Russian torts please help

Tortface

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May 16, 2018
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Yes very true. Also currently I care for three, three toed box turtles. But in 2003 I cared for a Russian tortoise. Then again in 2008 I was given another Russian. In 2003 I found a California Desert Toroise on a perpendicular street. All these tortoises went to different homes. So although I currently have only boxies I have experience with other species. Never underestimate the value of this forum. It is excellent. I have learned sooo much about proper husbandry from this forum. I wish I had been able to apply it all those years ago.
 

Tortface

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May 16, 2018
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48
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If they are adults they shoukd be outside every day all day in the warm months. Bring them in only at night if you don't have a shed or night box for them. If he eats and acts normal outside, he probably is depressed/unhappy being inside.
 

Tortface

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Well that is a nice pen with thick gratings. I have something similar for my russian whom I've had about 9 years. Like you, I inherited him from someone who couldn't care for him anymore and thus it was a learning curve compared to other pets I've had (dogs, cats, fish). He initially was very picky with his food but gradually accustomed to his diet of mixed romaine, green leaf lettuce and dandelion leaves. He's crazy about dandelion flowers. He has thrived on this diet along with regular soaks and exercise he get when I let him out of his room (that's right, I gave him his own room because tubs/tanks were too small).

I take him outside every day I can weather permitting - he loves exploring the yard and we both get plenty of exercise, him running towards the end of the yard and me catching him and bringing him back over and over. This is a game we both play but at least I know he's healthy


I cannot stress enough the importance of active supervision of your russian torts when they are outside. Not simply because of predators but because they are Houdinis (escape/disappear artists). They are strong and can push things aside several times their weight as well as being expert diggers. They must also be part monkey because they are surprisingly good climbers - he climbed over pen I had constructed similar to your a few years back and disappeared for 4 hours - I thought I lost him for good but he was found buried under my toolshed. This is when I learned to never turn my back on him.

I hope your russians get better soon. They have great personalities but are VERY rambunctious!
 

Tortface

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May 16, 2018
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48
Location (City and/or State)
Milwaukee
Do u know if RT’s travel well? We go to Florida for few months in winter and hav a hard time finding someone to care for them that long AND i miss them would love to take them w me but its a two day drive...??
 

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