DO NOT GET A RUSSIAN TORTOISE! 5 SURPRISING Care Elements You Are Not Ready For
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- Опубліковано 20 кві 2021
- Despite how popular Russian Tortoises have become, there has not been the same return in care information as other popular reptile species. Thus, this "DO NOT GET A RUSSIAN TORTOISE" video will focus on care elements that you may have not prepared for! If even ONE of these care elements is surprising to you, I would reconsider getting a Russian Tortoise.
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★About Professor Herp★
I started getting into the reptile hobby in February of 2018. My first reptile was my Bearded Dragon - Maxine Pegasus (creator of duel monsters btw). Since then, I have added five Yellow Ackie Monitors (Asus, Dell, LG, and two unnamed babies), a Chacoan Black and White Tegu (Frappuccino), a Crested Gecko (Destin), and a Russian Tortoise (Tortellini). I also have a dog named Thrall (yes, from World of Warcraft) who is a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix - aka a Chiweenie.
My goal with this channel is to share my knowledge, experience and journey with other reptile/animal enthusiasts and become a better caretaker because of it. Hopefully I can learn a lot from the community through these videos.
"Always be open to new idea's, no matter your expertise, nor the expertise of the individual expressing the new idea."
#russiantortoise #tortoise #reptile #care #pet #petreptile #exotic #animal #enclosure #humidity #setup #husbandry #beginnerreptile #tortoisetable #professorherp - Домашні улюбленці та дикі тварини
" Do *not* get a Russian tortoise "
Me: " *I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that* "
same...
sameee
Same
my Russian tortoise in the background outside with me: ☹️
same
* Me already having a Russian *
🙋🏼♀️
Same
Same just got mine
For any one living in the UK watching this, our equivalent to collard greens is called spring greens. Took me weeks of searching supermarkets, small independent fruit and veg shops, market stalls and trying to find other tortoise owners to ask before I found it. Collard greens don't grow here, but spring greens are basically identical and can be used as a staple part of their diet - Morrison's do a big bag of the stuff for about £1. Also endives are usually called chicory over here.
Just want to add as well that one of the best things you can feed them is just generic garden weeds like dandelion (mostly the leaves, the flower is good for them but only about one a week) - just make sure that they don't have any pesticides or weed-killer on them.
really? thats interesting. Spring greens refers to lettuces in the US. The more you know!
@@ProfessorHerp Yep, like I say, took me ages to find. I asked in my local greengrocers if they sold collard green's and the guy looked at me like I was an insane person making something up haha! I actually found a translation sheet that shows the US names for certain foods in a tortoise diet and what they're called in the UK, there are quite a few that are the exact same plant but called something entirely different here. I wanted to link it in my comment because most advice for tortoise or reptile care in general comes from people like you in the US (much harder to keep them here, not as many stores that sell reptile products and it's almost impossible to keep them outdoors because of our ridiculously unpredictable weather) but I stupidly didn't save the list and can't find it again now.
@@unLUCKY95 hahahaha. So weird how something so little is so different between countries. Please try and find it! Would love to save it
very well done man!
Great video! Diet can be so tricky and there is so much conflicting information out there. I remember researching diet for my red-foot was a nightmare! Unlike most torts, they actually need some fruit in their diet, so I can at least give her a strawberry occasionally without feeling bad.
haha "without feeling bad"
My hermann's is great for strawberries. I eat the berry and am happy, he eats the leaves and is happy. Win win 😋
@@mlapointej That's a perfect solution!
I'm so glad I knew these things! Thank you for the informative video I have my tortoise hatchling coming to me this week!
Good luck!!
Where did you get yours at?
Good luck
do they have parasites? like ticks etc.?
@@Apex_Warfare tortoises can get parasites if you don’t clean there enclosures monthly
i got one half a year ago and just came to see your stuff i got all 5 in the bag and he is doing great. Love your stuff
Thank you on the humidity info!!
You bet!
