Please help identify!

[RachyRoo]

Hi,
I adopted this tortoise from a family member in August 2024. Took her to the vets today but he had no clue when it came to breed or age, I started off thinking she was a Hermann's tortoise but apparently she's too big.
She weighs 1.63kg and her shell is about 8 inches.
She's quite sociable!
Any help much appreciated!
Thanks

 

[DoubleD1996!]

She's a hermanns

 

[RachyRoo]

Thank you! I thought so but vet was very defensive that she wasn't, and referred to her as Horsefield (I think). Think I just flushed £43 away for nothing

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yep definitely a Herman! Vets rarely have a clue on how to actually treat tortoises, the fact this one called her a Russian leads me to think they truly have no clue about them.

Do feel free to check out this housing thread, I’d use it to double check your bobs, substrates etc, folks are often sold the wrong stuff unfortunately. This thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc) correct levels, sizing, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room!

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help! I know it’s a lot to go over and take in, take all the time you need, we can go back a break down any information and please ask any further questions you have once going over it, welcome to the forum! Bless you for taking this guy in

 

[RachyRoo]

Yep definitely a Herman! Vets rarely have a clue on how to actually treat tortoises, the fact this one called her a Russian leads me to think they truly have no clue about them.

Do feel free to check out this housing thread, I’d use it to double check your bobs, substrates etc, folks are often sold the wrong stuff unfortunately. This thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc) correct levels, sizing, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room!

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help! I know it’s a lot to go over and take in, take all the time you need, we can go back a break down any information and please ask any further questions you have once going over it, welcome to the forum! Bless you for taking this guy in

Thank you so much! I will definitely take the time to read this and improve what we have set up so far, we haven't done too bad but I think we can definitely do better for her. I really appreciate your help and will definitely ask Qs as and when they pop up I'm in the UK too so the Amazon links etc are super useful thanks again

 

[RachyRoo]

Please can I ask a quick Q? My husband is thinking up design for the indoor area (luckily he's quite handy!) How often would you say they need cleaning out/substrate changing? Fibre rich poos aren't too bad but she does some massive wees, currently in her 2-level (but probably much too small) enclosure I clean her substrate out at least once a week and use a puppy pad in the area she usually poos in a feeble attempt to spot clean. The easier the better ha

Yep definitely a Herman! Vets rarely have a clue on how to actually treat tortoises, the fact this one called her a Russian leads me to think they truly have no clue about them.

Do feel free to check out this housing thread, I’d use it to double check your bobs, substrates etc, folks are often sold the wrong stuff unfortunately. This thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc) correct levels, sizing, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room!

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help! I know it’s a lot to go over and take in, take all the time you need, we can go back a break down any information and please ask any further questions you have once going over it, welcome to the forum! Bless you for taking this guy in

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Please can I ask a quick Q? My husband is thinking up design for the indoor area (luckily he's quite handy!) How often would you say they need cleaning out/substrate changing? Fibre rich poos aren't too bad but she does some massive wees, currently in her 2-level (but probably much too small) enclosure I clean her substrate out at least once a week and use a puppy pad in the area she usually poos in a feeble attempt to spot clean. The easier the better ha

In a large adult size, deep cleans don’t need doing often at all, our large set up will only be cleaned 1-2 times a year with daily spot cleans, if the enclosure is too small then you’ll have to do it more often, I’d consider ditching the puppy pad and putting substrate all through, I’d be worried she might try to nibble it

 

[Tom]

Please can I ask a quick Q? My husband is thinking up design for the indoor area (luckily he's quite handy!) How often would you say they need cleaning out/substrate changing? Fibre rich poos aren't too bad but she does some massive wees, currently in her 2-level (but probably much too small) enclosure I clean her substrate out at least once a week and use a puppy pad in the area she usually poos in a feeble attempt to spot clean. The easier the better ha

The enclosure needs to be at least 4x8 feet. This will spread out any waste materials. If you are using 3 to 4 inches of one of the right types of substrate, it will absorb the urine.

You should also be soaking the tortoise two or three times a week. They usually empty their bowel and bladder in a soak to be dumped out elsewhere, which keeps the enclosure much cleaner.

Definitely get rid of the wee wee pad before the tortoise eats it. That is not safe.

 

[RachyRoo]

Thanks both. That's good to know. I will ditch the pads, i brought them out as she decide to wee in the one "bare" spot, on the small bare platform on her second level, outside her substrate-filled room. She was keeping it clean and doing all her waste in the bath (or when roaming the house) up til recently, but it's my fault as she's had too many treats (fruit) and not enough fibre or roams (roll on summer), I need to up my game and I'm going to cut the treats out so she doesnt become fussy. If you have any food list threads to link I'd be really grateful (sorry if posted already I'm working my way through the amazing info)
I've been letting her roam the laminate floor which helped me as I could just wipe up the waste but I now understand this might not be good for her joints so we are now figuring out where to build a better enclosure. Massive relief to me to know it doesn't need cleaning out often as this has been taking me 45 mins a week and is also expensive to rebuy substrate. My only barrier to a good indoor enclosure is my bloody cat thinking it's her new posh litter tray, but I'm sure we'll find ways against that
The vet said I need to get her poo checked for worm levels 1-2 times a year, is this a worthwhile cost? If her weight is staying constant.
Thank you as always.

