i rescued a tortoise about 4 months ago, i was told he is a 4 yr old hermann he seemed in really good condition and was very active when we got him (he's in a table top setup) but for a while now he has'nt ate or been out of his hide except for when i took him out to bathe as i am worried he will dehydrate. i think i am feeding him the correct diet e.g. kale, watercress, lambs lettuce, rocket, small amounts of cucumber and spinach, berries (strawberries, blackberries and raspberries) mango, carrot, tomatoes alfalfa grass, dandelions leaves (and alot more) all of which i alternate and i have some suitable flower seed to sow. am i doing something wrong?? i am also putting a pic up can anyone confirm he is definately a hermann??

Hi, I dont keep Hermanns so I cant say for sure, but I am sure someone will come on to confirm, although it does look like one to me.  Here is a link to the care sheet we have (see left menu under 'the tortoise') http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/88.asp .

Firstly, check that the temps are correct - 35C under the basking spot, and 20 in the rest of the table.  Make sure there is water available at all times.  And I would give him daily warm baths, you could add some Reptiboost to the water, which has added minerals etc.  make sure you rinse him in clear water afterwards.

Some of the food you mention is NOT recommended for tortoises.  He should only be eating weeds, eg dandelions, plantain, deadnettle etc, which are all beggining to grow now.  If you cant find many then certainly supplement it with the rocket, curly kale and crispy florette lettuce.  But dont give the fruits that you mention nor can they eat tomatoes  A good site for edible tortoise plants is www.thetortoisetable.org.uk .

Let us know how you get on, regards Vivienne

Hi and
Well done you for helping this little chap. I guess you did not have time to get to know what these marvellous creatures need and their stubborn little ways, I guess you have now read the care sheet that Vivienne directed you too, so will be out there a hunting all those lovely juicy dandelion leaves etc yummy
He looks like a Hermani Boettgeri to me although the photo is abit misleading with the shadings, I thought the shell was flutes at the front at first, another photo not in the infred light would give a clearer photo though.
If you don't mind me asking? when you say he hasn't come out for a while to eat how long would that be? Try getting him to walk around even for half an hour a day, by laying a trail of food in an area that he will be safe to roam about in, just to exercise the joint and keep the muscles built up.
 Its good that you are keeping up the baths every day, keeping him well hydrated is important.
wait your new photo
Jane, Keya & Molly