Horsfield/Russian Tortoise Care

[cmazza]

Hi, I can't see any caresheets specifically for Horsfields on the TT website, are there any other caresheets available on different sites? Thanks

[cottonsocks]

Hi i have a horsefield and was also told to have a vivarium and all the wrong kit for him, since reading the info on how to care for him properly we have made his home outdoors got it all ready but now i need to get the tubular heater on a thermostat so that we can put him out of his misery and get him outside where he should be.so basically im after advice where to get the heater for him from im assuming a reptile shop but any advice of where to go would be appreciated I live in the Bournemouth area I feel awful that I havent got it right for him before now so really want to get him outside asap

[Grond]

Originally Posted by cottonsocks

Hi i have a horsefield and was also told to have a vivarium and all the wrong kit for him, since reading the info on how to care for him properly we have made his home outdoors got it all ready but now i need to get the tubular heater on a thermostat so that we can put him out of his misery and get him outside where he should be.so basically im after advice where to get the heater for him from im assuming a reptile shop but any advice of where to go would be appreciated I live in the Bournemouth area I feel awful that I havent got it right for him before now so really want to get him outside asap

In the summer, you don't need any heat outside unless it's incredibly cold for the time of year. I keep mine outside from May to September, and only bring them in if there's several consecutive days of torrential rain. They do need a roomy shelter outside though, to give shade and allow them to get out of the elements.

[cottonsocks]

thanx thats good news i can get him outside straight away also another question I havent had him hibernate yet which i will prob do this year come the time, my worry is his age he is 4and a half thats if they got it right at the shop i got him from considering the other advice was incorrect i cant besure he isnt big but he isnt tiny either so im guessing they could be right if he is 4 is it too early to hibernate him

[Mrs Mental]

No its not too early as long as he's healthy he can hibernate.

Also and post on the main board as well and you'll get lots more answers for your questions

[cottonsocks]

thanx mrs mental I just assumed that you had to post on the relevant thread i will be braver next time

[cottonsocks]

just to report that our tortoise spent his first day and night in his new home outside and he seems very happy I just wish I had known sooner at least now he is getting the proper care he deserves, im a bit anxious about when it comes time to hibernate as i havent done it before im sure once it been done the first time it will be ok.when they get put in the fridge i take it its a seperate fridge to the household one we have a small fridge which we will prob use i will just need to keep checking the temp in it plenty of research for me to get my teeth into i think

[Mrs Mental]

at you being braver!!!
Yep a seperate fridge with NO ice compartment thingy in it.

I check the temps for a good two weeks before my tortoises go in.

See you on the big Board

[cottonsocks]

I have seen on another thread that horsefields can eat borage i have tons of it in my garden is it just the leaves they can eat or can they have the pretty flowers as well i also have honeysuckle as well which i also saw you could give them how lovely to have such variety to offer him is it just the flowers on the honeysuckle he can have i must seem clueless but i just want to get it right for him thanx

[Grond]

Not sure about borage, but it's just the honeysuckle flowers.