 

[COmtnLady]

Thank you! I thought so but vet was very defensive that she wasn't, and referred to her as Horsefield (I think). Think I just flushed £43 away for nothing

What you spent your £43 on was discovering this vet does NOT know tortoises and you should never take your tortoise there again. It is money well spent.

What would have happened if your tort was in an emergency that you actually needed a vet for and you went to this one who doesn't have a clue. Now you can find a vet who specializes in tortoises.

The vet said I need to get her poo checked for worm levels 1-2 times a year, is this a worthwhile cost? If her weight is staying constant.
Thank you as always.

The vet who doesn't even know what species your tortoise is, said to do unnecessary things. That vet may be fine with dogs and cats, but is dangerous for your tortoise.

If your tort isn't showing any negative affects, and you are not seeing parasites in the poop, don't sweat the small stuff.

Once you do find a vet who knows which-way-is-up about tortoises, and only IF it would give you peace of mind, take that new vet a sample to assess. Otherwise, as long as your tortoise is doing well, don't worry about tests and such.

Also - Don't allow any vet to give "vitamin shots", its usually just a way for them to pad the bill and isn't usually necessary for your tortoise.


You have gorgeous tortoise!



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Welcome to the Forum!

Have you had a chance to read this yet? It will answer a lot and prompt some questions, plus you can refer back to it easily!

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

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Ask questions and enjoy your tortoise-ing!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks both. That's good to know. I will ditch the pads, i brought them out as she decide to wee in the one "bare" spot, on the small bare platform on her second level, outside her substrate-filled room. She was keeping it clean and doing all her waste in the bath (or when roaming the house) up til recently, but it's my fault as she's had too many treats (fruit) and not enough fibre or roams (roll on summer), I need to up my game and I'm going to cut the treats out so she doesnt become fussy. If you have any food list threads to link I'd be really grateful (sorry if posted already I'm working my way through the amazing info)
I've been letting her roam the laminate floor which helped me as I could just wipe up the waste but I now understand this might not be good for her joints so we are now figuring out where to build a better enclosure. Massive relief to me to know it doesn't need cleaning out often as this has been taking me 45 mins a week and is also expensive to rebuy substrate. My only barrier to a good indoor enclosure is my bloody cat thinking it's her new posh litter tray, but I'm sure we'll find ways against that
The vet said I need to get her poo checked for worm levels 1-2 times a year, is this a worthwhile cost? If her weight is staying constant.
Thank you as always.

No problem at all, yeah I’d definitely start weening completely off any fruit treats, and avoiding letting her roam inside the house, hopefully the threads above will inspire some good ideas for both indoors and out that will keep kitty out
Second above about the testing, if she’s eating and pooping fine with no obvious signs of anything in her stool, don’t worry about it

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

The vet said I need to get her poo checked for worm levels 1-2 times a year, is this a worthwhile cost? If her weight is staying constant.

I agree with others, if your tortoise isn't showing any symptoms like diarrhea, routine fecal samples are unnecessary.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Hi,
I adopted this tortoise from a family member in August 2024. Took her to the vets today but he had no clue when it came to breed or age, I started off thinking she was a Hermann's tortoise but apparently she's too big.
She weighs 1.63kg and her shell is about 8 inches.
She's quite sociable!
Any help much appreciated!
Thanks

View attachment 385285

Here's this written by one of our most experienced keepers..
.How to Identify Hermann's Tortoises

and here's the better care sheet again one of our most experienced keepers...welcome

Hermanns tortoises​

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I thought so but vet was very defensive that she wasn't, and referred to her as Horsefield (I think).

I think that the vet should at least know or to be able to get the information that Horsefields have four toes in each foot, which is a simple characteristic.

I started off thinking she was a Hermann's tortoise but apparently she's too big.

And hermanns are the bigger species of the two...

 

[RachyRoo]

Hi all, not sure if this will flag as a notification to those who have posted but just wanted to share a progress report, this is what my clever hubby has been working on all day! the kids are super impressed too. Part 2 (second level with ramp) to follow in due course. Tortoise is super happy so far. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hi all, not sure if this will flag as a notification to those who have posted but just wanted to share a progress report, this is what my clever hubby has been working on all day! the kids are super impressed too. Part 2 (second level with ramp) to follow in due course. Tortoise is super happy so far. Thanks again for the advice!

Hey! What is the heat bulb you are using and the basking temperature, to me the bulbs seems a little close to the tortoise.

 

[RachyRoo]

Hey! What is the heat bulb you are using and the basking temperature, to me the bulbs seems a little close to the tortoise.

Thanks for the advice, we are just adjusting it, this was just first picture when we got it into the house. The basking temp is 29.1°C. We may need to change the bulb

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks for the advice, we are just adjusting it, this was just first picture when we got it into the house. The basking temp is 29.1°C. We may need to change the bulb

Yeah I’d maybe consider a higher watt and raising it up

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Thanks for the advice, we are just adjusting it, this was just first picture when we got it into the house. The basking temp is 29.1°C. We may need to change the bulb

Good to hear you are already on it!

 

[RachyRoo]

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