I am moving house and my new garden has loads of space for my two horsefields to roam around in. I have got them a small kennel type wooden home which is currently airing. It has a door which doubles as a ramp.

My question is - what should I put on the floor to make it cosy for them at night this time of year?

Zoe

Hi Zoe,

I would use a mixture of sand/soil for the their wooden house, put quite a bit in so they can burrow down into it, they like to dig down as this creates the right microclimate for them. I wouldnt let Horsfields have the run of the whole garden as they are great little escape artists and you will end up losing them unless you have a 100% secure garden. Mine have a large outside enclosure that is lined with chicken wire 2 foot underground to stop them digging too far down, they are renowned diggers and will easily tunnel very quickly if you are not careful.

Ali

Hi Zoe

my Horsfield has a sand/soil mix and she loves to burrow down into it which is great for her. It becomes a nightly game for me and the kids to find her but she has her favorite spots. good luck with the new enclosure

julie

Hi!

Just out of interest I use hemp, would you recomend changing this????

Thanks,

Row

Hi Row

No, we dont recomend hemp as a suitable substrate, there have been a number of reports of injuries and even fatalities caused by sharp points, either externally to the tortoise, or internally through ingestion.  A mixture of sand and soil is safe, provides a natural digging environment and allows the tortoise to thermoregulate. 

All the best

Arlene TPG