Hermann's & Russian Tortoise Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

30-50 years

AVERAGE SIZE

 6-7 inches

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Tortoises are happy to live along with other tortoises, given that there is enough space for everyone (see Housing & Environment). However, there is no guarantee that everyone will get along fine.

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Daytime: 70°-90° F

Nighttime: Not to drop below 60°F

Basking: 90°-95° F

HUMIDITY

30-50% humidity levels 

FEEDING

These species of tortoises are herbivorous. In order to most closely replicate the diet that they would forage for in the wild, a low protein, high fiber, low fruit diet is in order. We recommend 90% of the total diet be made up of dark leafy greens and grasses and 10% of the diet consist of other vegetables and fruits. Variety is important, so they should be offered different foods regularly. Some great diet options are  

• Commercial grassland tortoise pellet diets

• Small animal hays such as timothy, alfalfa, bermuda or orchard grasses

• Dark leafy greens such as prickly pear, grape leaves, collard greens, romaine, kale, turnip greens and arugula

• Hibiscus flower, rose flower, squash, carrot tops, parsley and swiss chard

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than adult food. 

WATER

A large bowl of fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. It should be large and shallow enough for your tortoise to climb into. Change it daily, or as needed, as your pet will most likely bathe in it as well.

UVB LIGHT

Tortoises MUST be exposed to UVB lighting 8-12 hours a day. This exposure is CRITICAL in allowing the animal to synthesize vitamin D3 and in absorbing calcium.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

The Hermann’s and Russian Tortoises should have a home that measures at least 4 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet or larger with a secure top. Large plastic/wire cages are ideal for these species as they reach adult size.

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a shredded aspen bedding or reptile carpeting.

HIDE HOUSE

Place at least one hide house in your tortoises enclosure to provide a secure spot to retreat to. 

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All reptiles must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure. 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass/sides clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 4’L x 2’W x 2’H (or larger) enclosure with secure mesh top
• Large dome & appropriately sized heat light
• Fluorescent UVB bulb & housing
• Under tank heating pad
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Shredded aspen or reptile carpeting substrate
• Hide houses (at least 1)
• Large water bowl - big enough to soak in
• Grassland tortoise pellet diet and/or hay
• Calcium & vitamin supplements
• Water dechlorinate drops

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.