Horsefield Tortoise

Common Name: Horsfield's Tortoise
Scientific Name: Testudo horsfieldii
Source: CB
Adult Size: 15–25cm shell length; females typically larger than males
Native Range: Central Asia — from Iran and Afghanistan east through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and into Pakistan and western China

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult, with a deep layer of sandy loam or topsoil/play sand mix substrate to allow natural digging behaviour, a defined basking spot, at least one secure hide, and a shallow food dish
Heating: Basking spot of 35–40°C; ambient cool side 20–25°C; night-time drop to 15–18°C is acceptable and natural for this species
Humidity: 30–50% — keep the enclosure generally dry; a light mist or damp hide corner can be offered periodically but avoid prolonged high humidity
UVB: A 12% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the tortoise can bask 25–35cm from the lamp — this species is a strong, open-habitat basker and requires high UV exposure to metabolise calcium correctly
Diet: Primarily broad-leaved weeds and leafy greens — dandelion, plantain, clover, and hibiscus leaves are ideal staples. Dust food lightly with calcium supplement at most feeds and use a combined calcium/D3 supplement once weekly. Feed adults every other day; juveniles daily. Fruit and high-protein foods should be avoided entirely.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Horsfield's Tortoises — also known as Russian or Central Asian Tortoises — are one of the most widely kept tortoise species in the UK, and for good reason. Hailing from the arid steppes and semi-desert regions of Central Asia, they are naturally adapted to dramatic seasonal extremes, making them a hardy and characterful choice for reptile keepers. Their compact, domed shells and strong, spade-like forelimbs (adapted for digging deep burrows in the wild) give them a wonderfully robust appearance.

These tortoises are active, inquisitive, and surprisingly personable — they quickly learn to associate their keeper with food and will often patrol their enclosure with purpose during the day. They are well suited to intermediate keepers who can commit to their long lifespan (often 40–60 years or more in good care) and their requirement for a proper winter hibernation period, which is an important part of keeping them healthy long-term.