Hello from Sunny Florida!

[Valerie0426]

My name is Valerie. I moved from NC to FL 5 yrs ago & met love of my life. We have 2 male chihuahuas (Rico & Suave), pair of Lovebirds had baby in July (Velvet & Shamrock), & couple of Russian torts (Boris & Natasha). I had wanted torts for a long time, got them from locally owned pet shop. Yes, I am a beginner with the Russians. Here are my babies!

 

[JoesMum]

Hello and welcome to TFO @Valerie0426

I will start with the good news that TFO has several experts working hard to correct the outdated information widely available on the Internet and from many pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets about the best way to care for your species.

Please take the time to read these as they will help you get things right

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Russian Tortoise Care
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Pictures of the enclosure and lighting will help us to help you

Then I have to pass on the not so good news that Tortoises are solitary creatures that don't need, want or particularly like company. Russians, both sexes, are particularly territorial and see another as competition for food and territory. Their fights can be very nasty. You need to plan to keep your two separately - see this as a typical example

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...together-a-lesson-learned-the-hard-way.94114/

Also, we have had several cases of dogs treating torts as chew toys. Please don't let your dogs near them.

 

[Valerie0426]

Torts have been together since pet shop. They were in with iguanas. They sleep side by side or separately. My Chi's have smelled them while in my hands. Not interested. Torts do not run wild in our home.

 

[Valerie0426]

I have read all the links you suggested before I posted. Thank you for your suggestions

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

Please give your torts daily soaks in warm water.

 

[Carol S]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Pearly]

Hi Valerie, I love your managerie! My favorite is the picture of the sleeping pup with his mouth crack open showing teeth. It almost had me rolling on the floor! Love it!!! Too funny! Love the baby bird!!!! I would love to keep birds some day. Yours are precious. Your little Russians are really cute. Sounds like you have been very proactive in educating yourself on this forum. You will do very well. Glad you have found us here. And welcome from Texas

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome fellow Floridian.
You have sun?
Your photo looks familiar. We also have birds. A rabbit. A pup and a lot of fish.
I've gotta agree about keeping Russians together as being a bad idea.
Are you in south Florida?
Is making them a gigantic outdoors Playland possible?

 

[Speedy-1]

Hi and welcome Valerie !

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Valerie and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and all your animals.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Valerie

 

[KaitlinKeefe_]

Welcome beautiful animals!

 

[Valerie0426]

Thank y'all very much

 

[Valerie0426]

Boris hiding under newspaper

 

[Valerie0426]

He finally came out.

 

[Valerie0426]

Natasha hiding in cave.
I snapped a pic, didn't seem to bother her

 

[Valerie0426]

Do ya think he has had enough to eat?

 

[Valerie0426]

Natasha emerged from her nap!

 

[Valerie0426]

Natasha, "food goddess! Humidity is good. Did you turn off my bask?"