Horsefield Tortoise

Horsefield Tortoise 

Scientific Name: Testudo horsfieldii
Also Known As: Russian Tortoise / Steppe Tortoise
Adult Size: 15–20 cm
Lifespan: 40–60+ years
Difficulty: Intermediate
Activity: Diurnal
Diet: Herbivore

Size

• Adults typically reach 15–20 cm.
• Females are usually larger than males.

Housing

• Large, secure tortoise table is ideal indoors.
• Adults need plenty of floor space; bigger is always better.
• Provide deep, dry substrate suitable for digging.
• Include hides, rocks, plants and other enrichment.
• Outdoor housing during suitable weather is highly beneficial, with secure sides and a predator-proof roof.

Temperature

• Basking spot: 32–35°C
• Cool end: 20–24°C
• Night: around 15–20°C is suitable.
• Always measure temperatures at tortoise level.
• Use a thermostat with controlled heating.

Lighting

• Provide a strong 10–12% UVB tube covering a large section of the enclosure.
• UVB is essential for proper calcium metabolism and shell/bone development.
• Provide around 12 hours of light during the active season.

Humidity

• Keep the enclosure generally dry with good ventilation.
• Provide a slightly more humid area/hide for younger tortoises.
• Avoid persistently damp conditions.
• A humid hide can be particularly useful for juveniles.

Food

• Feed a high-fibre, low-protein diet consisting mainly of weeds and leafy greens.
• Excellent foods include:
  • Dandelion
  • Plantain
  • Sow thistle
  • Clover
  • Chickweed
  • Endive
  • Rocket
• Avoid high-sugar fruit and high-protein foods.
• Provide calcium regularly, particularly for growing tortoises.
• Food should be available during the active part of the day.

Water

• Provide a shallow water dish that the tortoise can easily climb into and out of.
• Refresh regularly.
• Young tortoises benefit from regular shallow soaks to help maintain hydration.

Shedding

• Tortoises shed skin gradually rather than in one complete piece.
• Mild flaking is normal.
• Never pull loose skin away.
• Good hydration and appropriate humidity help support healthy growth.

Handling

• Handle gently and only when necessary.
• Support the whole body with both hands.
• Keep handling sessions short.
• Always wash your hands after handling.

Health

Watch for:

• Runny nose
• Swollen or closed eyes
• Soft or misshapen shell
• Poor appetite
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhoea
• Abnormal growth or pyramiding
• Overgrown beak or claws

Seek advice from an exotic/reptile veterinarian if you notice persistent abnormalities.

Cleaning

• Remove faeces and uneaten food daily.
• Clean the water dish regularly.
• Spot-clean soiled substrate.
• Replace substrate when necessary.
• Keep food and water areas particularly clean.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Set up the enclosure completely beforehand.
• Run the heating and UVB and check temperatures.
• Provide suitable substrate, hides and enrichment.
• Have calcium and appropriate weeds/greens ready.
• If keeping outdoors, make sure the enclosure is secure against escape and predators.

Important Bits

• 🐢 Very long-lived — this is a decades-long commitment.
• ☀️ Strong UVB and correct basking temperatures are essential.
• 🌿 Feed a high-fibre, weed-based diet.
• 🚫 Avoid fruit, meat and high-protein foods.
• 💧 Keep the main enclosure dry but provide access to water.
• 🪨 Provide plenty of space for walking, digging and exploring.
• 🏡 Outdoor time in suitable weather is highly beneficial.
• ❌ Do not house with tropical tortoise species that require different conditions.