Do you mean to use as housing? If so get one as large as you can and make sure the sides aren't too shallow lovey or you'll have an escapee!!

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Hi everyone,

I got the best birthday present ever yesterday, a horsfield tort and I've named him Dave (after my Dad). He's 2 years old and is adorable. Got a big cage with all the relevant lamps (UV and heat lamp) and he seems really happy. Pet shop gave me some substrate which lloks like pellets and smells disgusting so need to look into changing this - any advise? Also was advised that unless we plan on breeding then he doesn't need to be chipped or to go into hibernation (even tho he's too nyoung for either of these yet anyway), again is this true. I was hoping only to keep him indoors but now reading all this, confused as to whether put him outside in the summer or not?? Really want to give him the best enclosure so plan on letting him do loads of burrowing but need to get the substrate sorted pretty soon. Any help or advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks x

wrong place to post a question just start a new thread on the main page and you'll get lots more response With horsfeilds the best sustrate is either top soil by itself or with some playsand added, less sand than soil, top soil that has nothing added even soil from your garden as l;ong as its had no fertilser etc they love to dig and the substrate needs to be deep as your house will allow, as for hibernation your tort can be hibernated from its first year providing its healthy and a good weight however as you have only just got him/her then give this year a miss and maybe aim for next year. Chipping is also in case the tort goes missing or is stolen so although its not essential when your tort becomes big enough then its a good idea, outside in the summer is so beneficial for torts and they can go out from spring to autumm as long as they have protection from predators and a nice warm dry house. look forward to seeing you on the main page

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2 med spur thighs
2 hermans
2 turtles
2 guinea pigs
6 cockatiels
2 lineolated parakeets