I'm now the proud owner of a small but very cute Hermann tortoise. 

Pippin is about 8 months old, 3 inches long and weighs about 68 grams. Before buying him/her I did do a lot of research on the web about the type of environment, food, heating, lighting, toys etc a tortoise would need. So kept clear of vivariums and went for a tortoise table, with no glass sides and a covered section one end.  I have a heat lamp (100w) and a UVA bulb too.

However, I think I might have OD'd on the information and now am confused as to what are the right and wrong things to do.  Since getting him home I've put out a selection of food but I'm not sure if he is eating anything.  I've followed the advice of putting him in water to encourage drinking but he just gives me a quizical look as if to say " and you want me to do what?"

He seems active during the middle part of the day but then he retires to the covered section of his table and burrows into the substrate.  Is this normal?  He completely buried himself last night and scared the life out of me as I thought he had escaped.

So just wondering if someone could give me a few hints and tips to get started and also, is Pippin an ideal weight for a small tortoise?  I've read your factsheets but I just need something slightly more simple (if that makes sense).

Sorry for the long post but just need piece of mind.

Kind regards

Debbie (and Pippin)

At 3" I suspect it's older than 8 months, is it from a pet dealer ?

Can you specify which UV bulb please ? 

I suggest that you offer a small food item & observe. 

Which food items are you providing ?

Re. water - they don't always drink, but a soak is beneficial.

When indoors they are usually active after basking & thus at optimum temperature.

Yes they will dig in a bit at night, however they don't tunnel.

So putting simply - after basking he will forage, that's the time to put a small item of food in.

Regards,

Tom

ps Did you get an A10 Certificate ?

Thanks for your reply.  Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.  We've had bereavement in the family.

I obtained Pip from a local Reptile seller that does have a good reputation.  We did get an A10 certificate with him and I think that is where I may have got slightly confused with his age.  I mistook "Date of Issue" for "Date of Birth". How old  you you think he might be given his size?

Since I last typed, Pip seems to be more settled.  As we've had a couple of really warm days, I've taken him outside and he has spent some time on the grass.  He appears to really like clover and grass.  I also managed to get some living cress and have planted a little of that in his indoor run.  He appears to like that too.

The UV bulb is a 15w UVB 10.0.  Is this suitable?  It's a coiled bulb and I've recently been told this might not be suitable as it could damage his eyes.

I do soak him regularly and he does seem to quite like his baths.

Kind regards

Debbie