Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will be receiving a hermann's tortoise in a few weeks. He is only a few months old. I'd like to keep him in a secure pen outside during the day when we're home and can see him, but at night I must bring him in. We have coyotes, fox, raccoon, fishers but they only prowl around at night and even with a secure enclose I don't want to take chances.

Anyway, for the inside pen what light bulb should I use?

Should I leave him only in the inside pen for a few days until he gets adjusted from the shipping?

Will it be okay to move him from his day home to night home or should I keep him in one home and move the entire inside enclosure outside?

Sorry if these sound dumb I just want to make the correct choices.

Thanks,
Jim P

Hello Jim,

You will probably find that it is easiest to keep an inside enclosure and outdoor enclosure. It is much easier to move the tortoise in and out each day rather than the enclosure. Being a baby the tortoise will adjust to this routine. By the way, we also have a group of hermanns and I can personally attest that they are some of the most unproblematic and rewarding tortoises that can be kept. Great choice- Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the info. Will do. This is our first tortoise and after lots of research and advice on boards like this we picked the Hermann's. He arrives on July 1st.

Thanks,
Jim

Hello,

Again, great choice. They are walking rocks- extremely hardy. Don't let them get wet if it's cold and just be prepared, they have an appetite like an elephant. Keep us in pics and take my word for it, you will be a hermanns fan shortly too... Best to you- Mike