Enclosure Size

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

Hey everyone,


I’m thinking about possibly adding three more Dalmatian Hermann's tortoises to make a group of four Dalmatian Hermann’s tortoises and was wondering — what would be the recommended enclosure size for that many?


Also, as a side note, are there any breeders you’d recommend?


Thanks in advance!

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

Tortoises are solitary animals they need there own individual space. A baby Herman needs around a 30*48 closed chamber enclosure.

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

What about as adults? I have a space of about 12 ft by 14 ft set out, would that be enough or would I have to increase the size?

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

For an adult Herman's it is suggested to have at least 8 feet by 4 feet The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

What age of tortoises are we talking about for the group of four? With adults, the sex ratio has to be taken into account, meanwhile it doesn't matter as much for babies.

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

What age of tortoises are we talking about for the group of four? With adults, the sex ratio has to be taken into account, meanwhile it doesn't matter as much for babies.

I was wondering about what you would recommend for an adults, for say 1.3 group. I think that I already have enough space to take care of them as babies.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Hey everyone,


I’m thinking about possibly adding three more Dalmatian Hermann's tortoises to make a group of four Dalmatian Hermann’s tortoises and was wondering — what would be the recommended enclosure size for that many?


Also, as a side note, are there any breeders you’d recommend?


Thanks in advance!

No doubt...100% Hermanni Chris...a moderator will come on and tell you his real name etc...but he's the best breeder of Hermanni that I know

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

No doubt...100% Hermanni Chris...a moderator will come on and tell you his real name etc...but he's the best breeder of Hermanni that I know

He is the garden state tortoise guy right

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

No doubt...100% Hermanni Chris...a moderator will come on and tell you his real name etc...but he's the best breeder of Hermanni that I know

That’s what I thought too — I actually got Godzilla from Chris. Everything went smoothly, but I know @Tom had some concerns and raised a few things that made me think a bit more critically. Always good to hear different opinions and weigh them out.

 

[Tom]

No doubt...100% Hermanni Chris...a moderator will come on and tell you his real name etc...but he's the best breeder of Hermanni that I know

Have you watched his videos? He takes babies out of the incubation box, soaks them to clean them off, and puts them into an enclosure with half sand, half store bought soil, under a spot bulb and a cfl for UV. Then he says they live on their yolk and won't eat for two weeks.

He is most definitely NOT the best breeder of hermanni you know.

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

Have you watched his videos? He takes babies out of the incubation box, soaks them to clean them off, and puts them into an enclosure with half sand, half store bought soil, under a spot bulb and a cfl for UV. Then he says they live on their yolk and won't eat for two weeks.

He is most definitely NOT the best breeder of hermanni you know.

He also says those little three foot by two foot tortoise tables are big enough for an adult tortoise.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Have you watched his videos? He takes babies out of the incubation box, soaks them to clean them off, and puts them into an enclosure with half sand, half store bought soil, under a spot bulb and a cfl for UV. Then he says they live on their yolk and won't eat for two weeks.

He is most definitely NOT the best breeder of hermanni you know.

Wow...I always 'thought' he was...I sold a female to him long ago...Sorry Tom...do I know a better one...

 

[Yvonne G]

Chris does a few things differently than we do, but he's still the 'go to' guy for testudo and hermanni tortoises. His tortoise keeping ways work for him. We should all do the research and pick and choose what will work in our own geographical area and with our tortoises.

 

[Tom]

Chris does a few things differently than we do, but he's still the 'go to' guy for testudo and hermanni tortoises. His tortoise keeping ways work for him. We should all do the research and pick and choose what will work in our own geographical area and with our tortoises.

You should talk to more of his former customers. They won't be going to him again, so they say.

 

[COmtnLady]

Hey everyone,


I’m thinking about possibly adding three more Dalmatian Hermann's tortoises to make a group of four Dalmatian Hermann’s tortoises and was wondering — what would be the recommended enclosure size for that many?


Also, as a side note, are there any breeders you’d recommend?


Thanks in advance!

Debbie Downer here ~

Tortoises live longer than we humans do. Its a huge commitment to take on caring for something that will out-live yourself. What arrangements have you made for Godzilla's care when you no longer are around?

Are you planning on going to college, or enlist in any of the Services? What happens to your tortoise(s) then?... and wouldn't having multiple tortoises complicate those situations exponentially?

