Hermann’s Tortoise

 

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Hermann’s Tortoise Care Sheet (New Zealand Conditions)

 

 

Testudo hermanni

 

Hermann’s tortoises are small, hardy Mediterranean tortoises known for their gentle nature and long lifespans. With the right setup, they thrive in New Zealand — but they must have correct heat, UVB, humidity, and diet.

 

 

 

 

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Temperature & Heating

 

 

Because NZ is cooler than their natural climate, controlled heating is essential.

 

 

Basking Zone:

 

 

• 32–35°C under a heat lamp.

 

 

 

Warm Side Ambient:

 

 

• 26–28°C

 

 

 

Cool Side Ambient:

 

 

• 20–22°C

 

 

 

Night Temperature:

 

 

• No lower than 15°C
  (Use a ceramic heat emitter if needed — no light at night.)

 

 

Important:

Avoid heat mats under the tank; tortoises sense heat from above, not below.

 

 

 

 

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UVB & Lighting

 

 

Strong UVB is absolutely required for shell, bone, and organ health.

 

• Use 10.0 / 12% UVB T5 HO tube
• Replace every 12 months (even if still glowing)
• Mount tube 30–40 cm above shell
• Run 10–12 hours per day
• Provide both UVB and shaded areas so your tortoise can self-regulate.

 

 

 

 

 

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Enclosure Size

 

 

Hermann’s tortoises are active roamers.

 

 

Indoor Minimum:

 

 

• 120 cm x 60 cm for one juvenile
• Larger is always better
• Avoid glass tanks (humidity builds and ventilation is poor)
• Best option: open-top tortoise table

 

 

 

Outdoor Enclosure (Highly Recommended):

 

 

(For warm months only — must be predator-proof)

 

• 2m x 2m minimum
• Dry, sunny area
• Shelter box with hay
• Escape-proof fencing (they are strong climbers)

 

 

 

 

 

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Diet

 

 

They are high-fibre, low-protein, herbivores.

 

 

Daily Foods (80% of diet):

 

 

• Dandelion leaves & flowers
• Plantain
• Clover
• Chicory
• Endive
• Collard greens
• Kale (moderation)
• Sow thistle
• Broadleaf weeds
• Weeds > lettuces.

 

 

 

Occasional:

 

 

• Hibiscus flowers
• Rocket
• Mustard greens

 

 

 

Avoid:

 

 

❌ Fruit

❌ Dog/cat food

❌ Spinach often

❌ Broccoli often

❌ Iceberg lettuce

 

 

Supplements:

 

 

• Calcium powder 3–4 times weekly
• Multivitamin once weekly

 

 

Fresh water must be available at all times.

 

 

 

 

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Humidity

 

 

Hermann’s tortoises prefer a drier environment:

 

• 40–60% humidity
• Keep hide slightly more humid for juveniles (60–70%)
• Use soil/sand or coco-soil/topsoil mix as substrate
• Depth: 5–10 cm for digging

 

 

Avoid pine/cedar shavings — toxic to reptiles.

 

 

 

 

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Substrate

 

 

Best options:

 

• Organic topsoil
• Coco fibre
• Soil/sand mix (70% soil / 30% play sand)

 

 

Spot clean daily, full replace every 1–2 months.

 

 

 

 

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Bathing

 

 

• Soak juveniles 3–4 times per week in lukewarm water (15 minutes)
• Adults 1–2 times per week
• Helps hydration and digestion.

 

 

 

 

 

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Behaviour & Handling

 

 

• Gentle and curious
• Don’t handle excessively — short, calm handling only
• Always wash hands before and after (salmonella risk).

 

 

 

 

 

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Lifespan

 

 

With proper care:

 

• 50–80+ years
• Many live over 100 years.

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleaning & Hygiene

 

 

• Spot clean daily
• Replace water daily
• Remove old food
• Full enclosure sanitise monthly

 

 

 

 

 

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Health Warning Signs

 

 

Contact a reptile vet if you notice:

 

• Wheezing, bubbles from nose
• Soft shell
• Sunken eyes
• Not eating for more than a few days
• Lethargy
• Swollen joints or pyramiding of shell

 

 

 

 

 

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Summary Cheat Sheet

 

 

• Basking: 32–35°C
• Ambient warm side: 26–28°C
• Cool side: 20–22°C
• Night: ≥15°C
• UVB: T5 10–12% tube, 30–40 cm away, 12 hrs/day
• Humidity: 40–60% (higher for young)
• Enclosure: 120×60 cm minimum indoor; larger outdoors
• Diet: Weeds/greens, high fibre, no fruit
• Lifespan: 50–80+ years