Is my tortoise healthy?

JP1995

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Jun 7, 2021
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England
Hi,

I own a male Russian tortoise who is around three and a half years old. His shell is around 7-8cm long and around 6cm wide. Im worried that he is too small for his age.

Could someone please give me some advice if he is too small and whether he looks healthy in the pics ive taken?
Thanks9868B39F-E99F-4D6D-BE80-A6B4C16EB571.jpeg00257C29-FF38-4B36-80CB-210FAC63BD87.jpeg03BAD7B6-5EB4-42BD-934F-B1419AB855F1.jpeg0C476A01-AF2A-4799-B61F-35B5F1A287B1.jpeg
 

TaylorTortoise

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The shell looks flakey or spotty. We need to see what bulbs you are using if any, and how close they are to her shell and the set up please. Let me refer you to some more experienced RT owners. @MichaelL
 

TaylorTortoise

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TaylorTortoise

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Location (City and/or State)
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So what I see is that you only have one light fixture and tortoises need both UVB and a basking. I am assuming you have one or the other? How many watts is that bulb? You also need to invest in getting a digital thermometer to measure the temps in the cage to how high the lamps are for adjustments.
I would spray down the enclosure and cover the top because it's making her very dry for being as young as she is. Baby's need to be in a more stable environment the first few years to introduce growth and good health. I would get plexi glass to cover the open side and you are going to have to add another light to hang on the other side for either a UVB or a basking whatever you do not already have.
 

JP1995

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Joined
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Location (City and/or State)
England
So what I see is that you only have one light fixture and tortoises need both UVB and a basking. I am assuming you have one or the other? How many watts is that bulb? You also need to invest in getting a digital thermometer to measure the temps in the cage to how high the lamps are for adjustments.
I would spray down the enclosure and cover the top because it's making her very dry for being as young as she is. Baby's need to be in a more stable environment the first few years to introduce growth and good health. I would get plexi glass to cover the open side and you are going to have to add another light to hang on the other side for either a UVB or a basking whatever you do not already have.
Ok thank you. I cant remember what watts the bulb is but when i initially purchased it, the reptile store i bought it from said that it provided UVA and UVB so i didnt need a separate UVB bulb?
Also he loves to sit under the lamp and does this for a fair amount of the day so i may place him in the shade occasionally so he doesn't get too dry. I do bath him for around 30 mins every other day as well.
 

ZenHerper

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Feb 27, 2020
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This is the most up-to-date care information for Russians:

 

MichaelL

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Ocala, Fl
The shell looks flakey or spotty. We need to see what bulbs you are using if any, and how close they are to her shell and the set up please. Let me refer you to some more experienced RT owners. @MichaelL
Great advice, thanks for the @! Adding on, it looks a little dry, I would raise the humidity and soak more often. The size is fine for that age. And the nails, especially the back, need a little trimming. But overall, it looks healthy. Nice tortoise!
 

JP1995

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Joined
Jun 7, 2021
Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
England
Great advice, thanks for the @! Adding on, it looks a little dry, I would raise the humidity and soak more often. The size is fine for that age. And the nails, especially the back, need a little trimming. But overall, it looks healthy. Nice tortoise!
Great advice, thanks for the @! Adding on, it looks a little dry, I would raise the humidity and soak more often. The size is fine for that age. And the nails, especially the back, need a little trimming. But overall, it looks healthy. Nice tortoise!
Thanks a lot, appreciate the advice!
Great advice, thanks for the @! Adding on, it looks a little dry, I would raise the humidity and soak more often. The size is fine for that age. And the nails, especially the back, need a little trimming. But overall, it looks healthy. Nice tortoise!
Thanks a lot, appreciate the advice!
 

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