Another good food item: Dandelions they absolutely love those and it's pretty close to what they actually eat out in the wild. Some grocery stores have em but you can pick them out of your yard too as long as it's not treated with herbicides. BTW another con LIFE SPAN, do not get a Russian unless you plan on having it the rest of your life, they have pretty similar life spans to us. This goes for any turtle/tortoise actually
I offer Dandelions as treats :) Both my Russian and Beardie love them.
My granddad passed on a Russian tortoise to me recently and its 18 years old. He loves dandelions too.
Yessss my tortoise loves them, very easy to find in the summer which is perfect since its the best time to let mine out in the garden
i was assigned a russian tortoise at my universities herp lab. ty for providing some less known care guidelines!
happy to help!
I’m surprised prickly pear or cactus pad wasn’t mentioned as a good thing to give them to eat. They love them and help with hydration. I also suggest keeping all food organic. Very important. Will definitely try endives , thanks for the tip!
Great tip on the cactus pads. Sometimes I miss things Jennifer! haha
Organic is a term used to raise prices without adding anything beneficial. It doesn't mean no pesticides or sprays were used. (Copper sulfate can be used on organic crops, as an example. Which is far more harmful to you and the environment than ANY synthetic spray.)
Instead do some research on the brand itself and get away from marketing terms such as "certified organic" or "green certified."
There are lots of items that are labeled "organic" and "GMO Free" that simply aren't.
You'll be surprised on what you find and probably save money in the long term.
*TL:DR* - Organic products are marketing scams. Just get normal products.
I am planning on building an enclosure for my tortoise and it will definitely not have glass in it.
Thank you I genuinely didn't know that.
For point number 3, would you recommend maybe a humid hide for them? Like a flower pot in a corner of their enclosure constantly filled with moist moss?
As long as you have a non-humid hide as well a humid hide would be a fine addition!
Thanks so much!
I love my russian Walter! He is the craziest little tortoise ever! With Russians you can actually use the vertical space since they LOVE to climb! I have a second floor in the indoor enclosure and he loves it. I also found very easy to manage the humidity by lining the bottom with plastic tarp and actually planting the furniture plants in the substrate, they need to be watered often so they help maintain the humidity in the ground where they want to borrow (although don’t get too attached to the plants he/she will must likely try to climb it) We also have a huge yard where he goes a few times a week and he exercises going all over the place several times, this gives him the exercise he needs and direct sunlight. Mazuri pellets for the diet with fresh greenies, the flowers of the season and a calcium block at all times. Change the greenies often and include some red, orange, or yellow veggies like squash, pumpkin, carrots but give just a few times a month, this gives them important nutrients missing in veggies of other colors.
Thanks for sharing you experience Verónica! Like the plastic tarp idea for humidity!
Could you do a video covering the natural areas these guys would inhabit? Great video btw, just recently got a Russian tortoise and he’s adorable.
Like where the exist in the wild? Thanks for watching!
Great list, Sherman completely agrees 🐢
Mine are nuts for dandelions and hibiscus flowers. I give them as a treat every now and then. They get a lot Romain and dandelion greens though. Sometimes cucumbers a little bit of watermelon too. They were born in my mom’s backyard!! She… is about as nurturing as a desert climate
Oh yes. Shelly made it perfectly clear he did not want his enclosure anymore. He’d spend hours banging on that glass, climbing up the texture background. He was keeping me up at night. Now he free roams the first floor. He has a good half of the living room with blankets, hamster hay nets, and logs to dig and climb. I’ve set up his lamps over a dog bed with 2 towels underneath and 2 blankets on top. He arranges his stuff himself to make hiding caves or climbing areas. He turned a plastic tub lid into a slide. He always has a mixed greens salad with water and a plate of tortoise pellets with water that I’ve heated up in the microwave for a minute. I call it his oatmeal. It’s his favorite. Sometimes that’s all he wants is warm rehydrated tortoise pellets. The cat likes to steal his kale and use it as a toy. Shelly likes to watch her throw it around the room from his bed. The cat treats him like he’s “rock baby”. She follows him around and announces when he’s doing things she doesn’t like. I also sleep on the couch in the living room so I can monitor the pets. I’ve woken up to find he’s climbed onto the couch and he’s shoved the front half of himself under my pillow with the cat curled up behind him. It’s really weird.
