How to create bond

[George Hassard]

So i have had a Russian for almost a year, I love him, he is the best pet ive ever had and ever will have I love him But I feel like he doesn't back he has a huge enclosure (10 foot by 2) I basically have lettuce and carrots and other food in all the time ( i kinda overfeed him) He seems happy but whenever i take him out he hides and I saw videos on you tube of tortoises following there owners and kinda hugging there thumbs and being able to hand feed them. I want to be able to do this but he just hides in his shell when he see's anyone. Any suggestions on how to get closer with him would be great Thanks -George Hassard

 

[JoesMum]

Forget youtube.

Tortoises are NOT social creatures. They don't need, want or particularly like company. They feel happy and safe with all 4 feet on the ground of their enclosure. Those torts on youtube are probably pretty stressed.

They don't respond to cuddles and petting and, when away from the UVB, warmth and humidity they need to be healthy they are at risk. If you want a cuddly pet then get a mammal. Your tort is for observation. With time, it will come to trust you and will probably come running for food, but things move slowly in tortoise time and it can take years.

I am concerned about what you say about diet. Your tort needs weedy leafy greens. Lettice is low in fibre and and nutrients. It cannot digest sugars properly - they cause digestive and kidney problems - so fruit, carrot, pepper and tomato should only be fed very sparingly and very occasionally if at all.

If you post pictures of your enclosure we can check it over for any issues for you.

I suggest you read the TFO care guides. They're written by species experts working hard to correct the outdated information widely available on the internet and from pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets too.

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Baby Russian Tortoise Care (if your tort is under 3 inches/8cm Straight Carapace Length)
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

Russian Tortoise Care
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[ZEROPILOT]

George , make sure you go over our Russian food list. Carrots are loaded with sugar and regular lettuce is low in nutrition.
Back to the bonding. The closest thing you'll get is a tortoise that knows you bring the food.
Most will get excited to see you because they know that seeing you means food is here.
Try not leaving food laying around. Present food at the same time each day and then remove it in an hour.
I have a tortoise that follows me around. Just one of my 7.
It looks like affection. But the truth is she is chasing me and if I stop long enough, she will bite my shoes.
For reciprocal love I'd get a puppy. In fact, I did.
Tortoises are great. Just not the same kind of animal.

 

[RosemaryDW]

My Russian will follow me around...for food! I do some times hand feed her, another reason for her to get close to me. She isn't afraid of me and occasionally climbs over my shoe or leg if I happen to be sitting outside.

But I'm nothing more than a source of food, not a friend. Russians don't need friends and they don't like hugs, darn it! He might be less fearful if you let him alone, honestly. You are a HUGE predator in the eyes of your tiny Russian. Picking him up or insisting on getting close will only cause him to be scared. Give him some space and see if he doesn't get more comfortable.

Agreed with JoesMum on the diet, it needs some adjustment. You can get started on basic diet by reading the Russian care thread here: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/.