Hermann's and Russian Tortoises: Care, Space and Paperwork
A Pet for Life, and Then Some
These are some of the longest-lived pets you can buy. With good care, 50 years is realistic and some live much longer. A tortoise bought for a child can outlive the parents who bought it, so plan who will look after it if you can't.
The two species are close in size and care. Russian tortoises (also called Horsfield's or Central Asian tortoises) are keen diggers and very active for a tortoise. Hermann's come from southern Europe and are a little more relaxed about burrowing. Females of both are usually larger than males.
Housing: Outdoors When You Can, Big Indoors When You Can't
A secure outdoor pen in warm, dry weather is the best home: real sunlight, grazing and room to roam. Make it dig-proof and climb-proof (Russian tortoises dig deep), with a weatherproof shelter, shade, and cover from predators, including birds and dogs.
For the rest of the year, or in a cool climate, tortoises need a large indoor enclosure. ReptiFiles suggests at least 7 × 3.5 feet (2.1 × 1.1 m) of floor for one adult Russian tortoise, and around 4 × 2 feet (120 × 60 cm) for a juvenile up to about 6 inches (15 cm). An open-topped "tortoise table" gives better airflow than a glass tank, which can overheat and stay too humid.
- A deep, diggable substrate, such as a soil and sand mix.
- A hide at each end, and a shallow water dish they can climb in and out of.
- Flat stones or slate in places to help wear the claws down.
Heat and UVB
Indoors, tortoises need a hot basking spot and full-spectrum light all day:
- Basking spot: about 90–95°F (32–35°C) directly under the lamp.
- Rest of the enclosure: about 75–85°F (24–29°C) by day, so the tortoise can cool off.
- Night: cooler is fine; ReptiFiles gives about 70–75°F (21–24°C) for Russian tortoises indoors.
- UVB: a reptile UVB lamp over the basking area giving a UV index of about 3.0–4.0 where the tortoise basks, on for 12–14 hours in summer.
These are typical ranges from veterinary and keeper care sheets. Check with your vet or a specialist keeper for your own tortoise. See UVB lighting explained and heating and UVB.
Building a Tortoise Setup
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An outdoor pen with buried edges stops escapes, and a weatherproof shelter gives cover in rain and wind. Indoors, an open tortoise table with a basking lamp and a UVB lamp does the job, and a thermostat and thermometer keep the heat right. A shallow water dish and a pack of edible weed seeds for the pen cover drinking and grazing.
Diet: Weeds and Greens
Both species are grazers. Base the diet on edible weeds, leafy greens and grasses: dandelion, plantain, clover, sow thistle and similar plants from an unsprayed source, plus a variety of leafy greens. Flowers make good treats. Fruit and animal protein don't belong in the diet. Too much protein and sugar can lead to poor, lumpy shell growth.
Dust food with a reptile calcium powder as your vet or keeper advises, and give a cuttlebone they can nibble. Fresh water should always be there; many tortoises drink while soaking in a shallow dish. Packaged tortoise foods are a topper, not the main meal. Our reptile food page has more.
Hibernation Is a Vet Decision
Hermann's and Russian tortoises hibernate in the wild, and many keepers hibernate them too. It is also one of the riskiest times of year if a tortoise is underweight or unwell, or if the temperature isn't controlled. Talk to a vet who treats tortoises before the first winter, and book a check before each hibernation. A specialist keeper or a tortoise welfare group can help you plan.
Health: Preventive Care
Find a vet who sees tortoises before you buy, and book a check-up once your tortoise has settled. Weigh your tortoise regularly and keep a record: steady weight is one of the easiest things to track.
Tortoises can carry salmonella without looking ill. Wash your hands after handling your tortoise or anything in its enclosure, and supervise children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifespan, space and winter come up most.
How long do Hermann's and Russian tortoises live?
Commonly 50 years or more with good care. Plan for the tortoise to outlive you and decide who would take it on.
How big an enclosure does a tortoise need?
Keeper guides suggest at least about 7 × 3.5 feet (2.1 × 1.1 m) of indoor floor space for one adult Russian tortoise, and a secure outdoor pen in good weather is better still.
Do tortoises need UVB?
Yes, whenever they live indoors. Give a reptile UVB lamp over the basking spot, aiming for a UV index of about 3.0–4.0 there, plus natural sunlight outdoors when the weather allows.
Should my tortoise hibernate?
Many healthy adults do, but it is a risky time if anything is wrong. Ask a vet who treats tortoises before the first winter and arrange a check before each hibernation.
What do Hermann's and Russian tortoises eat?
Mostly edible weeds, leafy greens and grasses, with flowers as treats. Avoid fruit and animal protein, and add calcium as your vet or keeper advises.
Do I need paperwork to buy a Hermann's tortoise?
In the UK and EU, yes: the seller must have a valid Article 10 certificate, and you should see it before you buy. Other countries have their own rules, so check with your national wildlife authority.
Related Reading
- Sulcata tortoises: the tortoise that can reach 200 lb (90 kg).
- UVB lighting explained: tubes, distance and the UV index.
- Choosing your first reptile: how tortoises compare.
These are typical care figures, not a health plan for your tortoise. If your tortoise stops eating, loses weight or seems unwell, contact a vet who treats tortoises.