Horsefield Tortoise Advice

[Cribbkate]

We have a horse field tortoise, that we had as a baby last Christmas and we think she is about 18months to two years. She is housed in a table with tortoise life substrate and garden soil for digging it also has a slate to feed off, cuttlefish, stones etc and a water bath/ dish that she can get into. She has a Mini prosun mixed D3 bulb. Which were sold to us by a local reptile supplies the tortoise is on a diet of mixed leaves, sorrel, dandelions etc, fruit and vegetables dusted with calcium powder. In the warmer weather we have also take her outside. Our tortoise does not seem to be growing or gaining weight and keeps getting a lump /sore on the side of her

Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Minority2]

Here are some important threads you may want to read up on. There is very good detailed care sheet on Horsefield/Russian tortoises included which will answer most of your questions:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

1. Non-fruit eating species such as Horsefields/Russians do not process sugars well and can cause liver conditions that may turn fatal.

2. Tortoise life substrate or any substrate that contains sand, perlite, and vermiculite should be avoided because these materials can cause severe impaction and blockages in tortoises. I suggest getting rid of all all the current substrate you have and replace it with either coco coir and or fine grade orchid/fir bark.

3. How often is your tortoise soaked per week?

4. What are the four temperature zones in your enclosure? Basking spot, warm side, cool side, and overnight low/cool side?

5. What is the general humidity level of your enclosure?

6. The lump can possibly be the cause of excess sugars in their diet, irritation from the substrate, and or other reasons that may contribute to the cause. Your best bet is to find a experienced exotics vet that understands tortoises and have your tortoise checked there. Do not agree to any additional procedures if your tortoise has no need for it.

7. Horsefield/Russians should be fed primarily broad-leaf weeds, flowers, and succulents. Some easily available store bought greens such as kale and collards can also cause liver and kidney issues if in excess.

Please read the care sheet provided in the link above to see examples of foods you can offer your tortoise. Also please use this UK tortoise table link to learn what type of foods can be served and how much these foods should be offered to prevent overfeeding harmful properties presented in said foods:
https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/index.php

 

[Cribbkate]

Thank you very much for the advice. We are looking to chancing her substrate to something more appropriate. We spray her enclosure with dechlorinated water once a day so humidity is at a moderate level and she has a small water bowl which adds to the humidity. I will try her on different leafy veg and weeds.
Thank you again.

 

[Yvonne G]

Russian tortoises grow pretty slowly. How's her appetite? I would cut out the sorrel and fruit. Mainly this species eats broad leaf weeds and plants. You can look for bagged salads at the market, things like Florette and Crispy, then to that add edible weeds from the garden. There's a prepared food pellet in the UK that might help add a bit of growth to your tortoise. I THINK it's called Komodo Dragon diet. You soak the pellets and add it to the greens.