Russian or Horsefield Tortoise
Testudo horsfieldi
The Horsefield or Russian Tortoise is a widely kept, fairly small species. Being a hardy species, they can tolerate both extreme heat and cold temperatures. They require no article 10 paperwork!
What does the Horsefield Tortoise look like?
Males grow to an adult size of 160mm (6.5"), where as the females are larger measuring 200mm (8"). Dark patches are present on the sandy coloured carapace (shell) and they have a quite rounded outline. This species has a claw present on the tip of the tail.
Where are Horsefield Tortoises it from?
Southern-Western parts of Asia (Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan).
You need to provide two temperatures inside your viv. The cool side of the viv should be 25-35C (77-95F) and 40-45C (104-113F) under a heat lamp. It's best to use a high wattage heat lamp and not heat mats. Using heat mats can cause problems, the tortoise breaths in cold air, while having a warm belly. You must also keep this species quite dry and must not be allowed to become too damp and humid. This can cause shell rot, which unfortunately can lead to death. It is recommended to bathe your tortoise in luc warm water every week, but once cleaned place back in its warm, dry viv to prevent any problems.
This species likes to dig deep burrows and are prone to escaping from gardens!
Are Horsefield Tortoises easy to keep?
Experience with exotic pets is required!
Using a viv, providing a substrate to allow them to dig, maybe use a cat litter tray full of soil and just place newspaper on the floor - this is easier to clean out. Rocks, logs and things for the tortoise to climb over should also be provided. On nice warm, dry days let your Tortoise explore the back garden. Caution should be taken, as Horsefields are great escape artists! Place them in a rabbit run and keep an eye on them as they can burrow under the run.
Feed on a range of fresh vegetables, wild plants and the odd soft fruits. If you have a young Tortoise, chop this up finely. Dusting the food is very important to ensure they have the correct vitamins and minerals. Always provide fresh drinking water in a shallow dish.
Do Your Research: Before you commit to buying any pet, please do your own independent research.
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Link to this page:
http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/russian-tortoise.html
