Hello
I am new here. I have been thinking of getting an Hermanns Tortoise for the psst 3 years. I gather lots of information and still learning a lot. In the meantime I moved to a flat, that means no outdoor area, except for a very big park where I spend most of my spring and summer days. Would my tortie suffer if it stays only indoors? Would it be enough couple of hours a day in summer and spring spent outdoors? Obviously I am aware of the indoor husbandry and the all important UVB light.
Any help greatly appreciated.
thanks
Fredy

 Fredy,

It's always good to welcome new members

Tortoises really should be permitted access to the outside at all times, when the weather is good. The UVB quality from the sun is far more natural and far better quality than any lamps. Also they do need to explore and to keep them indoors for most of the day isn't ideal at all <sorry>

HTH
Darren

Thanks for your reply and the welcome.
I have a park nearby would you suggest that I could take my tortoise for a 'walk on warm days?'

Hi, I'm afraid it wouldn't be a good idea to take it to the park, there a high risk of worms from dogs etc in the grass, it could also be attacked by dogs there, you only have to take your eye off them for a minute and they move like lightening!!  They really need their own space in a garden where they can bask in the sun,dig and forage for weeds and seek cover undisturbed. The aim is to try and replicate their life in the wild.

Regards Vivienne

Like Viv says this wouldnt be a good idea and also tortoises need to get used to the environment they are in, some do not do well to change as this can stress them.

Ali

Hello
years ago I visited North Afric and they do sell Testudo Graeca, Graeca Graeca species for a mere £5 or so. You can buy them in the market. People there keep the tortoise at home, no basking, no Uvb, nothing, just they let the tortoise around their homes just like you would do with a cat. It's amazing! They believe tortoises bring good luch and blessings in the homes and so many people do buy them.
Just sharing
Fredy

Thanks for haring Fredy

Tortoises shouldn't be kept in this manner at all. In the wild they constantly soak up UVB from the sun. From this they utilise the vitamin D3 to maintain their shell and bones. Without sufficient UVB/vitamin D3 the bones and shell won't form properly (in young tortoises) or wont's be maintained properly (in older tortoises).

All the Best
Darren