🐢 Horsefield Tortoise Care Sheet | Roxy’s Pet Shop
About Horsefield Tortoises
Scientific Name: Testudo horsfieldii
Lifespan: 40–60 years (or more with good care)
Adult Size: 6–10 inches (shell length)
Temperament: Curious, active, friendly tortoise — great for beginners
Housing
- Enclosure Type: Open-top Tortoise Table — essential for good airflow and low humidity.
- Minimum Size: 90 x 60cm (3x2ft) for a juvenile; bigger for adults
- Substrate:
- Mix of mineral soil , woodchip , 2–4 inches deep for digging.
- Keep dry; spot clean daily and replace when needed.
- Décor: Hides, logs, flat rocks for basking, and edible safe plants.
Heating & Lighting
- Basking Area: 30–32°C (86–90°F)
- Cool Side: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
- Nighttime Temperature: Can drop to 16°C (60°F)
- UVB Lighting: Essential — 10–12% UVB tube light or combined UVB/heat bulb, on for 10–12 hours daily.
- Heating: Overhead basking bulb (with guard) controlled by a thermostat.
Humidity & Water
- Humidity Level: 30–50% (low) — Horsefields require a dry environment.
- Water: Shallow water dish for drinking and soaking — refresh daily.
- Soaking: Juveniles should be bathed in lukewarm water 2–3 times a week; adults weekly.
Feeding
- Diet: 100% plant-based (herbivore).
- Daily fresh weeds and leafy greens: dandelion, plantain, clover, romaine lettuce, kale.
- Occasional safe flowers: hibiscus, rose petals, pansies.
- Avoid fruit, spinach, iceberg lettuce, and high-protein foods.
- Calcium Supplement: Sprinkle on food 4–5 times per week (plus cuttlefish bone in the table for free access).
Handling
- Gentle handling only — avoid stressing or flipping.
- Supervised floor time indoors or outdoor pens in warm weather recommended.
Cleaning
- Spot Clean: Daily waste removal.
- Deep Clean: Monthly full clean of table and replacement of substrate.
🛒 Essential Shopping List
✔️ Tortoise Table (minimum 90x60cm)
✔️ Substrate: Topsoil & wood chip or aspen
✔️ Overhead Basking Bulb + Lamp Holder
✔️ UVB Tube Light (10–12% UVB) + Reflector
✔️ Digital Thermometer
✔️ Shallow Water Bowl
✔️ Food Dish (optional — can feed directly on substrate)
✔️ Hide/Cave
✔️ Flat Rocks for Basking
✔️ Edible Plants / Artificial Décor
✔️ Cuttlefish Bone (Calcium Source)
✔️ Calcium Powder Supplement
✔️ Reptile-Safe Disinfectant