Setting up for a horsefield?

_simon_ · 28-04-2011, 09:55 AM

Ok, so I have the indoor enclosure which provides about 5ft x 2.5ft of floor space. Obviously I need basking and UV and from what I've read sterilised topsoil from B&Q is the recommended substrate but what else do I need in there? I have a variety of rocks I could use but I'm concerned about the poor tortoise trying to climb and falling on its back.

How many hides will I need to add and what depth of substrate?

Anything else I've not thought of?

I have ordered the Russian Tortoises book by E.J Prog but it's not arrived yet.

burnt toast · 28-04-2011, 02:47 PM

Hi Simon
A low lipped water bowl that you can sink into substrate making it easy for him to entry/exit without tipping up containing some stones, so he can right himself if he does. Cuttlefish - I take the hard backing off with a sharp knife (not sure if you need to ) I have always done this but last time didnt & they havent touched it, so will in future! As for substrate depth it would depend on size of tort but deeper the better, so depends how deep your table/cage is. As for tipping up I copied Alan's idea & put some large cobbles (garden centres/builders yards sell them) around under the heat lamp about a shells width away from edge, so if he tips up he can reach something & lever himself back up. Oh & a slate or upside down (rough side up) tile for him to eat his food off. - you can get free samples either internet or tile shop - ask for a sample as your considering retiling a large kitchen!!

burnt toast · 28-04-2011, 02:50 PM

& a couple of hides a plant pot on its side is popular or a little wooden house meant for little furry animals! you can make a good hill out of a plant pot on its side buried in the substrate.

Kirkie · 29-04-2011, 01:49 PM

I like cork bark. Curved pieces make good hides and they can climb over them so you don't lose any floor space. Its also very light so theres no chance of it causing injury by falling on the tortoise etc.

28-04-2011, 09:55 AM	#1
_simon_ Member Incubating Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cannock, UK. Posts: 232	Setting up for a horsefield? Ok, so I have the indoor enclosure which provides about 5ft x 2.5ft of floor space. Obviously I need basking and UV and from what I've read sterilised topsoil from B&Q is the recommended substrate but what else do I need in there? I have a variety of rocks I could use but I'm concerned about the poor tortoise trying to climb and falling on its back. How many hides will I need to add and what depth of substrate? Anything else I've not thought of? I have ordered the Russian Tortoises book by E.J Prog but it's not arrived yet. __________________ Leopard Tortoise Marine Reef Tank BCI Boa Constrictor Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Peach Faced & Sea Green Lovebirds Yemen Chameleon, Blue Tongue Skink, Tokay Gecko 1300L Outdoor Turtle Pond: Yellow Belly Slider, Peninsula Cooter, 2 False Maps Last edited by _simon_; 28-04-2011 at 10:00 AM.

28-04-2011, 02:47 PM	#2
burnt toast Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5,246	Hi Simon A low lipped water bowl that you can sink into substrate making it easy for him to entry/exit without tipping up containing some stones, so he can right himself if he does. Cuttlefish - I take the hard backing off with a sharp knife (not sure if you need to ) I have always done this but last time didnt & they havent touched it, so will in future! As for substrate depth it would depend on size of tort but deeper the better, so depends how deep your table/cage is. As for tipping up I copied Alan's idea & put some large cobbles (garden centres/builders yards sell them) around under the heat lamp about a shells width away from edge, so if he tips up he can reach something & lever himself back up. Oh & a slate or upside down (rough side up) tile for him to eat his food off. - you can get free samples either internet or tile shop - ask for a sample as your considering retiling a large kitchen!!

28-04-2011, 02:50 PM	#3
burnt toast Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5,246	& a couple of hides a plant pot on its side is popular or a little wooden house meant for little furry animals! you can make a good hill out of a plant pot on its side buried in the substrate.

29-04-2011, 01:49 PM	#4
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	I like cork bark. Curved pieces make good hides and they can climb over them so you don't lose any floor space. Its also very light so theres no chance of it causing injury by falling on the tortoise etc.

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