{"product_id":"horsefield-tortoise","title":"Horsefield Tortoise","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eHorsefield Tortoise \u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTestudo horsfieldii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso Known As:\u003c\/strong\u003e Russian Tortoise \/ Steppe Tortoise\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–20 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40–60+ years\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diurnal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults typically reach \u003cstrong\u003e15–20 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemales are usually larger than males.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHousing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge, secure tortoise table\u003c\/strong\u003e is ideal indoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults need plenty of floor space; bigger is always better.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide deep, dry substrate suitable for digging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInclude hides, rocks, plants and other enrichment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutdoor housing during suitable weather is highly beneficial, with secure sides and a predator-proof roof.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBasking spot:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32–35°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCool end:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–24°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNight:\u003c\/strong\u003e around 15–20°C is suitable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways measure temperatures at tortoise level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a thermostat with controlled heating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLighting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a strong \u003cstrong\u003e10–12% UVB\u003c\/strong\u003e tube covering a large section of the enclosure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUVB is essential for proper calcium metabolism and shell\/bone development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide around \u003cstrong\u003e12 hours of light\u003c\/strong\u003e during the active season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHumidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the enclosure generally \u003cstrong\u003edry with good ventilation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a slightly more humid area\/hide for younger tortoises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid persistently damp conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA humid hide can be particularly useful for juveniles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-fibre, low-protein diet\u003c\/strong\u003e consisting mainly of weeds and leafy greens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent foods include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDandelion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlantain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow thistle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChickweed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEndive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid high-sugar fruit and high-protein foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide \u003cstrong\u003ecalcium regularly\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly for growing tortoises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFood should be available during the active part of the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a \u003cstrong\u003eshallow water dish\u003c\/strong\u003e that the tortoise can easily climb into and out of.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefresh regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYoung tortoises benefit from regular shallow soaks to help maintain hydration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShedding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTortoises shed skin gradually rather than in one complete piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMild flaking is normal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever pull loose skin away.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood hydration and appropriate humidity help support healthy growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHandling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle gently and only when necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport the whole body with both hands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep handling sessions short.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways wash your hands after handling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRunny nose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwollen or closed eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft or misshapen shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoor appetite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLethargy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty breathing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiarrhoea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbnormal growth or pyramiding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOvergrown beak or claws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeek advice from an \u003cstrong\u003eexotic\/reptile veterinarian\u003c\/strong\u003e if you notice persistent abnormalities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove faeces and uneaten food \u003cstrong\u003edaily\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean the water dish regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpot-clean soiled substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplace substrate when necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep food and water areas particularly clean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBefore You Bring Your Animal Home\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet up the enclosure completely beforehand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun the heating and UVB and check temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide suitable substrate, hides and enrichment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave calcium and appropriate weeds\/greens ready.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf keeping outdoors, make sure the enclosure is \u003cstrong\u003esecure against escape and predators\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Bits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐢 \u003cstrong\u003eVery long-lived\u003c\/strong\u003e — this is a decades-long commitment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e☀️ Strong \u003cstrong\u003eUVB and correct basking temperatures are essential\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 Feed a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-fibre, weed-based diet\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🚫 Avoid fruit, meat and high-protein foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e💧 Keep the main enclosure dry but provide access to water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🪨 Provide plenty of space for walking, digging and exploring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🏡 Outdoor time in suitable weather is highly beneficial.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e❌ \u003cstrong\u003eDo not house with tropical tortoise species\u003c\/strong\u003e that require different conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Peregrine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58638444102013,"sku":null,"price":179.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4983\/3648\/files\/XCAH001_1.jpg?v=1788704283","url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/horsefield-tortoise","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}