🐢 Horsfield’s Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) Care Sheet

Also Known As: Russian Tortoise
Origin: Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan)
Size: 15–25 cm (6–10 inches)
Lifespan: 40–50+ years
Temperament: Calm, curious, and relatively hardy
Activity: Diurnal and terrestrial, known for being active and good climbers

🏠 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

• Humidity Level: 30–50%

• Soaks: Offer shallow luke warm water baths every week to ensure hydration.

🥬 Feeding

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

• Avoid: Fruit and high-protein foods.

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

🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Spot Clean: Daily removal of waste and uneaten food

• Deep Clean: Monthly substrate refresh and enclosure wipe-down

• Outdoor Pens: Regularly inspect for burrows or escape routes