How often can my Russian Tortoise eat rose petals/ leaves?

[Cathie G]

If your tortoise is four inches he is not a year old; he is closer to three or four. Same goes as to his sex; you would not at all be able to distinguish at that age. Did you perhaps get him at a chain pet store? It is common for them to not know or misrepresent their age. It would also mean they sold you some things you didn't need and/or an enclosure that is way too small. I encourage you to browse the Russian subforum and read the care sheet pinned to the top.

I agree. I think Sapphire was around 4 or 5 MAYBE because he was around 5" when he arrived but still looked like a young teenager.. you can't believe what went on when he finally announced hay I'm a boy 🤣

 

[ErikaSierra]

If your tortoise is four inches he is not a year old; he is closer to three or four. Same goes as to his sex; you would not at all be able to distinguish at that age. Did you perhaps get him at a chain pet store? It is common for them to not know or misrepresent their age. It would also mean they sold you some things you didn't need and/or an enclosure that is way too small. I encourage you to browse the Russian subforum and read the care sheet pinned to the top.

I agree! I knew he looked a bit older but i wasn’t quite sure how to tell thank you

 

[ErikaSierra]

I agree! I knew he looked a bit older but i wasn’t quite sure how to tell thank you

I just distinguished his gender by the length of his tail because I heard females had a shorter tail while males have a longer tail tucked off to the side

 

[ErikaSierra]

I agree. I think Sapphire was around 4 or 5 MAYBE because he was around 5" when he arrived but still looked like a young teenager.. you can't believe what went on when he finally announced hay I'm a boy 🤣

Aww so cute!! Mine is probably about four years old then! That’s so funny 😇

 

[ErikaSierra]

I will definitely have to incorporate more veggies into his diet because he definitely lets me know of his preferences and won’t eat everything I put out for him

I wouldn't worry at all about three petals! I would worry if the majority of the diet is vegetables, the majority should be leafy greens of as many options you can provide. Collards alone definitely isn't enough.

 

[ErikaSierra]

What's pretty nice is you know his acheles heel. So if you keep the petals as a treat and just sprinkle a few now and then strategically you can sneak what you choose into his diet. My Russian loves zucchini. No matter what is on it he'll devour a little chunk.😉

Good idea! 🤣 I’ll have to lure him in with the rose petals