Are your parents completely onboard for caring for multiple tortoises if you need a break? If not them, who can help? Who do you trust to care for your shelled buddy with the same level of care, knowledge, and love that you, yourself, do?
Perhaps get your parents to join here and read/learn/ask about caretaking would be a good idea.

Are you independently providing for G, and for these future tortoises you are contemplating having? If not, it would be a good idea to discuss all sorts of things with whoever is helping you support your tortoise(s)... get them in agreement with your plans. Who covers Vet bills, for example?

You haven't had Godzilla for a whole year yet. Perhaps care for G for a year, or two or three, until you are "a pro" at it, before getting more, would be a good idea.

.

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

Debbie Downer here ~

Tortoises live longer than we humans do. Its a huge commitment to take on caring for something that will out-live yourself. What arrangements have you made for Godzilla's care when you no longer are around?

Are you planning on going to college, or enlist in any of the Services? What happens to your tortoise(s) then?... and wouldn't having multiple tortoises complicate those situations exponentially?

Are your parents completely onboard for caring for multiple tortoises if you need a break? If not them, who can help? Who do you trust to care for your shelled buddy with the same level of care, knowledge, and love that you, yourself, do?
Perhaps get your parents to join here and read/learn/ask about caretaking would be a good idea.

Are you independently providing for G, and for these future tortoises you are contemplating having? If not, it would be a good idea to discuss all sorts of things with whoever is helping you support your tortoise(s)... get them in agreement with your plans. Who covers Vet bills, for example?

You haven't had Godzilla for a whole year yet. Perhaps care for G for a year, or two or three, until you are "a pro" at it, before getting more, would be a good idea.

.

Thanks for your message. I appreciate you bringing all of this up. You’re totally right that tortoises are a big, long-term commitment, and it’s something I thought a lot about before and after getting Godzilla.

Right now, I’m the one taking care of Godzilla and covering his expenses, but my parents are supportive and willing to step in and help if needed, especially in the future if things get more complicated — like with college or other life changes. I’ve talked with them about that, and we’d make sure he’s always well cared for. If there were ever a serious problem or reason me or my parents could not care for Godzilla I would try my best to find a new home.

I haven’t decided yet if I’ll get more tortoises — I’m just trying to plan ahead and gather advice so I can make the right decision when the time comes. I totally get your point about waiting and getting more experience first, and that might be what I end up doing.

Thanks again for your thoughtful response — it really helps to hear this kind of feedback and think through all the “what ifs.” It’s why I like being a part of this forum

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

Also, Just wanted to follow up on my original question—what would be the recommended enclosure size for a 1.3 group of Dalmatian Hermanns?

 

[Tom]

Also, Just wanted to follow up on my original question—what would be the recommended enclosure size for a 1.3 group of Dalmatian Hermanns?

Outdoor, go as big as you can. I keep groups of tortoises that size in a 30x35 pen. Since yours will be adults, even bigger than that would better if you have the space.

Indoors I'd want something 8x16 for a group of three adults. Or at least 4x12 feet. If you don't have a lot of space, just make sure you have a large outdoor enclosure with an insulated, temperature controlled tortoise box, ad they can stay outside most of the year. If you brumate them over winter, you won't need indoor space at all if you do it all correctly. If breeding is your goal, brumation over winter is best.

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

Outdoor, go as big as you can. I keep groups of tortoises that size in a 30x35 pen. Since yours will be adults, even bigger than that would better if you have the space.

Indoors I'd want something 8x16 for a group of three adults. Or at least 4x12 feet. If you don't have a lot of space, just make sure you have a large outdoor enclosure with an insulated, temperature controlled tortoise box, ad they can stay outside most of the year. If you brumate them over winter, you won't need indoor space at all if you do it all correctly. If breeding is your goal, brumation over winter is best.

I see. I think that I can provide that space, although it is bigger than I had originally anticipated.

 

[Godzilla the Tortoise]

Have you watched his videos? He takes babies out of the incubation box, soaks them to clean them off, and puts them into an enclosure with half sand, half store bought soil, under a spot bulb and a cfl for UV. Then he says they live on their yolk and won't eat for two weeks.

He is most definitely NOT the best breeder of hermanni you know.

Who would you recommend as an alternative to Chris? I have not met many who breed Dalmatian Hermann's.