I have a red Footwear also very smart and full personality but they do get bigger than the Russians my red-footed can climb up to the couch to I thought I had I wasn't had the only tortoise Furniture climber in the country while I'm glad to know there's another one
I've had Russian tortoises for years. The set up is expensive because they need a lot of space, they need UVB if they are kept indoors. They do very well in the large outdoor enclosure. Depending on where you live they can live outside year-round but in my climate they're only outside about 4 to 5 months out of the year. They are easy to feed, you can just feed them weeds. They're even Russian tortoise seed mix as you can get. So except for the large space requirement I don't think they're that hard to keep.
glass enclosures are not an issue just put a barrier of wood around the inside about 1/2" thick x 10" high had my russian tortoise in the same 90 gallon tank for 14 years not a problem. You should also emphasize the differences of a wild caught vs. captive bred
Hi I found your video as I want a horsefield and am doing research. I appreciate your information and I'm wondering if having garden time (in a pen) is okay for them. I'm in Ireland and it's a mild climate and was planning to use this as enrichment when the weather is appropriate. Do you forsee any issues with me pop him/her down for a wander with a hide and some leafy green to "forage" for? It'd only be for an hour or two just so they can mimic natural behaviours.
I've literally only had the idea because I used to do similar with guinea pigs and it kept them active mentally and physically having to forage.
Thanks
I have a Russian tortise name max had him 8years now got him from Petco and he is still good me and him good here in Washington DC 2 bed room apartment out on the balcony and enjoy your day God bless
Max is much older than 8. They only sell wild caught imports that have already reached 4”. It was likely close to 5-8yo when you got him.
Important note: never, ever feed any tort bananas. They get extremely addicted and some even refuse to eat anything else even when they're starving. I feed my greek small amounts of tomatoes, cucumber, or other veggies as treats every once in a while.
Never heard tomatoes!
What is the best bedding you have found for your Russian turtle? Is it a mulch sand or dirt may be a mixture. I’ve used a mulch and the sand but the sand is so dry and very messy. So I’m just wondering from your professional opinion with the best type of bedding would be. Thank you for these videos!!
In emergencies you can use newspaper or a bunch of dried grass from your lawn
The strawberry fact was a bit surprising. I plan to get a tortoise next summer, will be my first pet with legs. Only owned a few fish so far. This video taught me a lot. I knew they needed a lot of substrate but had no idea it had to be as tall as them. My biggest issue is finding a supplier who will sell the correct stuff where I live. I live in the UK but outside of major cities in the countryside. I also will need to figure out who will take care of it when I die as I will probably not live past my 40's so it will be a big commitment. Lucky I have a few friends and family members who would probably like a tortoise as they are animal fans. I also read the comments here and found out about them liking to eat dandelions. I have a field next to my house which has been infested with them for years so that might work out good.
Some colleges near me have teachers whom are reptile experts and when my horsefield tortoise gaia goes to the vet for check-ups, if the vet needs info on her species he asks and sends her health records to the colleges and they help alot. Some even want to meet her. When I got her she was a lil under weight but she's doing amazing now. Love the video and imma subscribe mah guy
Thanks for subscribing and sharing some of your story! I too live near a big vet college and my exotic vet teachers there!
I had no choice. I adopted mine. I found him roaming the street of my neighborhood. Knocked on all the doors i could and no one knowns anything about him so im taking care of him but i live in western WA so im hoping all goes well
I had one wander into my front yard today. Trying to find the owner but we’ll see if they step up or see my ads and posts. Are you able to keep them in the backyard safely if we make a safe spot ? Or do you think they’ll dig out of the backyard ?
Excellent video, I was just wondering on your point in having substrate to the height of a russian tortoise, are they able to breathe okay if it's that deep? I've had it deep enough before and couldn't find them as well (they're still young enough only 1 and a half) and I took out a bit of substrate as I just worried they wouldn't be able to breathe or possibly it will get in their eyes and cause irritation or an infection? and just wondering about this (:
They will breath find. They burrow naturally in the wild and will want to in captivity! With the right substrate, no issues should occur!
