i have lost my horsefield tortoise on 14th september in milton keynes. he is 7 years old and is sadly missed

Hi there. Horsefield's are great diggers. At this time of year though, so are all mediterranean species.That, coupled with the recent weather, and time of year, would send me on a fingertip search of enclosure/garden. My Spur-thighed began scraping in their cloched area this week, so they are now only going to be out when I can supervise them. I have written in other postings about how I once had one dig from the "secure", well-fenced part of the garden allocated to them, to a spot UNDER the lawn. It took me hours to find her. I knew she could not have been taken as the garden was walled and not accessible except through the house. Now is your best chance of a successful search, as each day they may dig a little further. CALL IN FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS YOU TRUST.

Anyone else out there, watch for signs...a lot can happen in 4-5 hours is torty feels the need to dig in. Also, normally non-climbers may persist in trying to climb enclosure sides. Incidentally, last year it was well into October that mine were still out. Weather, temperature and daylight hours do dictate the behaviour of outdoor torts. Good luck, and everyone be on the alert for tell-tale signs of digging in.

Regards, David nr York.