Search results

My Russian tortoise has red patches on both sides of his neck. They’re small but I soaked him today and noticed when he stretched his neck out. Thoughts on what’s going on? I’m also wondering about overall shell health. Do I have anything to be concerned about? He’s about 15 years old and gets...

Gaby has an outdoor enclosure but it’s not covered. I’m wondering if I should cover it with some fencing because we have red tailed hawks nesting nearby and magpies (savage) in the tree next to the enclosure. Has anyone had trouble with birds of prey or other scavengers hurting your torts?

I soaked my Russian this morning and he pooped in the water. When I took him out to dry him off, I noticed this. What can I do? I can try to reach a vet but likely not until Monday, as I am not aware of one who sees reptiles that has weekend hours/emergency vet. Thanks in advance.

We adopted Gabby from my kid’s school. They just couldn’t keep the large enclosure in the classroom due to Covid. Thanks to all of you, we have begun construction of an outdoor enclosure for him to spend much of the days this summer. It is amazing to see his demeanor change when he’s outside...

I want to add some plants to Gabby’s enclosure. I see others sharing pictures of pothos and spider plants. Are these safe for decoration? And/or will my Russian tortoise eat them? Do you generally bury the pot a little for aesthetics? Share some pics of your planted enclosures!

I want to add some plants to my tort enclosure. I see others sharing pictures of pothos and spider plants. Are these safe for decoration? And/or will my Russian tortoise eat them? Do you generally bury the pot a little for aesthetics? Share some pics of your planted enclosures! I need...

Hello! My husband is building this tortoise table so Gabby has more room when indoors. He used a dark stain on the sides, and I’m wondering if I should be worried about fumes? We have more plexiglass he can line it with if needed (bottom is plexiglass lined to protect from moisture). Any...

Thought of you all when I saw this.

Gabby, my 10+ yr old Russian tortoise, seems to be settling into his new digs. He’s curious to check me out while I’m drinking coffee watching him as he’s soaking in the mornings. He eats and soaks in his water dish, and basks off and on all day. But I’m noticing he goes into his hide around...

I just noticed this whitish spot on Gabby’s shell. It’s hard to tell but it’s about the size of a grain of rice. Any ideas of what is going on? Should I do anything different for him? Thanks!

As I read through Tom’s amazing Russian Tortoise Care Sheet, I wished the pictures were still available. I’m working on a new indoor setup for my newly acquired Russian and will build an outdoor enclosure once the snow melts. I need some inspiration! Anyone want to share pics of their tortoise...

I just received an enclosure I purchased for our Russian tortoise, and upon opening the box it’s has a very strong smell like cedar. The listing online says it’s fir. Can anyone share their experience with fir? Does it smell like cedar? I don’t want to keep it if it will make him sick.

Tom, I adopted a Russian and think I need a new light/heat set up. Your 4 types message is helpful but now I’m confused. How many lights/heat sources are needed? I currently only have one ceramic heat bulb, as was the set up I acquired. I know I need UVB, at least until summer. I do not have a...

My Russian, Gabby, was a classroom pet at the Montessori school where I work. Due to covid, they needed every bit of classroom space so he is now a member of our family. He’s so cool and we love having him. I would really like to know your thoughts on his age, if it’s possible to estimate. He’s...