@@ProfessorHerp Brilliant, since the comment I wrote I have deepened their substrate to the right level and they seem to love burrowing in it, thank you for the video and all the advice!
Nearly all of your reasons for not getting a Russian tortoise apply to every species of tortoise. I’ve kept and bred them for decades and a CB Russian tortoise is generally very personable and bulletproof.
Love the video and information, I was curious on how often to feed them. Do they need food all the time to graze? Or do you feed yours at certain times?
I feed mine 3x weekly. Can change depending on how much you offer per feeding. Could feed daily if you wanted...just would be small amounts. I would say a palmful every other day is standard. They do not need food all the time, but you can arrange that to satisfy their desire to graze.
@@ProfessorHerp Thank you very much sir!
We feed ours Daily. Usually lettuce, butter lettuce and fruit a few times a week like cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries. I know this guy said not to give them berries but ours still will go for the lettuce first and at times won’t even eat the strawberries. There’s tons of other things to feed them too. And if they eat it in the wild then it’s fine to feed them on a regular basis. But do your research and read several articles. Not just one. You may find contradicting information so it’s why it’s good to research a lot.
Torts in the wild graze, nibble daily. Feed daily.
Where can I get a walk in water bowl like that 1, I googled it and couldn't find that 1
www.lllreptile.com/products/14735-large-newport-beach-ramp-water-dish
The title of this video shouldn't be "Don't get a Russian Tortoise"; it should be "What you need to do to properly care for you a Russian Tortoise".
The only pet I've ever placed in a tank were gerbils or fish but since I have turtles already a Russian Tortoise is my next pet and she's going into an extra large habitat.
I have my Russian and hermans in an a large old aquarium and they have absolutely no issues with the glass and pushing against it.
what type of soil do you use and if it’s on Amazon can you put a link to it
I order from a local nursery. Its sorted organic top soil though.
My son brought a Russian tortoise home last night from a friend that found it outside. (She wasn’t taking care of it right) The tank is set up exactly how it is NOT supposed to be set up. We do not have room for a large enclosed habitat. What can I do with it?
What are you working with currently? I am more responsive on social media so if you wanna reach out to me on IG or FB I can be more helpful.
They mostly need acceptable large variety of weeds that hasn’t be treated with pesticides that is much better then anything you can purchase from grocery store. I only buy green from the store when I can’t pick healthier weeds for him. They do benefit having a soaking dish or moist hide and dry hide I have handy for mine.. I have had Spanky for seven years I live in Kentucky and in early spring he lives outside with one heated hide and three others to choose from, but when he in in my home through cooler weather he’s is a zoo med 40 gallon terrarium he’s never claws or pays any attention to the front clear glass he usually to busy eating sleeping or climbing on cork wood and rocks or basking.
Hi Quick question, i might buy a russian soon. Uh do they need a (whats it called uh) Warming lamp? Or Can they survive inside without one (ofc being taken outside in the night grass for walks Some times) or atleast how warm does it have to be for them?
Not trying to be a hater, but my Russian Tort has had zero problems with his glass tank. I leave it completely open to where he could just climb out but he never does. Could just be his personality but who knows! He really enjoys his tank and trusts his owner 😊
Random question about something I read online: What is the actual risk of getting salmonella from tortoises? Does every tortoise just have salmonella on them?
you would need to literally eat its poop (dramatic but thats how rare)
@@ProfessorHerp Thanks for answering, that makes me feel better, I figured the stuff I read was a bunch of fear mongering.
That's what i found from google. Now i am having stomach cramp and feeling nausea but i don't want to blame my baby russian tortoise. Maybe it's just pms. 😂
If you have their poo on your hands and then eat or put your hands in your mouth, you can definitely get salmonella. Just wash your hands when you're done handling them.
