How to Breed Herman Tortoises

Hermann's tortoises originally come from Southeast Europe. This species stays relatively small, growing to lengths of only 5 to 10 inches, depending upon the subspecies. They tend to be brightly colored, with yellow and green patterns across their shells. Hermann tortoises are friendly, energetic and easy to care for. They can be entertaining and fascinating to watch as they move about their habitat. Known as a beginner tortoise, this species also is easy to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Large habitat
  • Soft soil
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose one male tortoise and at least one female tortoise of similar sizes. Hermann tortoises can become very aggressive near or during breeding, and a significantly smaller tortoise can be injured easily. One male can be kept with up to three females, but never house two males together.

    • 2

      Provide a large habitat for the tortoises. For two tortoises, the habitat must be about 12 feet by 8 feet, although larger habitats are even better. This habitat should be as natural as possible. If the tortoises can safely be kept outside, this is the best choice. Include rocks or bushes in an outdoor habitat, so the tortoises have somewhere to go t hide if they feel the need. Bermuda grass and wildflowers should be planted in the habitat. In an indoor habitat, plant these plants in a small box off to one side. Include a hide box for the tortoises. In either outdoor or indoor habitats, include a large water bowl, wide enough for the tortoises to climb into, but not deep enough to complete cover a tortoise. Ensure that the tortoises are safe from domestic pets and other predators, and that the tortoises cannot dig out.

    • 3

      Hermann tortoises prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking temperature between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures can drop as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A UVB light can be provided in an indoor situation if the temperatures are not warm enough.

    • 4

      Place mounds of soft soil around the habitat. These mounds should be between 2- and 4-feet wide, and should be about 1-foot tall. These mounds provide convenient areas for the female tortoise to dig a nest and lay her eggs.

    • 5

      Wait for the tortoises to breed. Once the male and female tortoises are placed together in the same habitat and temperatures are optimum, the tortoises may breed at any time. However, the breeding season usually occurs in the spring and summer, especially around April and June.

    • 6

      Watch for aggression in your tortoises. It's natural for Hermann tortoises to display aggressive behavior right before mating, including biting, chasing and/or ramming of their shells. However, watch for excessive violence, since tortoises are capable of injuring each other. Overly aggressive tortoises may need to be separated.

    • 7

      Observe the female tortoise as she digs a nest. Most tortoise breeders prefer to carefully remove the eggs from the nest place and artificially incubate them in an egg incubator. The eggs should be incubated at a temperature between 86 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The eggs will hatch between three and four months later.