I am hoping to get a pet tortoise soon I have wanted one for years. I have been researching as I want to create a happy home. I am struggling to find out if the Hermann tortoise are happiest living alone or in a pair. I don't want to ask a supplier as I'm worried they will just say a pair if they think I'll buy two! Can anyone help? I am more than happy to have one, but I want him to be happy so if he need a companion that's what I will do - Many Thanks

Two females do very well together & are 100 times more interesting than keeping one.

You can't keep one male with a female, as sexual behaviour is persistent & can be aggressive.

Two males, if raised together usually live happily together & are similarly more interesting.

 Sex is determined by incubation temperature & if accurately measured is quite accurate with Hermanns, but not guaranteed.

When you say "a supplier,"if by this you mean a retailer, I would say avoid at all costs!! Be careful online as flashy names are meaningless, for example "Centre" can mean massive importer. Be sure to buy from a UK breeder.

Regards,

Tom