My Russian Tortoise was raised in a glass enclosure with a log and green carpet flooring, He doesn't seem to like when I put substrate down. I feel bad about him not having anywhere to dig but he also never did when I gave him PLenty of room to do so. I wanna make his enclosure more fun and interesting for him but I don't want him to hurt himself, I think I accidentally trained him to flip himself for attention but idk it probably is just on accident
You look like you’re wearing a Tefillin with the stickers in the intro lol.
FYI the pet store has these things that are wall paper to get for glass tanks to use for fish snakes turtle/ tortoise 🐢 back drops of planta to fit their environment or water
they typically aren't the best but have the right idea.
Me getting one this evening! He's being rehomed and I'm the home. 🐢
Well, the intro told me this guy is not to be trusted. He has more stickers on his face than my 2 year old
My vet said i had to get a repticarpet because he was burrowing and not getting enough sun, are they right, should i use substrate again or use repticarpet
What walk water dish is that? I can’t find it!
So man I'm gonna use topsoil play sand and excavator clay an was thinking making him a thick short burrow for him made from the clay what do you think
A Russian Taurus is a great pet they don't have ticks or fleas so it's well worth considering.
love Russian Taurus's
We have a Turtle in to our garden
She was in to a fish tank, and the previous owner decided to give her to us for free cause She was too big to live in there confortably
We put her in our garden (wich Is pretty big), She had difficulties to Walk cause of her nails, She was so ...Happy i Guess and She was running around the garden
We took her to the vet, and the vet told us that her shell Is..."deformed" (It looks more like a Turtle then a tortoise Shell), and She was almost to die cause of the luck of sun.
After having..."saved" this turtle we found her some new Friends. A girl, and a male
She didnt layed egg sadly, and the male doesnt seem really Active, but im very attached to her, and i love seehing her growing up day After day
Disagree. Reese’s are way better than Kit Kat’s ( Kit Kat’s are still good though).
NO!
i recently got collard greens for my russian tortoise but he was hesitant to eating it at first. will he get used to it and start eating it more or does he just not like it??
just keep offering it. If you really want him to try it just offer it exclusively until he finally eats. He will not starve himself. Otherwise, offer occasionally and they usually come around eventually.
@@ProfessorHerp Ok
You should make a red foot care guide
Only make care guides on reptiles I keep and am confident about keeping!
I am rescuing a Russian tortoise from an extremely neglectful situation. They dont bathe him, they barely feed him, and he lives in a shallow plastic container that he tries to escape. I am planing on taking him. I have a 40 gallon glass tank for now, I am planning on covering most of the glass so he can't see through it. Is this setup going to be bad for him? I would like to get a larger area for him but this is all I can afford for now. (I do have both types of light, a good substrate, and other things he will need)
I've had my Russian Tortoise in a 40Gal glass tank & he has never had a problem. He's active & happy. He eats lots of Kale & Squash & zucchini .
Would it be safe to add isopods to the habitat to help with waste control?
of course!
my tortoise goes crazy when he gets a sprout or two
Topsoil is just to humid gif my horse field? Any other recommendations
dont get a glass tank
me: ima pretend i didnt hear that
dont use one!!
@@ProfessorHerp all I have, he doesn’t claw at the edge so
I think this is what wandered into the yard about 20 minutes ago. Trying to figure out what to do with it.
I've only gave my tortoise one strawberry ever and that was because he wasn't eating his food so I gave him the strawberry to change his pallet
For a treat I give my tortoise some dandelion leaves, plenty of them grow in my garden (and yes I make sure to wash them before giving them to my girl
I'm gonna be taking my tort to the vet on the 8th idk how but he has a tiny bit of shell rot on his plastron I have no clue how it happened but he's got an appointment I'm gonna take care of it I've never had this happen b4 an I've have him for 3 years
I’m planning on getting a Russian tortoise, But I do have a question. I’ve heard that watermelon helps them with hydration. Would it be unhealthy for them if I’d feed them 1 piece of watermelon for let’s say once a week? (Along with their natural food of course)
From what I’ve researched, it should be more like once a month, or maybe a small piece every 2 weeks
I agree with Maleah. Rarely.
