Please help to identify my Tortoise.

[Malcolm2583]

Hi
I bought my tortoise 9 years ago and was told that it was an Horsefield, and that it was an female.
I have not been too bothered until recently when other people have stated that she is an Herman.
I have decided now that I think she would like an companion, so need to know for definite the following :-
1. What species the Tortoise is.
2. If she is infact an female.
Thanks in advance.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

1. This is a Hermann's tortoise (definitely not a Horsfield/Russian)
2. Can't see the vent in the tail to confirm sex
3. Your tortoise would not *like* a companion. You may want a second tortoise, but be prepared to house them separately.

 

[Malcolm2583]

Hi
Thanks for getting back to me. So here is my other question. In the UK I have been told that you need papers to have an Hermann. Do you know how I go about obtaining this?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Malcolm, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum .
I agree, it is a Hermann's.
I think female, but a closer shot of the underside and particularly the tail area would help tell for sure.
I have never heard of papers being required for ownership of a Hermann's but I haven't lived in the UK for many years.
Have a look at http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/
then http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-end-of-pyramiding.15137/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/
Nice to have you with us.

 

[Malcolm2583]

Here is a better shot, so hopefully someone can confirm sex for me.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Here is a better shot, so hopefully someone can confirm sex for me.

Yup, female.

 

[Malcolm2583]

Thank you for both your help.
Really appreciated.

 

[Tom]

Female for sure, but understand that tortoise should not be kept in pairs. They do NOT want or need companionship. They are solitary creatures and and other tortoises are seen as attackers or or intruders to be attacked, NOT as "friends".

Groups with one adult male and a few females can frequently work, but not pairs of any sexes. Even the groups don't always work.

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome! I have a leopard tort in the UK which was a rescue and when I took it to the vet he didn't mention that I needed papers - maybe because he was found so I don't know his history. I have read something about papers for torts but not really looked into it. Maybe breeders/pet shops issue them?

This is a good warning thread regarding keeping 2 torts.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...together-a-lesson-learned-the-hard-way.94114/

 

[Yvonne G]

I'm pretty sure you need some sort of paperwork to purchase or sell tortoises in the UK:

http://www.tortoisecentre.co.uk/Tortoise law.aspx

 

[WithLisa]

In the UK I have been told that you need papers to have an Hermann. Do you know how I go about obtaining this?

If you want to sell Hermanns in the EU you have to have papers to proof that they were captive breed and not wild caught because Hermanns are an endangered species. You also need papers if you want to export your tortoises or sell any offspring.

As far as I know only the breeder can make an application for papers.

 

[DutchieAmanda]

If it's the same as in the Netherlands you need CITES papers. Maybe you can ask at DEFRA?

 

[Malcolm2583]

Hi
Just an heads up. I have contacted DEFRA who referred me too CITES. They have explained without any breeder details, and not knowing for certain how old she is they cannot issue an certificate. Plus they have asked for the details of where she was advertised, and purchased as an Horsfield.
Apparently here in the UK if an Tortoise has been in captivity in the same place for 2 decades you do not require any papers.
Also you cannot sell the Tortoise, or any offspring. You must give these away for free.
Hope that helps.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

If you decided to buy a second tort please make sure that you do NOT keep them in the same enclosure: torts are not in need of company.

And GOD bless your cute tort.

 

[BethP]

Hi everyone!
I’m in a similar situation! I bought what i was told was a 6 year old hermanns but I’m now thinking it’s a horsefield and when I have asked the old owner about the paperwork she has not replied ?
Can someone help me?

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Hi everyone!
I’m in a similar situation! I bought what i was told was a 6 year old hermanns but I’m now thinking it’s a horsefield and when I have asked the old owner about the paperwork she has not replied ?
Can someone help me? View attachment 317849

That's a Horse field tortoise.

 

[BethP]

Thank you! I’m annoyed cos I went out of my way to get a Herman. she was hibernating when I got her though so didn’t get old look.

All my knowledge is Herman based - I know horsefield’s like to burrow. Any other big differences I should know about before I do something wrong?

 

[Yossarian]

Thank you! I’m annoyed cos I went out of my way to get a Herman. she was hibernating when I got her though so didn’t get old look.

All my knowledge is Herman based - I know horsefield’s like to burrow. Any other big differences I should know about before I do something wrong?

They have a lot of similarities, we use the same care sheet for both.

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