Jtort1

[Jtort1]

Hello,

I'm Jen, proud mama to two russian torts. Oscar and Mia.
Mia is from Petsmart. I was disgusted when I saw her living conditions. No fresh greens just old dry pellets. Her eyes were closed and I thought she was sick so I was worried about her. She opened her eyes as soon as I brought her into my car. She's docile and he's firey. Sooo excited!

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. Hate to give you the bad news right from the get go, but that's what I do. Two Russians can't live together. They can be one of the worse for beating another up. They each need their own enclosure that is at the minimum a 4x8. An outdoor enclosure for summer months too. If you can give them a very big yard with a lot of sight barriers and a couple hides, water bowls, and feeding stations, there is a slight chance they could stay together if they are both females

 

[Jtort1]

Hi Wellington,
Yikes! Really? Will he taunt her or hurt her?

 

[Jtort1]

Oh no! Just read your reply again

 

[Taylor T.]

Unfortunately you will not be able to keep the two together, here is a thread about it:

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

 

[Jtort1]

Well I have both for now and I'm attached. Can't predict the future

 

[Jtort1]

Appreciate both opinions/advice though.
For now they share a decent size room and are getting along.
If I have to make changes I will. My understanding is two males couldn't be together as they will fight to establish dominance as most males of other species do.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi Jen
Dogs and cats do well in pairs but torts do better in trio s .

 

[Jtort1]

Thank you so much
That's something I would certainly consider down the road!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome, Jen!

 

[Jtort1]

So I assumed that my new tort Mia is a female but it's possible she's a young male. I'll post a pic. Opinions/ advice are always appreciated.

 

[Jtort1]

The Petsmart in my area said it was male but after I saw what they were "feeding" this poor thing I didn't believe anything they said.

 

[Yvonne G]

Too young to tell, but looks female in this picture

 

[Jtort1]

Happy Birthday Yvonne G! Thank you

 

[Jtort1]

Hello everyone,

So I'm enjoying my russian torts and the one I thought was a girl I now suspect is a male. The tail is starting to curb a bit to the left. Anyway, my little one is eating well. Loves spinach and mixed greens. The older male approx 5 to 6 years isn't eating much at all. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!
J

 

[AmberD]

As stated above it is not a good idea to house them together. This could be why your older one is no longer eating as much as he used to. The signs of bullying can be subtle. Your older one was used to having his own space and now that has been changed. It would be best to keep them separated. And who knows what the little one could have brought in from the pet store. Generally should quarantine before ever having contact. Hope this helps!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Jen and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you, Mia and Oscar.
Have you read : http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/ ?
Also I agree with the above posters, they should be separated as this species are solitary and territorial. If they are stressed they will not eat. Sorry.

 

[Jtort1]

I will separate them. Thanks

 

[Jtort1]

Hi everyone,

So, after reading several of these threads I decided to try butternut squash and green pepper for my older tort Oscar. Success!
So happy to see him eat. Thank you for all the suggestions. Glad to have this forum to chat with other tort keepers!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Butternut squash may be okay for fruit eaters like redfoots but not great for Testudo, though a little won't hurt, I wouldn't make it a staple.
Likewise, red pepper is too high in sugars for Russian torts.
Sorry, but their diet should be primarily broad-leafed weeds and greens.
Happy Birthday, by the way !