Cucumber is better for hydration
I’m planning on getting a Russian tortoise and I have a question when to feed it and how long?
My little gaia just eats her fill and doesn't eat until she wants food. I could feed her one day and the next she isn't hungry. She acts like she's never eaten in her life sometimes and chokes on her food. Idk though each tortoise is different
I feed 3x a week for an adult. A BIG handful! Can feed more often but in smaller portions. They usually have good portion control unlike most reptiles.
@@ProfessorHerp Thank you
same here.. where do you get it from?
I own several species of tortoise and I must admit my Russians are my favourites and out of them all they are the ones I'd advise.
which others you keep?
@@ProfessorHerp I also own a leopard tortoise, Hermanns and spur thighed
@@micksmusicchannel Awesome!
Amen🙏
Any comments about feeding them cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash?
Question would a bigger size plastic kiddie pool work as a enclosed for a Russian Tortoise?
eh ideally no
I wanted a Russian tortoise or small species of tortoise. But now I am not sure. I already have 3 turtles. So maybe I just enjoy your videos about them.
just be prepared and you should be fine to get one!
Hermann's are awesome, Russians sound similar
what kinda tank or home do you think i should get for my new tortoise ?
I would make a big like 6ft wood tank kind of thing. Look it up on UA-cam
@@Ace-Artwork i don’t have too much room. i’m gonna be taking it outside everyday since it’s hot
If you don't have a lot of room I would maybe not get a tortoise. Even 6 foot is a bit small depending on other dimensions
Hello, I’m trying to do research in advance. I’d love to get a large 50lb+ tortoise. However, my issue is I live in Ohio. Obviously with a tortoise this big they would need to live outside. I have experience with heating as I have a chameleon and a hedgehog. However, just wondering what type of tortoise you’d recommend and best size shed.
I would first really research how to keep a large tortoise in the north. It's a lot. If you feel comfortable getting one still, go with a species you have a passion towards. Look into large tortoises, see which interest you, what cost is feasible, and move forward from there!
Could i use a large ponf liner for an indoor closure ?
The biggest issue with keeping any diurnal reptile appears to be the constant cost of ultraviolet incandescent basking bulbs. Since the pet industry is made up of typical retail Crooks this cost will add up. Breeders AR crooks too. I always wondered why so-called experts on UA-cam say that Russian tortoises need an Ambient Air Temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but in the wild they thrive and temperatures down to the low 60s and even 50s, providing it's dry. This logic means that you do not need to maintain a warm ambient temperature aside from the Basking area. Then there is the question of whether or not vitamin D3 supplementation can replace the UV bulbs?
D3 supplementation could theoretically replace UVB bulbs, but is much harder to manage intake wise. Russian Tortoises can definitely endure much lower temps than 80 especially when brumating.
@@ProfessorHerp also Russian tortoises do not get too large like all the other species and are reasonably priced. I used to have a sulcata which if I knew how huge they get I would have not gotten it. This tortoise used to suck down calcium carbonate with vitamin D3 tablets quickly in one gulp. That was very convenient and cheap compared to buying powdered reptile supplements. I love beating racketeering retail.
Hey I am not making any of those mistakes!!! Years of research, mistakes and experience and we are getting there! Yey!! Although I do agree there is so much misinformation about those wonderful creature. Far too often owners have no good understanding and knowledge of them which in the end can and is detrimental to them.
Russian Torts do not have the most amazing care info on the internet truly!
I have a Russian tortoise is so cute most of the time he just hides in the log on the side of his cage
I have a question, how long can a tegu live in a 4x2x2 if I get it as a baby
I think I replied to this on a different comment :)
I have had my Russian tortoise for three years now. And I was wondering what you suggest for mites. My enclosure gets tiny hard to see mites every few weeks after I clean the enclosure. I’m constantly having to replace all the top soil which is two bags. And wiping down the enclosure. What should I do ?
I would suggest not using top soil as they may be coming from that. Even if they aren’t coming from that, I would suggest something like mulch. There are products that you can buy for mites specifically on tortoises that you can invest in too! What kind of enclosure is it in?
