Growth

[ielvinsburrows]

Currently have a five week old eastern hermanns hatchling named Squipperdee. I'll be taking her to college with me and was just wondering how quickly they grow on average and how small the enclosure can be based on her current size.
Thanks all

 

[GBtortoises]

Growth is completely determined by environment which includes temperatures, humidity levels, light intensity & duration and food quality. Under optimal conditions you could expect an newborn Eastern Hermann's to grow about 1-1.5" in the first year. Young growth is more rapid than when they get older. Once your tortoise reaches about 4-5" you should see it's growth rate slow down a lot. Optimal growth conditions being correct temperature, humidity and light patterns as well as a good quality varied diet all of which should not produce accelerated growth or pyramiding.

A single baby Eastern Hermann's the size of yours can be kept in an enclosure as small as about a 16" x 26" Rubbermaid container. But within reason, bigger is always better. When planning an enclosure always keep in mind that tortoises are terrestrial animals. The more square footage you can provide the better for them. The above size would be fine for a short time, six months, maybe even up to a year (depending upon growth) but as your tortoise grows it will require more area. A 24" x 36" enclosure, or something close to those dimensions would be an even better size that would sustain your tortoise for a longer period.

 

[ielvinsburrows]

Growth is completely determined by environment which includes temperatures, humidity levels, light intensity & duration and food quality. Under optimal conditions you could expect an newborn Eastern Hermann's to grow about 1-1.5" in the first year. Young growth is more rapid than when they get older. Once your tortoise reaches about 4-5" you should see it's growth rate slow down a lot. Optimal growth conditions being correct temperature, humidity and light patterns as well as a good quality varied diet all of which should not produce accelerated growth or pyramiding.

A single baby Eastern Hermann's the size of yours can be kept in an enclosure as small as about a 16" x 26" Rubbermaid container. But within reason, bigger is always better. When planning an enclosure always keep in mind that tortoises are terrestrial animals. The more square footage you can provide the better for them. The above size would be fine for a short time, six months, maybe even up to a year (depending upon growth) but as your tortoise grows it will require more area. A 24" x 36" enclosure, or something close to those dimensions would be an even better size that would sustain your tortoise for a longer period.

Thanks so much. So helpful