The horsefield tortoise is one of the most loved pets that people like to have these days. The main reason for this is their small size. This tortoise is also known as the tortoise of Asia because it is primarily found there. The horsefield tortoises are extremely good climbers and diggers because the region that they are native to is very rocky. They are mostly found in dry lands, grassy and semi grassy fields. These tortoises are vegetarians and love to eat weeds, green leaves and natural plants. Hence, it is important that they are not fed with animal proteins. It is necessary to make sure that their diet contains high fibre and calcium. Calcium is not only important for the development of a healthy shell, but is also needed for the creation of vitamin D3. However, their diet must be low in fat. Special care must be taken that whatever is fed to them is non-toxic. Like all the other reptiles, even horsefield tortoises need clean and fresh water daily. Thus, it is necessary to place a large shallow bowl or tray of water for them to drink from. This water must be changed regularly, in order to avoid the building up of bacteria.The native habitat of the horsefield tortoises has extreme climates. Probably, this is the reason they remain active only for a few months. It is however, necessary that the horsefield tortoises reawaken during the spring season and return to their indoor enclosures for an increase in temperatures. The horsefield tortoises need to be kept both in indoor and outdoor enclosures for a good health. The best form of an indoor enclosure is a tortoise table; it is both well ventilated and large. While, outdoor enclosures must possibly include shelter, shade, edible plants and a sunny area. An outdoor enclosure must be safe enough so that the tortoises have no harm of predators and are unable to escape. Horsefield tortoises must also be provided with a substrate so that they are able to dig down, since they love to do so. They must also be given a place to hide within their enclosures and their enclosures must have sufficient amount of heat and light. It is extremely important that these tortoises are exposed to natural sunlight because it is quite beneficial to them. It is thought to be better not to keep the male and the female horsefield tortoises together, unless for breeding purposes. Nevertheless, it is essential that these tortoises are not bred until they attain the age of 8 years.
The most distinguishing feature of the horsefield tortoises is that they have a claw on the tip of their tails. An interesting fact about the horsefield tortoises is that this tortoise was the first to go into space having sent by the Russian space program. A horsefield tortoise is however, considered not to be suitable for beginners, even though it is thought to be the easiest of its kind as a pet.