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Re: Russians


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Posted by Kathy on June 08, 2000 at 18:38:47:

In Reply to: Russians posted by Andrew on June 08, 2000 at 18:20:27:

Andrew,
I bought 2 russians last spring from PetSmart (a large pet store chain). At that time of purchase, I had done some research on the species, but was not AT ALL aware of captive bred torts vs. wild caught (which these are). Although I don't foresee ever buying WC again (for many personal reasons), I will never say never for reasons much like the situation you explain. Anyway, I have been very lucky with my russians. Upon buying them (for $39.95 each) I took them to a herp vet for a check up (fecal float, overall lookover) and they were healthy (no parasites/worms). Over winter they hibernated in a straw pile outside (they live outside year round--I live in Arizona) and came out perfectly healthy and immediately began to feed. They just had their annual check up, and again it was perfect. I have heard stories that are very different from mine--HUGE vet bills, dead torts, very ill torts, etc. So there are definitily risks involved. Russians are great fun to keep and I know I've read about how to hibernate them indoors when it's impossible, due to weather or living arrangements, to hibernate them outside. Check out the site below, they have a good care page for russians. BTW, if you do decide to go ahead with the purchase, make sure not to mix the leopard and russians together for many reasons: cross-contamination (the biggest reason), fighting between species (sometimes leading to death), and others you can read about on the different tort sites. Let us know what you decide to do. Good luck.
Kathy


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