Horsefield tortoise

Horsefield tortoise

(Testudo horsfieldii)

Max size: Horsefields are quite a small species of tortoise with males reaching only about 6.5" in length, while females are generally larger reaching up to 8" in some instances

Temperament Usually Docile, timid 

Life span: With appropriate care Horsefield tortoises are very long lived. Reaching the age of 70 years or more is not uncommon, although many do not reach this milestone if essential care, enclosure conditions and dietary requirements are not strictly maintained.

Day temperature 20-30C with a basking area of up to 40C

Night temperature Should not fall any lower than 17C

Lighting High-level UVB

Humidity 40-50%

Diet Your tortoise's diet consists of vegetation such as dandelion, clover, leafy salads, watercress, curly kale, spring greens, coriander, parsley, rocket, carrot, parsnip, courgette and bell peppers. The bulk of the vegetation should be leafy greens. If you are unsure if something is safe or not for your tortoise to eat then you should always check to make sure it is before offering it.

Enclosure Wooden vivariums are a great choice as they are good at retaining heat. The wooden vivarium should have good ventilation to allow air flow in and out of the enclosure. The vivarium should be at least 34" in length for a juvenile and 46" for an adult. The enclosure needs to be hot at one end, but have enough distance for the temperature to drop at the cool end. Tortoise tables may be used but as they insulate no heat they are only recommended for use in houses that are naturally warm. The table should be at least 35" long.

Community Tortoises can be considered a communal species, although many aspects need to be considered before doing so. Males and females are better kept separately except for breeding purposes. Males may also fight with other males for dominance if they are housed together. If you do house multiple Horsefield tortoises in the same enclosure you must be prepared to separate if any problems do arise. Horsefield tortoises should never be kept with any other species of tortoise except other Horsefield tortoises.

Sexing Male Horsefield tortoises have longer tails while females have shorter tails. Females are larger in size as an adult.

Breeding When the female will lay eggs depends on several factors like time of mating, temperature, length of day etc. Most mating happens in the spring after hibernation but the Horsefield tortoise is known to mate all year round. In most cases, after hibernation the breeding and egg laying time will come

The same housing hiding spot that you provide is where the female will lay her eggs. The substrate needs to consist of at least 6" of topsoil with a mix of sand, hay or sphagnum moss. This will allow the female to dig down enough to lay her eggs. Females often will lay 2 to 3 batches of eggs at 2 week intervals. Make sure you provide enough water for the female as they use extra water while they lay eggs.

Russell McRae