🐢 Horsfield’s Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)

A small, hardy tortoise species well-suited to indoor or outdoor setups, known for its curious nature and digging habits.

Origin: Central Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan)
Size: 15–25 cm (6–10 inches)
Lifespan: 40–60 years in captivity
Temperament: Generally calm but active and determined
Activity: Diurnal and terrestrial

🏠 Housing

• Indoor Enclosure: At least 90 cm x 60 cm (3' x 2'); larger is better. Avoid glass tanks—use open tortoise tables for ventilation.

• Outdoor Housing: Enclosed, predator-proof outdoor pens are ideal in suitable climates.

• Substrate: A suitable soil substrate such as tortoise life, or straw pellets. Keep it dry.

• Hides & Décor: Provide shallow hides, rocks for climbing, and shaded areas.

🌡️ Temperature & Lighting

• Basking Spot: 32–35°C (90–95°F)

• Cool Side: 20–24°C (68–75°F)

• Night Temperature: Can drop to 16°C (60°F)

• Lighting: UVB is essential for calcium metabolism—use at least a 10.0 UVB tube bulb or a mercury vapour bulb 12–14 hrs/day.

💧 Humidity

• Ideal humidity: 30–50%

• Keep substrate dry to prevent respiratory issues

💧 Water

• Shallow water dish available at all times

• Soak once or twice weekly, especially for juveniles

🥬 Feeding

• Diet: 100% herbivorous – mainly leafy greens, weeds, and some flowers.

• Ideal foods include dandelion, plantain, clover, sow thistle, romaine, and occasional kale

• Avoid fruit, high-protein foods and high-oxalate greens like spinach

• Supplements: Dust food with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder once/week.

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot clean daily

• Deep clean every 4–6 weeks and refresh substrate as needed

• Disinfect water and food bowls regularly