The eastern hermann’s tortoise is one of the most popular species of pet tortoise today. They require minimal care and can provide hours of entertainment.
Their diet consists of a diverse mixture of foods, from grasses and stems to roots, fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables. To keep them healthy and contented with food, make sure your tortoise receives an varied and balanced diet.
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Herbivore Diet
Eastern Hermann’s tortoises are herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants. Additionally, they take in small amounts of snails, earthworms, slugs and insects for nutrition.
Herbivores possess special digestive tracts that enable them to break down various kinds of plant material. This could include fruits, seeds and vegetables.
Herbivores typically have large front teeth, known as incisors, and molars in the back of their mouth that help them break up plants for food. This arrangement allows them to consume food more quickly.
Herbivores tend to be larger than omnivores or carnivores, as they must consume more plants for energy production.
Meat
Eastern Hermann’s tortoises are primarily herbivores (folivores). These species consume a wide range of plants like dandelions, clover, strawberries and herbs.
Their diets can also be supplemented with smaller amounts of snails, earthworms and slugs. Furthermore, they will consume carrion from rabbits, lizards and amphibians.
These animals require a high calcium diet to support their rapid growth rates and the development of egg-laying females. Store-bought greens like curly endive, collard greens and chicory are excellent sources of this vital nutrient.
Meat can be an optional extra, but should not make up more than 10% of a tortoise’s food intake. Ideally, most of their diet should consist of leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, kale, mustard greens, baby spinach and carrot tops.
Vegetables
Hermann’s tortoises are primarily vegetarian and should receive a variety of grasses, leafy greens and vegetables as part of their diet. While they are capable of eating small insects, these should only make up a small part of their meal.
Hermann’s tortoises make excellent pets and can be a wonderful addition to any home. They require minimal care and grow rapidly.
They come in both western and eastern subspecies. Western subspecies tend to be smaller than their eastern counterparts, but can grow up to 8 inches long.
Hermann’s snail shells typically exhibit a dark, rich yellow hue with up to 50% of their scutes being dark brown or black in hue. Young Hermann’s are paler than adults.
Hermann's can be a voracious eater, so be sure to offer them a variety of plants in their enclosure. Most edible flowers, berries and grasses will do fine but be aware that too much exposure to one type of plant could prove toxic if consumed too much; thus be vigilant for any abnormal behavior or signs.
Fruit
Fruit diets can be an excellent way to add variety and nutrition to a tortoise’s food intake, but should never surpass 10% of their total daily ration.
Eastern hermann’s tortoises are primarily herbivores and should be fed a variety of leafy green vegetables, such as Romaine lettuce, collard greens or beet greens.
Tortoises also enjoy a selection of “lumpier” vegetables like peppers, cauliflower and broccoli. While these should only be offered occasionally, you can mix them into your tortoise’s basic vegetable mix for greater variety and nutritional value.
Tortoises should also receive a source of calcium to maintain healthy bones. This can come in the form of crushed cuttlebone or powdered calcium products that can be sprinkled onto their food.
