Reptile · Tortoise
Hermann's tortoise care guide
Testudo hermanni
The hermann's tortoise is a beginner-level tortoise from Southern Europe: Spain to the Balkans. Adults reach 15–20 cm shell and live 50–80 years in captivity. Use edible plants only. Soak hatchlings regularly and avoid high-protein foods.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a hermann's tortoise cost in Canada?
Hermann's tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 50–80 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Europe: Spain to the Balkans
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 in, ≈ 86 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, clover, leafy greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Hermann's tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a hermann's tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, clover, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily, dusted with calcium several times a week; avoid fruit.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and tolerant of brief handling; happiest exploring a large floor area.
Health watch: Respiratory infections, pyramiding from low humidity or rich diets, and bladder stones from dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a hermann's tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Hermann's tortoise FAQ
Is the hermann's tortoise good for beginners?
Yes – the hermann's tortoise is a good choice for beginners. Calm and tolerant of brief handling; happiest exploring a large floor area.
What size enclosure does a hermann's tortoise need?
At least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (about 47 × 24 × 18 inches, roughly 86 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a hermann's tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $400–800 CAD to buy, about $870–1530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a hermann's tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a hermann's tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, clover, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily, dusted with calcium several times a week; avoid fruit.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.