Ghosti20
New Member
Does anyone have any tips on how to care for a Russian tortoise?
Thinking of getting a RT
- Thread starter Ghosti20
- Start date
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Hello!
There are two great and very detailed posts on general tortoise care and care for temperate species (like Russian tortoises). Start here: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/info-for-new-people-please-read-this-first.202363/ and at the bottom of that post you will find Temperate species care sheet.
There are two great and very detailed posts on general tortoise care and care for temperate species (like Russian tortoises). Start here: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/info-for-new-people-please-read-this-first.202363/ and at the bottom of that post you will find Temperate species care sheet.
Welcome to the forum! Read the sheet that Alex linked, its the best place to start. Please just be sure not go buy one from a petco or any place like that. There are good breeders you can get from, or get a rescue as there are zillions that need homes because most people don't understand how much space they really need (they can't be kept properly in a fish take or a 2x3' "tortoise house")
Ghosti20
New Member
About space…I have an ikea detolf flipped on it’s side, is that too small?
Yes definitely. An adult should have like 4' x 8' if possible. Some people do use a flipped over bookshelf, but you'd have to DIY the bottom so doesn't rot.
Info For New People. Please Read This First.
Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...
tortoiseforum.org
This really is the best place to start. Its a lot of info, very dense, but worth reading.
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
It's about 5x1.5 ft (if I've found the right cabinet)? This is too narrow for comfortable setup. But two of this put together (to get 5x3 ft space) may work. If you have space outside (balcony or yard) and will consider brumating ("hibernating") him in winter then indoors enclosure size doesn't matter that much. But still go as large as you can.
Enclosed enclosures are good to stat young tortoise as they need humidity which you struggle to get with a flat open enc unless you want to put a tent up. As they get bigger tortoise a tortoise table and a roomy outside enc are great. I have a Russian AKA Horsefield and have an extended vivarium with heat, light, low rocks and hides and an outside one for our rare sunny UK days 😎
They are escape artists so double check any potential gaps or climbing areas or they will be out and about. Correct diet, regular warm shallow soaks all helps them thrive.
Great fun to own but need proper care to ensure smooth strong shell and health.
They are escape artists so double check any potential gaps or climbing areas or they will be out and about. Correct diet, regular warm shallow soaks all helps them thrive.
Great fun to own but need proper care to ensure smooth strong shell and health.
Your questions are welcome. Have you read the care sheets?
