Hermann's Tortoise Care

Chris Leone's presentation, as seen at the Turtle Survival Alliance 2015 Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Tucson, AZ, August 6-9. This talk was part of the Captive Husbandry: Collaboration and Conservation session held on Saturday, August 8th, 2015.
Abstract:
Captive Husbandry, Maintenance, and Understanding of the Western Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni)
The Western Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) also known as the “Italian Tortoise” has remained a ghost in American captive collections for decades. Found only in disjoint populations on the Italian mainland with the islands Sicily and Sardinia, Northern Spain, the Balearic islands of Majorca and Menorca, Southern France and the island Corsica, much of their native habitat has been destroyed. This tortoise suffers two major declines which constitute an endangered status in nature as well as the severity of impure specimens both in nature and captivity. The release of the non-native Eastern Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) into the wild range of the western subspecies along with the mixing of the specimens under human care has led to a major drought in the presence of pure blooded specimens. Here, we have established several locality-specific colonies of Western Hermann’s Tortoise and have managed to keep them pure not only to their subspecies but to their geographical origin as well. Great attention was paid to detail in the construction of the enclosures including soil consistency, plant life and sun exposure. Being subjected to the natural elements in the Northeastern United States, the tortoises are provided with additional protection in the form of cold frames and greenhouses. Although still considered a subspecies of Hermann’s tortoise after a failed attempt in 2006 to elevate them to full species rank, Testudo hermanni hermanni does in fact differ from their eastern counterparts in a variety of ways aside from general appearance and traits. Breeding and nesting behavior observations along with daily activity patterns and preferences for food items, oviposition sites, and shelter have all been noted. Breeding success has been achieved here over the last few years and through theTurtleRoom, we have launched the first ever North American Regional Studbook. We’ve also conducted DNA sampling from six different locality specific groups of western Hermann’s tortoise in our care. We strive to learn more and look deeper into the genetic make-up and lineage of specimens from various areas throughout their natural range.

[@Chelskie-darts]

I’ve just got my little girl a Hermanns tortoise as her 1st pet , born June/July 2022 we picked it up today so I’m gonna binge watch your videos to get some good knowledge , we’ve got everything for the tortoise so looking forward to it becoming a member of our family 😃

[@Oakleaf700]

Looking after a 50 yr old approx Hermann's Tortoise for a few days [UK] he is such a friendly little gent. He is much paler than yours. He loves his lamp, has just come out of hibernation [UK] and is eating lots. Will be giving him a bath tomorrow.

[@madpancake3]

I've had an eastern for a couple months and the information I find is always wildly inconsistent, but yours was by far the most convincing! All the tortoises seem very healthy and well taken care of and it's obvious that they are paid attention to 🤗

[@francofino7909]

I recently purchased a Western Hermann's tortoise from Chris , and there's no one more knowledgeable about the species than him. I highly recommend reaching out to him!

[@wrestlingfan4ever76]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Chris did an outstanding job in describing and explaining the intricate details on the care of the western subspecies.

[@kelseymoore8826]

That had to be the most informative video I've seen on torts! I currently have two aquatic map turtles and an extremely excited to be getting my first Hermann's within a month, thank you for the information!

[@goodtogo3820]

Those are some awesome animals and the enclosures are awesome too thanks for the education on these animals love it!

[@anthonytorres2198]

This video is my favorite! That’s why I want a Western!!!

[@AlexanderVadimovich]

Very useful video, thank you!

[@katherinewei6423]

Awesome video. I have two Eastern Hermann's. Your tortoises are beautiful :3. So is Casey :3. Love your work!!! :3.

[@sharonbarns8903]

Love all your videos on all the tortoises more about human tortoise please 🌹👍

[@thetortoiseguy6449]

Great video! 👍🐢❤️

[@RandallCurtis]

great video.

[@selfiegrapes3996]

I need help identifying my turtle cant find its kind anywhere on line

[@dmjreptiles]

Great info in this video, I am getting a Trio of them and am binge watching videos. Which formula of Mazuri do you recommend?

[@linkspanties9808]

Love it!!

[@geronimocabudbudvlog7885]

thanks so so much idol for sharing wow so many tortoise

[@lamster06]

Can you do a video like this regarding Russian Tortoises?

[@RoderickWhite]

Why is my hermann burying herself under the soil and forest bark in her tanks? The tortoise is one year old.

[@charligibbons6400]

Hermanns love to dig and hide! That’s totally normal 😊

[@blaizerboyz4386]

Does anyone know an online Canadian reptile store where I could get a tortoise I am not able to get them shipped across the American border so I need a shop that's in Canada

[@joehughes]

Diet is close to my red foot tort nice presentation.

