Origin: Greece and the Balkans
Length: up to 25 centimeters
Weight: 2 to 2.5 kilograms
Lifespan: up to 80 years
The Hermann's tortoise has a high, domed shell that is colored orange, brown, and yellow, with dark spots on the tail. Males can be recognized by a longer tail, while females have a more concave tummy.

Care
Experience: Beginner tortoise keeper
Food: Vegetables, herbs, special tortoise food.
Feeding adults: Daily
Feeding young: Food available at all times
Water dish: Yes
Water changes: Three times a week
Nutrition
In the wild, Hermann's tortoises are true herbivores, so this must be simulated in captivity. A diet of fiber-rich vegetables such as endive, chicory, and dandelion leaf, supplemented with special tortoise food and calcium supplements (special powder or eggshells) should suffice. Because the vegetables do not perfectly match their natural diet, vitamin powder will need to be added to the food at every feeding.

Make sure the food is offered on a special feeding dish. When tortoises eat from the substrate, sand and soil get into the food. This can lead to blockages. Make sure the feeding dish is secure, as they break down food with their front paws. A light or flimsy food dish will easily be knocked over. To help them with this behavior, you can offer them food in smaller pieces. However, this is not necessary.

Water
Because the Hermann's tortoise doesn't live in damp places, they don't need much water. A small water dish with a shallow layer of water is sufficient. Don't give them a deep water dish, as they are not good swimmers and can drown.

Cleaning
As herbivores, they also defecate like true herbivores. For this reason, it's wise to remove feces from the enclosure daily and remove the soiled substrate once a week. It's also wise to thoroughly clean the entire enclosure a few times a year to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria.

Handling
You will occasionally need to handle your tortoise, and this should be done correctly to avoid injury or stress. Handle the turtle by grasping it from both sides, in the middle of its shell. This is best done if the turtle is unable to scratch your hand with its paws. If it were, the turtle could push off on your hand, with all the consequences that entails. Also, always wash your hands before handling the turtle and ensure you handle it with both hands.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for 1 tortoise: 100 x 50 x50 cm
Basking area: 1m² per tortoise
Daytime temperature under the heat lamp: 35-38°C
Daytime temperature on the cooler side of the enclosure: 24-29°C
Nighttime temperature: should not fall below 22°C
Light hours: 12 hours
Humidity: 40-60%
Bedding: Grass or coconut fiber substrate
Equipment
You wouldn't expect it from a tortoise, but Hermann's tortoises are good climbers and burrowers. They enjoy doing so. Provide them with a thick layer of substrate of about 5 centimeters so they can partially burrow. Provide some structure in the enclosure to facilitate climbing. This doesn't mean climbing branches, but a piece of wood, faux boards, or a flat stone.

Just like us, Hermann's tortoises need UV light to produce vitamin D. Now, you can do this through sunlight if you keep your tortoise outside in the summer. However, if you keep them indoors, you'll need to use a UV lamp.

As mentioned earlier, you can keep your tortoise outside during the warmer months (April-September). A simple guideline is: when the nighttime temperature is above 20°C (68°F), the tortoises can stay outside. This outdoor enclosure has a few requirements. It must have a shelter with a heat lamp inside. This ensures they can still warm up on colder days. The enclosure should also provide shade and hiding places. You can achieve this by adding some plants, but make sure the plants are not poisonous to the tortoise. The tortoise must be unable to escape; due to their climbing habits, a 50cm fence is essential. After all, it must be safe from dogs, cats, and other predators.

Behavior
Diet: herbivore
Lifestyle: Trial & active during the day
Temperament
They are interesting and active animals that can be busy, but they do need a lot of space to be kept well.
Points of attention
Greek tortoises can hibernate, but this is not necessary. They hibernate at a temperature of around 9 to 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is up to you, the owner, whether or not they are given this opportunity.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The Hermann's tortoise is covered by CITES II. To own this tortoise, you need CITES or transfer papers. You should receive these upon purchase.
One-time costs: These include the costs of the enclosure, lighting, heating, water tank, and decorations. This can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the cost of food, which amounts to several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: There are costs incurred if your tortoise accidentally becomes ill or your equipment breaks down.