Four-toed tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)

🎨 Appearance and Characteristics

🐢 Length: Adult tortoises grow to about 13–25 cm (5–10 in).

🐾 Body and Crown: They have a firm, low, and rather round crown with a color ranging from tan, yellow, to olive-brown with darker patterns — color varies by location and individual.

🦶 Feet: They are characterized by having four toes, distinguishing them from some other Testudo species.

🔍 Sex Differences: Males tend to be slightly smaller, with a longer and thicker tail section than females.

Note: There are no artificially bred "morphs" in captivity like with many snakes or lizards; all colors and variations reflect the natural population.

🌍 Origin and habitat in nature

In its natural environment, horsfieldii lives in dry, rocky steppes and semi-desert areas, often near vegetation or water. It creates deep underground burrows that serve as shelter from extreme heat and cold.

These turtles occur in conditions with large daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations: hot dry summers and very cold, sometimes freezing winters.

🧠 Nature and behavior

🐢 Temperament: Generally peaceful, curious and active during the day (diurnal).

🪶 Social behavior: As adults, they prefer to live alone; when mating or in a narrow space, males may show territorial behavior or aggression towards other individuals.

⚠️ Escapes and defense: They are very skilled at digging and escaping — they need safe and solid fencing, as they can dig tunnels and escape.

🐢 Daytime: In warm areas they actively bask and search the surroundings when it is too hot or too cold, ⁠looking for shelters or underground chambers.

🏡 Habitat and Terrarium Requirements
📐 Size and Type of Space

Horsfield tortoises love space.

Outdoors: Ideally spacious, predator-proof fenced enclosures with a surface area of ​​at least 2 × 4 ft (approximately 60 × 120cm) for one–two individuals.

Bottom: If kept indoors, they should have a large area to move around, ideally a tortoise table > 150 × 90cm for an adult individual.

🌞 Temperature and Light

Daytime temperature: ~24–29°C normally, with a warmer basking (basking) ~32–35°C.

Nighttime temperature: can drop without problems, but should not be extremely low in the home environment.

UVB light: UVB light is very important for the synthesis of vitamin D3 and the proper mineralization of the crown and bones.

🌵 Substrate and hiding places

Substrate: dry substrate with the possibility of mixing - e.g. a high-quality sand-soil mixture or a mix with coconut fibers, sufficient depth for various activities.

Hiding places: various hiding places and covered areas that mimic their natural burrows and provide security.

💧 Water and humidity

Water: always available shallow dish with clean water.

Humidity: rather low to moderate (around 40–60%), without excess humidity in the environment.

🍽️ Diet and Nutrition

Horsfieldi tortoises are typically herbivorous and require a high fiber, low protein diet:

🌿 Staple foods: Grassy plants, edible weeds, and wild herbs (e.g. dandelion, plantain, St. John's wort) are ideal.

🥬 Leafy greens: collards, kale, turnips, mustard — the more fiber and the less sugars and starches, the better.

🍎 Fruit: Very limited and occasional, if at all; too much fruit can lead to digestive upset.

🍽 No-gos: Meat, dairy, bread, processed foods, and high-protein mixes.

Proper calcium and vitamin levels are important, ideally with UVB lighting and regular supplementation to prevent metabolic diseases.

🩺 Health and Common Problems

Horsfield's tortoises are generally hardy and robust, but even in good conditions, the following problems can occur:

🦴 Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

A lack of UVB and adequate calcium leads to weakening of the crown and bones.

🫁 Respiratory Infections

A damp or cold environment without adequate heat and ventilation can cause respiratory problems, sneezing, or labored breathing.

🍂 Shedding and Skin Problems

A poor diet or humidity can lead to crown deformities or skin problems, including fungal infections or painful conditions.

🪱 Parasites and GI Problems

Intestinal parasites can occur, causing flatulence, diarrhea, and weight loss — diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian is important.

🐾 Breeding Mistakes

For example, overfeeding, too hot or humid an environment, unsuitable substrates and unsuitable pastures can lead to rapid growth and deformities.

💡 Preventive care with an emphasis on UVB, a balanced diet and a consistent daily routine helps prevent most problems.

🐣 Reproduction

Testudo horsfieldii is oviparous:

Females lay eggs in a heated, moist substrate several weeks after copulation.

Incubation takes several weeks to months depending on temperature and humidity.

Many individuals may be capable of hibernation / brumation, which is a natural part of their metabolism and helps with proper reproduction.

⚖️ Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
🟩 Advantages

✔ Relatively low-maintenance compared to some reptiles — if they have the right environment and UVB.