Baby russian

[Hrafnhildur]

Hi, I got this little one in April. He was very nervous at first and would nota eat. Hey eats fine now, I soak him several times every week.
I can not see that he has grown anything. I did weight him for the first time and he is 51 gr, is that normal? The underneath( I am not sure what you call it ) is kind of soft, is that normal for young tortoise?
And can you see if he is a russian and what subspecies?

Thank you for a grate forum, I have learned so much: -)

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Not knowing his age it's hard to give even a rough idea and anyway they all grow at different rates.
Weigh him once a week or so and don't be tempted to do it daily, it'll drive you mad.
As long as he makes slow, steady gains it should be okay.
What are you feeding him?
he's young, so the underside should be flexible, but not soft and squishy.
No idea about the subspecies.
And a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.

 

[Gillian M]

A gorgeous little tortoise, GOD bless.

And a very warm welcome to the forum. You'll get the help you need from experts, so don't worry and don't panic.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

What are you feeding him and how are you keeping him?

 

[Jodie]

Welcome to the forum. He is beautiful little one.

 

[Tom]

Here are some care tips:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't know if he's grown since you've had him, but your little Russian tortoise has quite a bit of new growth showing on his shell.

 

[dmmj]

A soft or pliable shell is normal for s young tortoise. Time calcium, and sunshine will harden him up. Only time you have to worry is when a shell starts going soft

 

[Hrafnhildur]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and advise.
How can you see his new growth?
He dosen't eat much, I mostly feed him tortoise safe plants from the garden.

I feel like his eyes are swollen?

 

[Gabriel Mattei]

His eyes look fine to me @Hrafnhildur, you should start to worry if he gets cloudy eyes. Really nice setup what a spoiled tortoise. Do you give him any calcium, maybe you could add a cuttlefish bone in his enclosures my russians like to chew on it once in a while. It's hard to tell the sub-species when they are hatchlings or juveniles.

 

[Vishnu2]

His eyes also look fine to me. He is one lucky tortoise. Congrats he is beautiful.

 

[Carol S]

Very pretty little Russian. I love Russian tortoises.