Hello!

[Hermesguy]

Good morning! I just received a Russian tortoise 8/4 for my birthday from my wife. His name is Hermes, male about 4y/o approximately 5in.


He enjoys exploring and head rubs. He hasn't really eaten yet, but I've soaked him a couple of times then gone outside for some sunshine to help dry. Building him a 8'x2' enclosure in our bedroom, using topsoil, Coco coir, and Cyprus mulch for substrate. Humidity is between 50-70% temp is 90's in daytime, cooler at night. He doesn't move around much in his temp container, 2x3 cement tub. Thinking he's still getting acclimated to new surroundings. Lots of useful info from these forums so far, thanks so much for the information!

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

Welcome! Topsoil would not be an advisable choice for substrate, it is composed of anything leftover and can have poisonous things in it for torts. This is our care sheet for Russians...

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

www.tortoiseforum.org

 

[Blackdog1714]

My Russian loves his cypress and easily digs into it to bury himself at night.

 

[Hermesguy]

Thanks for the advice. Should I be worried about this?

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

It’s just dry/shedding skin, nothing to worry about

 

[Blackdog1714]

Some good soaks will help!

 

[Hermesguy]

Some good soaks will help!

Ok, done a 10min soak every other day or so. He hasn't really eaten since he arrived in the mail Tuesday, when should I start to worry? I've tried collard greens and kale, today I tried spring mix. I add clovers from outside too.

 

[Golden Greek Tortoise 567]

Ok, done a 10min soak every other day or so. He hasn't really eaten since he arrived in the mail Tuesday, when should I start to worry? I've tried collard greens and kale, today I tried spring mix. I add clovers from outside too.

I would do 30 minutes or more

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi and welcome!