Can any one tell me what kind of tortoise this is.

[Corinna]

Hi,
Is there anyone who can tell me what kind of tortoise this is? My husband got it for our son on his birthday. We have had him for about a week. He has a great appetite and has already grown some.
I want to provide the best for him and knowing what kind of tortoise I have is essential. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum
That is a Russian tortoise , Testudo horsfieldii
Check out http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/ to start
and then http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
Nice tortoise, he's in pretty good condition

 

[Corinna]

Thanks a bunch. I was guessing he was a russian tortoise , but being new to torts, I was not sure. He seems to love life.
And thanks for the warm welcome.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

Please read the links that Adam left for you. Most of the care info out in the world for this species is lacking. If you got care info and products from a pet store, it is likely that you got bad info and bad products. Hope I'm wrong, but its worth mentioning to be sure your tortoise has what it needs.

 

[Corinna]

Thanks for the advice. Already on it. The pet store where my husband got him ("his name is Tip because he walks on his tiptoes" ) did NOT give sufficient information on him. They did not even have the kind of tortoise he is just that he was a "testudo".
Thanks everyone for your help!!!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi

 

[Maitaimommy]

He looks very healthy Congrats!

 

[Corinna]

Thank you

 

[Corinna]

He looks very healthy Congrats!

I appreciate all the warm welcomes form everyone. Thanks

 

[ValerieAnn]

welcome! welcome! Glad this handsome guy found a good home!

 

[Corinna]

welcome! welcome! Glad this handsome guy found a good home!

Thank you!

 

[Corinna]

Can cedar mulch be used for Russian tortoises ??

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Whoa, thought you said cypress mulch which is fine, though many prefer fine grade orchid bark or coco coir.

 

[Corinna]

Yes, but many prefer coco coir or fine grade orchid bark.

Ok. Thanks. Big help!☺

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Ok. Thanks. Big help!☺

No, i am wrong, the oils are an irritant, please don't use it , i thought you said cypress mulch.
Don't use cedar or pine shavings or mulch !

 

[Tom]

Can cedar mulch be used for Russian tortoises ??

No. Cedar gives off toxic fumes. That is why it repels bugs in a cedar lined closet or chest.

 

[Corinna]

No. Cedar gives off toxic fumes. That is why it repels bugs in a cedar lined closet or chest.

Ok. Thank you I will not use it.

 

[Corinna]

No, i am wrong, the oils are an irritant, please don't use it , i thought you said cypress mulch.
Don't use cedar or pine shavings or mulch !

Ok. No worries! I will not use. I use coco coir already. Thanks!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Ok. No worries! I will not use. I use coco coir already. Thanks!

Phew !
Thanks.
I need new glasses.

 

[Corinna]

I like to give Tip a variety of diffrent things to eat such as dandelion greens, beet greens, baby spinach, he loves kale. Also he loves strawberries and raspberries for breakfast. He eat a variety of nutritional leafy greens. I give him carrots once in a great while, he loves carrots sooooo much,. Is okra good to give him too?