---
title: "Keeping tortoises: profile and care"
description: "Keeping tortoises: profile with a lifespan of over 50 years, enclosure, UV lighting and a plant-based diet. A calm, extremely long-lived pet."
---

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August 5, 2026

# Keeping tortoises: profile and care

## A calm, long-lived pet – housing, lighting and diet

### At a glance

- **Example:** Hermann's tortoise, up to around 2.5 kg as an adult
- **Lifespan:** often over 50 years, some species more than 100
- **Origin:** the Mediterranean region
- **Housing:** an outdoor enclosure is highly recommended

### The right vivarium

A spacious enclosure with sandy and rocky areas, hides and – wherever possible – a secure outdoor enclosure. A tortoise starter kit measures around 100 cm in length.

### Temperature, lighting & climate

- 25–30 °C depending on species, with a basking spot up to 35 °C
- Correct lighting including UV light is essential
- Sandy and stony substrates

### Feeding

Entirely plant-based: herbs and wild plants.

### Temperament & handling

Calm, diurnal and solitary, with settled routines – tortoises need plenty of space and live to a great age.

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