Latin name: Testudo horsfieldi
Native to: Russia, Ukraine & Pakistan
Maximum length: 10 inches
Approximate life span: Estimates claim over 100 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
In many areas Russian Tortoises can make an interesting addition to a
back yard. When kept outdoors, make sure an area with plenty of shade
and soil is available for burrowing. If you are one of those people
with the perfect garden, beware! These tortoises are excellent diggers
with some borrows extending for 6.5 feet. The burrow will usually start
at the edge of a lawn or planter bed. In extreme weather the tortoise
will retreat into the burrow. If allowed to hibernate, tortoises will
be most active in the Spring. Their small size and active nature make
the Russian Tortoise a desirable animal to keep.
ENCLOSURE
In some areas where the temperatures are not
too extreme you may be able to keep Russian Tortoises outdoors year
round. If Summer temperatures are under 90ºf Russian Tortoises will do
well outdoors. If Winter temperatures fall below 40ºf your Tortoises
should be moved indoors. If kept indoors a 20 gallon or larger aquarium
will work to house a Russian Tortoise. Larger enclosures will allow
your tortoise to get some much enjoyed exercise.
SUBSTRATE
For bottom substrates there are a variety of
choices. For any of them start with a layer of newspaper for easy clean
up and extra absorption. On top of the paper use Zoo Med CAGE CARPET or
layer of rabbit pellets or alfalfa. Rabbit pellets and fresh alfalfa
help keep odor down, are inexpensive and provide another food source.
Newspaper alone will work fine, but is a bit boring in appearance.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Russian Tortoises prefer
daytime temperatures of 75 - 85ºf. Allow for a nighttime temperature
drop to 60 - 75ºf. Keep humidity very low. They occur in dry regions.
HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their
body temperature, so a temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo
Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Leave it on 24 hours a day.
UTH's take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy
heat control, use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with
the U.T.H's or rock heaters. They will also slightly help to increase
the air temperature if needed. Always use at least one thermometer, two
is optimal. One on the cooler side, one on the warmer side. A Zoo Med
DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to show the high and low
temperatures in a 24 hour period.
LIGHTING
When kept indoors, use a Zoo Med REPTISUN™
fluorescent during the day. Allow a dark period for rest at night. All
reptiles and amphibians need a photo period(light cycle). A plug in
timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your heating
devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 12 hours
light, and 12 hours dark. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red
light spectrum so a low wattage red bulb is ideal for night time
viewing of your Russian Tortoise.
FOOD & WATER
Fresh, fibrous vegetables. Keep
fruits to a minimum as the sugars tend to create digestive problems.
Avoid meat based food items as long term health problems may occur.
Provide a large, shallow water bowl with easy access. The water depth
should be ½ the height of the Tortoise. Turtles and Tortoises use water
for a variety things besides drinking. Water is also used to keep the
eyes and nose clean, for waste elimination, and to help regulate body
temperature. Change water at least every other day with fresh
de-chlorinated water or spring water. Change more often if the water
appears dirty. Your tortoises may need to be soaked from time to time.
Soak in room temperature water just high enough to reach the top of
their legs.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Russian Tortoises. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with
the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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