@@drums4life937 at first I had a wooden enclosure and now I have a coroplast enclosure Bc it is easier to wipe down the surface
With the wooden enclosure the mites began to infest the wood and I have my tortoise indoors so I decided to not get wooden enclosure anymore
@@LyzahSunStudio I’ve had mine in a wood enclosure for years now and haven’t had a problem. Have you maybe tried a different substrate or mite treatment for the tort itself?
@@LyzahSunStudio oh ok!
Haha me too I’m on here CAs I got one rescued it from someone who has absolutely no clue what to do. The OG owner told me it was CA desert tortoise I think she’s better with me haha seems to be right at home already
i have a glass tank and my russian has no issues with it.
Out of all the tort species I own my Horsfields are my favourite
I have one and they are amazing pets
2:40 I literally have the exact same one for my red eared sliders im thinking about geting a tortoise. ;-;
just got one for my russian! Much better than what I previously had
72" X 36" [183CM X 91CM]
All you need is an old bookcase flipped over. Please don’t spend over $200 on an enclosure. I’ve had mine for 16 years. Always used a bookcase. You can get them for pretty cheap.
So I have one Russian tortoise, inna big tank no issues often about it trying to go thru the glass bug I would like to add a friend but no a tortoise what do u recommend? As a reptile friend? Or is not convenient? Any one please....
Russian torts get very territorial, no friends plz :)
I do for Russian tortoises and they're doing wonderful about them for years they're very personable they come to their names soon as I come by there pain they come right to the front they want me to scratch their head or scratch their shell or pick them up or talk to him or give them food
my russian turtle have 8-10 Squre meters in his outcage i hope thats good enought, his indoor cage is 2,5 squre meters
About diet - russian tortoises need lots of fibre and much better than greens from storage are wild, many different species of plants :) It is a pity there was not a word about hibernation, a much needed thing to keep that torts in health and long live. And also nothing about the large outside enclosure, from spring to autumn, 24 hours a day, where tortoises can experience different weather and higher humidity, dig deep burrows or can looking for plants that have grown into their territory :)
Question! I use a red light (for heat), and I was wondering if it effects his eyes? Would uvb be better?
you need UVB no matter what. I would also use a halogen bulb for a basking bulb. No red light.
I do not ever use a heat lamp. It gets cold in the wild, keeping them the same hot ass temperature all the time is not logical.
@@cyrilriceball2294 you should have a heat lamp. It does get cold at night which is why you should turn off the light at night. But during the day, the desert get hot as should your cage
@@drums4life937 I live on the coast where it gets cold rarely. My tortoises sleep on a heating dog pad. They can get off when it gets to warm. I am reading allot of post where this heat light is cooking the poor babies. Would rather them be COLD>
@@cyrilriceball2294 that’s good that they have some form of heat! That can definitely happen if you have the heat lamp too close to them. Just another thing that people are researching :(
Hey why does my male tortoise have a flat tummy instead of a bowl for mounting
Hard to answer without seeing a pic haha
Mine doesn’t have a glass enclosed mines wood very thick wood
We feed ours strawberries them to time and he never stopped eating his lettuce or Kale. We feed him all sorts of fruits Ike watermelon, cantaloupe, butter lettuce, reg lettuce. He didn’t like cucumbers or raspberries. There’s lots of things to feed them. Just do your research
be careful with the fruits
@@ProfessorHerp to mush sugar is bad fir the kidneys right? Just got a lil fella myself
Calcium you forgot to say how much is to much or to little.. Pittsburgh pa
My daughter has 3 of them they really don't do anything but lay in one spot legs out
the life huh?
How do you tell the difference between a Russian and Hermann tortoise?
Shell mostly cus hermanns shell are a lot more arched and often have bumps
@@HighTheLonestarr oh ok thanks to me they look so similar. Seems like the Russian has a more round shell bumpy
So my tort doesn't like eating anything other then bell pepper an lettuce, I'll try butternut squash, he decided collard greens such balls he has never liked cactus
I still am going to keep my Rssian Tortoises