[@leesadkay8282]

My daughter came home with a Hermann Tortoise. I have no clue what to do with it. Enclosure? Food.? I’ve read so many different things, IM LOST! Please some one HELP! Ps I live in AZ

[@Jollysjournal]

Hi, I love your channel! Do female hermann's torts lay eggs without a male?

[@Oakleaf700]

Unlikely!.. the eggs would be totally infertile. You need the male's DNA to make the new tortoises.

[@gracekrueger2841]

I have 2 red eared sliders and 1 painter turtle. I have been feeding them shrimp and turtle pellets and i have been trying to find out what else to feed them to keep them happy and healthy and i wondered if you knew what else to feed them

[@gracekrueger2841]

Ok thank you i feed them shrimp every night

[@connieshows1214]

How does the diet of the Dalmatian subspecies of Hermann differ from eastern hermann

[@zachfriedman]

I have a Hermanns tortoise, but its coloration is mostly that black color. Ive never seen another like it, is there something wrong? She is healthy, and eats, drinks and basks like a normal tortoise.

[@zachfriedman]

+FoxMoth The only one she looks like is the one you have at 5:08, but a bit darker.

[@Marimassss]

Is it possible to breed eastern hermanni without hibernate them ?

[@panfishing1012]

Wow cool I wish I could get my turtle one like that big but just for one hahaha

[@oscarcamejo5870]

do you sell this tort

[@connieshows1214]

Whar is the mushy stuff they are eating?

[@NguyenTurkey]

So good caring to tortoise 20:46&👍🎼👏

[@christianolivares7186]

What is the difference between Russian tortoise and Hermann tortoise they look the same

[@ISavageI]

Can anyone help me I want one, but i want to know which bedding is the best to use

[@cadencroft3937]

I Savage I there is special tortoise bedding, but organic topsoil works great. Don't use sand!

[@linkspanties9808]

Aww so cute but so sad! Hope they don't go extinct

[@dolphin08152006]

I am about to get either a hermann tortoise or a russian tortoise can they eat fruit and if so what kind is safe for them? I will be keeping them inside due to my landlord will not let me gave one outside

[@calebfrenchyt]

Crystal Myracle they will be able to have the following occasionally -Watermelon -Strawberries -apple But you want to stick to leafy greens such as lettuce spinach etc.

[@jeanconneely3602]

Thank you some much for this video! Excellent, very informative. I do have some questions for my locale. I'm in n.e. Phoenix, Arizona. And I have a 3 or 4 yr old female western hermanns tortoise. I received her in November. Now presently she's in an indoor enclosure. My concern and question is regarding her outdoor enclosure that I'll be making for her. Coming summer how and where can I keep her with our weather? My concern is obviously our high heat temperature. Do you have any suggestions at all for me.? I just want to have her enclosure safe and as complete as possible for her health and welfare. Considering that from what I understand they do best outside with the natural uvb light. But we get so much. I don't want her to have to much or high heat. If I have to keep her indoors because this, I will. Whatever is best. Thank you sir in advance :)

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

NICE TORTOISE

[@jackp5857]

I have a small hermanns tortoise and i live in canada...

[@guzumaralfaruq348]

Hermanis is forest torto or desert torto

[@deltahoppip1239]

At 1:49 those tortoises looked so confused

[@Alex-bf2vv]

Sicily is famous for Hermann tortoise im from sicily

[@tsippinteabagger3190]

I wish they were cheaper I just can’t afford to shell out 200$ plus 120$ setup

[@sticcphanie8010]

Tsippin Teabagger Tortoises in general are pretty expensive but some tortoise breeders will have good deals

[@brajanlahe3930]

why my tortoise harmman digg on earth, is 5 mouth

[@geronimocabudbudvlog7885]

hello sir so many your tortoise

[@elnoramiller5001]

Turtle room needs cleaning.

[@gracekrueger2841]

I have 2 red eared sliders and 1 painter turtle. I have been feeding them shrimp and turtle pellets and i have been trying to find out what else to feed them to keep them happy and healthy and i wondered if you knew what else to feed them

[@linkspanties9808]

Feed them dry meal worms I heard a way to keep your turtle happy is to feed it a verity of food so shrimp,meal worms and pellets

[@gracekrueger2841]

Polarbear123123 thank you soo much. I am very excited because i might get a tortoise!!!!

[@gracekrueger2841]

Thank you soo much. I have started to feed them carrots and lettuce