Russian TortoiseThe Russian Tortoise (a.k.a. Steppe, Afghan, or Horsfeld’s Tortoise) is a recent introduction to the pet trade of the Western World. Little is known about its natural habits, and consequently our understanding of its proper care in captivity is continually improving. Presently, two subspecies have been proposed; T. horsfieldi kazachtanica with a range from Kazakhstan to Turkmeniya, and T. horsfieldi rustmovi from southwestern Turkmenistan.
T. horsfieldi horsfieldi occurs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. Subspecies differences are based on very subtle variations in bone structure, and are of little more than academic interest to the average owner; there is no difference presently suggested in the captive care of the different subspecies. In the former Soviet Union, the tortoise is found in sandy or loamy habitats. Elsewhere in its range, it may also be found living in grassy areas of rocky or hilly terrain. likes to burrow, and it is known to spend the better part of the year underground. It may dig its own burrows, or it may utilize the abandoned burrows of tunneling mammalian species, or those of other tortoises.
Captive Environment
T. horsfieldi may be allowed access to an outdoor enclosure, but remember that this tortoise is an excellent digger and a potential escape artist. Using a child’s play-pool or a watering trough as an enclosure will prevent most escape problems and accommodate the use of enough substrate to allow for an artificial burrow. An artificial burrow may consist of an appropriately-sized piece of pipe (clay, concrete, or PVC) or a flower pot buried in the enclosure substrate at an angle. A T. horsfieldi specimen would be very happy to utilize such an “abandoned” burrow. This sort of setup may be used indoors or outdoors. A temperature range of 80 to 90°F during the day and 70 to 75°F at night will be adequate to provide normal levels of activity and rates of metabolism. Temperatures exceeding 90°for extended periods may be dangerous. Water should always be provided, as well as a shaded area. The enclosure substrate should not be moist, and the burrow should also always be dry. Indoor enclosures must be provided with an artificial UV-light source (Vita-lite or Chromolux) for about five hours daily. This light cannot pass through glass or plastic, and the bulb should be replaced at six to nine-month intervals. Testudo species do have a need to hibernate (aestivate) in the winter months. It is believed that aestivation is essential to the maintenance of a tortoises health and directly affects their life span. Do not attempt to hibernate a tortoise without first consulting a veterinarian concerning the proper procedure. Improper hibernation or the hibernation of a less-than-healthy specimen may be fatal.
Diet
T. horsfieldi is primarily a herbivore. They may graze on grasses, but in the wild such behavior is rarely observed. In captivity, a diet very high in fiber is essential. Feeding natural grasses and weeds, cabbage, and other coarse green leafy materials will work well for a captive diet. This may be supplemented with occasional fruits and more frequently other vegetables. Commercial diets (Mazuri Tortoise Food, Pretty Pets, etc) are available but should not be used exclusively. Box Turtle diets are too high in protein and should not be used. Even a good diet should be supplemented with a reptile vitamin powder (Vionate, Nekton-REP, Nekton-REP-Color) sprinkled on the food.
Michael S. Samuels, D.V.M.
Central Animal Hospital
