09/09/2025
🐢 Hermann’s Tortoise Breeding Guide 🐢
When a new staff member that has not witnessed (heard) our tortoises breeding hears this for the first time when the lights are still off in store 🤣 we have more eggs in the incubator and more to follow it appears!
Thinking about breeding Hermann’s tortoises? These fascinating little reptiles can produce healthy, thriving hatchlings — but it’s essential to understand their natural behaviour, environment, and needs before starting.
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🌿 Breeding Age & Maturity
Males: Usually reach sexual maturity around 5–7 years old.
Females: Typically need to be 8–10 years old and weigh at least 1kg before safely breeding.
Always ensure both tortoises are healthy, parasite-free, and well-fed before pairing.
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🌞 Seasonal Triggers
In the wild, Hermann’s tortoises breed after hibernation when warmer temperatures arrive in spring.
Mimic this naturally: a cooling period or brumation often helps trigger breeding instincts. Or better still a full hibernation.
After waking, males become more active and courtship behaviour begins.
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💚 Courtship & Mating Behaviour
Males may chase, nudge, or even nip females to stimulate mating.
Mating itself can be noisy, as males often make high-pitched sounds during the process.
Always supervise introductions — separate if the female shows signs of stress or injury.
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🥚 Egg Laying & Incubation
Females usually lay 2–12 eggs per clutch, sometimes up to 3 clutches per season.
Provide a deep nesting area with loose, slightly moist substrate like topsoil or sand-soil mix.
Incubation period: 60–90 days depending on temperature.
Temperature-dependent sexing:
Lower temps (~28°C): Mostly males 🧢
Higher temps (~31–32°C): Mostly females 🎀
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🐣 Hatchling Care
Keep hatchlings in a secure, humid enclosure with plenty of hiding spots.
Provide UVB lighting, a calcium-rich diet, and a shallow water dish.
Hatchlings need higher humidity (65–70%) to avoid pyramiding and other shell deformities.
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⚠️ Important Notes
Avoid overbreeding females — always give them a full season’s rest if possible.
Never breed tortoises that aren’t in peak health.
Always have a reptile vet or experienced breeder on hand for advice.
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Did you know? 🐢
Hermann’s tortoises can live over 50 years — meaning a careful, well-planned breeding program is a long-term commitment!
