Hermanns

Question
I have owned my 2006 Herman tortoise for nearly two months. I keep the temperature of
the tank at 31C during the day and 20C at night. I feed it everyday with green
leafs and fruits. It does not eat the tortoise pellets i got from the pet store,
and tends to eat less when i dust the food with cuttlefish(for calcium) The
tortoise is very strong and active when it is awake. Because it does not eat the
pellets or cuttlefish, is it still getting enough vitamins, and how else can i
provide it with calcium? Also, Is the shell meant to be smooth or fairly rigid??
thanks, Sarah

Answer
1. Temps- the temps seem a bit too high during the day, and a bit low at night. Not too bad, but consider a minor adjustment.

2. Hermann's do not eat much fruit, mostly occasional low-lying berries like strawberries and cacti fruits. Also, try more dark leafy greens- dandelion, turnip greens, etc. and focus on the endive and escarole lettuces. Add plant leaves (hibiscus, mulberry, etc.), flowers, Timothy hay (but not alfalfa), and cacti pads.

3. A better source of calcium dust is ReptiCal or pure powdered Calcium Carbonate from a health food store. It is a finer powder that the tortoises eat better. Keep the distings VERY light.

4. The shell should be nice and hard, but also pretty smooth.  

5. For some great care info, try http://www.tortoisetrust.org and http://www.tlady.clara.net/id16.htm