Age of my Russian tortoise.

Joined
Dec 3, 2013
Messages
42
Hi, I got a russian tortoise (male) in September, it's my first ever pet and I am loving it. I was told by petsmart sales rep that his age was around 3 years but looking at other photos of russian in this forum I am doubting that he is 3 years old.

I am posting few photos, please let me know if you guys need any specific photo.

Thank youImageUploadedByTortForum1388183452.398375.jpgImageUploadedByTortForum1388183519.197887.jpgImageUploadedByTortForum1388183535.898032.jpgImageUploadedByTortForum1388183563.114533.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

hunterk997

Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Mar 17, 2013
Messages
897
Location (City and/or State)
Wayland, NY
He most likely isn't three years old. I think most people guesstimate around anywhere between 5-15 years old, but there is no way to absolutely know unless the hatch date is known. But on a side note, his shell looks really good compared to other petsmart/petco tortoises. Also, is that the water dish in the last picture near the bottom?
 

mctlong

Moderator
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2009
Messages
2,653
Location (City and/or State)
SF Valley, SoCal
He could be 3 years old (although I also suspect that he's older). Definately an adult with that manly tail. Its impossible to tell age with these wild-caught Russians. Could be 3 years old, 5 years old, 15 years old, 30 years old...
 
Joined
Dec 3, 2013
Messages
42
hunterk997 said:
He most likely isn't three years old. I think most people guesstimate around anywhere between 5-15 years old, but there is no way to absolutely know unless the hatch date is known. But on a side note, his shell looks really good compared to other petsmart/petco tortoises. Also, is that the water dish in the last picture near the bottom?

Yes, I have three water dish for him around his enclosure and one soaking dish. The one in that picture is mainly to hold a extra water for humidity. ImageUploadedByTortForum1388184840.923920.jpg

This is what I use for water, and I have similar one for his food too. Petsmart ripped me and sold me stuff that was not even meant for him. I am figuring it out now, (they sold me 40gallon glass terrarium) and I think it's too small for him because he gets restless in it.

Please suggest right water dish and an alternative for enclosure. Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,269
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Terra cotta plant saucers sunk into the substrate make great food and water dishes.

You will most likely need to build a new enclosure. I like to use a sheet of plywood and attach 2x12 side all the way around. Add some 4x4 legs and its good to go.

And don't forget to build a nice big secure outdoor enclosure for fair weather too.
 
Joined
Dec 3, 2013
Messages
42
Tom said:
Terra cotta plant saucers sunk into the substrate make great food and water dishes.

You will most likely need to build a new enclosure. I like to use a sheet of plywood and attach 2x12 side all the way around. Add some 4x4 legs and its good to go.

And don't forget to build a nice big secure outdoor enclosure for fair weather too.

Thank Tom!! Yes, I am already looking into new enclosure idea and I found nice light weight 3x7 table top (super light weight and only$15), 4 steel legs ($20) and side walls ( approx another $20)... So I can easily build his enclosure of 5 times what's it's right now and for less than $70... And petsmart charged me $170 for his 40 gallon tank.

Anyways, everyone learn lessons in its own way and this was mine.

One more question, is it's okay If I make one side wall of glass?? He kinda like looking out and reacts to our actions.
 
Top