EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni
Lifespan: 50–75 years (can live over 100 years!)
Adult Size: 6–8 inches (some males stay smaller)
Temperament: Active, friendly, great personality — ideal for beginners and families

• Enclosure Type: Open-top Tortoise Table — allows proper ventilation.
   
• Minimum Size: 90 x 60cm (3x2ft) for juveniles; adults will need larger.
   
• Substrate:
   
  • Topsoil -wood chip and aspen (50/50) at least 4 inches deep for burrowing.
     
  • Must be kept dry, spot cleaned daily.
     
• Décor: At least 2 hides (warm & cool side), logs, flat stones for basking, edible plants.
   

• Basking Area: 32–35°C (90–95°F)
   
• Cool End: 20–22°C (68–72°F)
   
• Night Temperature: Can safely drop to 15–18°C (59–64°F)
   
• UVB Lighting: Essential — 10–12% UVB tube light or combination UVB/heat lamp on for 10–12 hours daily.
   
• Heating: Basking bulb positioned overhead, controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating.
   

• Humidity Level: 50–60% (moderate) — Hermann’s like it slightly more humid than Horsefields.
   
• Water: Fresh water in a shallow dish daily.
   
• Soaking: Juveniles should be bathed in lukewarm water 2–3 times a week; adults weekly.
   

• Diet: 100% herbivorous — fresh weeds and greens daily.
   
  • Suitable foods: dandelion, plantain, clover, sowthistle, chicory, kale, romaine.
     
  • Occasional safe flowers: hibiscus, rose petals, pansies.
     
  • Avoid: Fruit (except rare treats), spinach, iceberg lettuce, high-protein foods.
     
• Calcium: Use powdered calcium supplement 4–5 times per week; always offer cuttlefish bone.
   

• Calm and easy-going but limit handling to avoid stress.
• Supervised outdoor time in secure runs during warm, dry weather is great enrichment.
   

• Spot Clean: Daily removal of waste.
• Full Clean: Monthly — replace substrate and disinfect enclosure.
   

✔️ Tortoise Table (90x60cm minimum)
✔️ Substrate: Topsoil , wood chip or aspen (50/50)
✔️ Overhead Basking Bulb + Lamp Holder + Thermostat
✔️ UVB Tube Light (10–12% UVB) + Reflector
✔️ Digital Thermometer
✔️ Shallow Water Dish
✔️ Food Dish (optional)
✔️ Hides (Warm & Cool side)
✔️ Flat Rocks or Slate for Basking
✔️ Edible Plants / Artificial Décor
✔️ Cuttlefish Bone (Calcium Source)
✔️ Calcium Powder Supplement
✔️ Reptile-Safe Disinfectant

Pop into Roxy’s Pet Shop, Bloxwich High Street WS3 3LA  for everything you need — including complete tortoise table kits ready to go!