Caring for a Horsfield tortoise (also known as a Russian tortoise) in the UK requires attention to their specific needs to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Here’s a guide to their care:
 
Housing
    1.    Indoor Setup:
    •    Use a tortoise table (not a glass tank, as they need good ventilation).
    •    Provide a large space (minimum 4ft x 2ft for one tortoise).
    •    Line the base with a substrate like topsoil mixed with play sand (50/50 mix) or coconut coir. Avoid substrates like wood chips, which can cause impaction if ingested.
    2.    Outdoor Space:
    •    During warm months (15–25°C), they can be kept outdoors in a secure enclosure with a sunny, shaded area and protection from predators.
    •    Ensure there is no risk of them digging under the fence, as they are excellent burrowers.
 
Lighting and Temperature
    •    UVB Light: Provide 10–12 hours of UVB light daily for vitamin D3 synthesis, crucial for shell and bone health.
    •    Basking Spot: Create a warm basking area at 30–32°C (86–90°F).
    •    Cool Side: Maintain a gradient with a cool side around 20–22°C (68–72°F).
    •    Nighttime Temperature: Room temperature (15–20°C or 59–68°F) is sufficient, with no additional heating needed unless the room drops below this.
 
Diet
    •    Horsfield tortoises are herbivores. Feed a diet rich in fiber and low in protein.
    •    Leafy Greens: Dandelion leaves, clover, kale, collard greens, and plantain.
    •    Weeds and Flowers: Safe flowers like hibiscus, pansies, and marigold.
    •    Avoid: Foods high in oxalates (e.g., spinach) or goitrogens (e.g., broccoli), and fruits (can cause digestive issues).
 
Provide cuttlefish bone or a calcium supplement for shell health.
 
Water
    •    Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
    •    Soak your tortoise in lukewarm water 2–3 times a week to ensure hydration.
 
Hibernation
    •    Horsfield tortoises hibernate during winter. If you plan to hibernate your tortoise:
    •    Gradually reduce their food intake and temperatures over a few weeks.
    •    Place them in a hibernation box in a fridge or a cool room (4–8°C or 39–46°F) for up to 3 months.
    •    Only hibernate healthy tortoises over a year old.
 
General Health
    •    Shedding and Growth: Regularly check for healthy growth and ensure there is no pyramiding of the shell.
    •    Veterinary Care: Have regular check-ups with an exotics vet. Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, weight loss, or nasal discharge.
 
By providing these essentials, your Horsfield tortoise can thrive for decades, as they have a long lifespan of 40–50 years.