New Member Introduction

[Ryne0099]

Hey everyone! I’m new on here and I just wanted to introduce myself. My wife and I are committed to getting a Russian tortoise soon. We have done a lot of research on taking care of them and housing them and we are willing to spend the money to help our future tortoise live a long and healthy life. As of now we plan on having an indoor enclosure and in the near future building an outdoor enclosure for him to run around. Any tips you have on where to get a reliably and ethically bred yearling or hatchling Russian would be great.
Also, any tips on care and housing for the central California area near Fresno is greatly appreciated.

 

[Quadro]

Welcome this is the place to get all of your questions very informative group here !

 

[KarenSoCal]

Hi, and welcome to TFO!

Here is a link to our breeders list. Several people breed Russians that are started the proper way for a long and healthy life.

Tortoise Vendor Reviews

Share feedback on tortoise-related vendors like breeders, feed and reptile supply companies

www.tortoiseforum.org

Also, here are some links to excellent care info for Russians, as well as some general info on babies.

Russian Tortoise Care Sheet

Russian tortoises have great personalities, are very hardy, tolerate a wide variety of enclosure parameters, stay small, and are generally a good "starter" tortoise in my opinion. Here is how I like to set them up: Indoor Enclosure type and size: Most people want to know the minimum size...

tortoiseforum.org

Beginner Mistakes

To comment on Tom's article, go here: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-split-Beginner-Mistakes#axzz1tG8s05M5 Over the years many of us, myself included, have made many of these mistakes, and we have certainly seen them made many times by others. With springtime upon us and many new...

www.tortoiseforum.org

How to set up heat in new enclosure?

I just scored on a used 4x2x2 closed enclosure. It came with a socket I will put a 60w che in. And also 4' lighting fixture with a t5ho bulb by zoo med in it. So how should I set up the heating? Do I need to add a basking light? I also have the double light fixture I believe

tortoiseforum.org

Why not to keep 2 tortoises together - a lesson learned the hard way

This is a copy/paste of an article I wrote on my blog last year. I've seen several new keepers ask the question of whether they should get a 'friend' for their tortoise, and so rather than keeping on linking to my blog (which feels kinda self-promoting, which is not my intent), I am creating a...

tortoiseforum.org

Please read these, and then come back with questions. You may find that our care differs from what you have read previously. There is so much old outdated info in the world, and getting people to "see the light" and change their methods is a huge undertaking!

Don't go to a pet store for anything. They not only don't have a clue on proper care, but they sell you "stuff" that doesn't work, is unsafe for torts, and charge a premium price for it. Allow us to guide your purchases. We don't get any of your money...our agenda is to help you keep your tort happy and healthy.

Even vets often don't know what's good for torts. Sometimes we need a good knowledgeable exotic vet, but they can be few and far between. It is not their intention, but occasionally they do more harm than good.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome from Clovis, CA!