix.
Substrate Depth4-6 inches
Water Featureno
Water Notes
Shallow water dish. Soak juveniles 2-3x weekly.
Activity & Behavior
Activity Patterndiurnal
Social Behaviorsolitary
Cohabitation
Males fight. Females can coexist in large enclosures.
Hermann's Tortoise
Care Sheet — Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition
Diet Typeherbivore
Feeding FrequencyDaily grazing
Diet Notes
100% herbivore - grass, weeds, dandelion, clover. NO fruit.
💊 Supplementation Schedule
Calcium without D3 3-5x weekly. Cuttlebone available.
✅ Recommended Foods
| Food | Category | Ca:P | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collard Greens | leafy | 9.3 | staple |
| Mulberry Leaf | leafy | 5 | staple |
| Turnip Greens | leafy | 4.5 | staple |
| Hibiscus Leaf | leafy | 4.2 | staple |
🚫 Foods to Avoid
| Food | Toxicity | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ☠️ fatal | fruit |
| Fireflies | ☠️ fatal | insect |
| Foxglove | ☠️ fatal | flower |
| Garlic | ☠️ fatal | vegetable |
Hermann's Tortoise
Care Sheet — Health & More
Health & Critical Care
MBD, pyramiding, respiratory infections, parasites
Health Notes
Pyramiding from low humidity and poor diet.
Breeding
Difficultymoderate
SeasonSpring after brumation
Clutch Size2-8 eggs
Incubation56-90 days
Sexual Dimorphism
moderate
Breeding Notes
Requires brumation. Temperature-dependent sex.
Cost & Availability
Price Rangemoderate
Availabilitymoderate
Native Habitat
Native RegionSouthern Europe (Mediterranean)
Habitat Typescrubland
Climate Notes
Mediterranean climate. Hot dry summers, cool wet winters.
Legal & Conservation
Conservation StatusNear Threatened
CITES Listingappendix ii
Legal Restrictions
CITES Appendix II.
Looks good? Hit Cmd+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows) to save as PDF.