Russian tortoise questions for a beginner (sorry, long...)

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Michelle on April 25, 2000 at 23:34:30:

Hi everyone,

I am have been researching and thinking about getting a Russian tort for awhile, but there are a couple of things I need clarified if possible. (Different caresheets always seem to have conflicting info.) I would just like to to get opinions from tortoise owners, and find out what works best for you.

As far as substrate goes, I gather that alfalfa pellets are the best, but I really don't like the way they look, smell, or how prone to molding they are if they get wet and are not cleaned up immediately. (Used them with my blue-tongue skink for awhile.) Is there another substrate that would be safe to use? What about cypress mulch, reptile bark, aspen shavings? Any others?

Also, I have had no luck in finding any captive bred animals of any age. I'd really like to get a captive bred hatchling, but can't locate one. If I get a wild collected specimen, what types of things do I need to do to make sure it is healthy? (ie: vet exam, fecal, worming, anything else?) About how much will that cost?

Finally, I know that they are a species that hibernates, and have read the Tortoise Trust article on safer hibernation, but it all sounds a little scary to me still. What are everyone's experiences in hibernating Russians? Do they have to be hibernated or can they be OK without?

Thanks to everyone in advance for your time & knowledge. I just want to make sure I can properly care for a tortoise before I get one. I look forward to your responses!

-Michelle

The Smiling Gecko

Follow Ups:

Re: russian tortoise Dracaena 04/26/00 (1)
- oops... there were a few mistakes in that post...msg Dracaena 04/26/00 (0)
Russian Winters Ed 04/26/00 (0)
Re: Russian tortoise questions for a beginner (sorry, long...) brian m 04/26/00 (1)
- Re: Russian tortoise questions for a beginner (sorry, long...) Angela Gravell 05/11/00 (0)
Re: Russian tortoise questions for a beginner (sorry, long...) sonja 04/26/00 (3)
- Thanks Brian & Sonja! Do you think this would work as a Russian substrate? Michelle 04/26/00 (2)
  - re: substrate, cypress mulch, hibernation article Heather 04/26/00 (1)
    - heather........ sonja 04/29/00 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Hi everyone, : I am have been researching and thinking about getting a Russian tort for awhile, but there are a couple of things I need clarified if possible. (Different caresheets always seem to have conflicting info.) I would just like to to get opinions from tortoise owners, and find out what works best for you. : As far as substrate goes, I gather that alfalfa pellets are the best, but I really don't like the way they look, smell, or how prone to molding they are if they get wet and are not cleaned up immediately. (Used them with my blue-tongue skink for awhile.) Is there another substrate that would be safe to use? What about cypress mulch, reptile bark, aspen shavings? Any others? : Also, I have had no luck in finding any captive bred animals of any age. I'd really like to get a captive bred hatchling, but can't locate one. If I get a wild collected specimen, what types of things do I need to do to make sure it is healthy? (ie: vet exam, fecal, worming, anything else?) About how much will that cost? : Finally, I know that they are a species that hibernates, and have read the Tortoise Trust article on safer hibernation, but it all sounds a little scary to me still. What are everyone's experiences in hibernating Russians? Do they have to be hibernated or can they be OK without? : Thanks to everyone in advance for your time & knowledge. I just want to make sure I can properly care for a tortoise before I get one. I look forward to your responses! : -Michelle

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]