Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE

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Posted by Leslie on July 03, 2000 at 15:11:12:

I just purchased a russian tortoise. He seems healthy and I would like to keep him that way, I have a few questions - if ANYONE could help...
1. How much do you feed them a day (and in a sitting?)
2. I have seen the "Daylight" light bulbs on the market. I have a reptile heater under the aquarium and that is where he sleeps at night, but I need the light for (sun simulation) during the parts of the day (when I am working) to subsidize him. What size wattage is appropriate.
3. How warm do you need to keep his environment.
4. I have a 10 gallon aquarium with a hiding place for him... Is this adequate for now (he is about 4 in (diameter)(I will be moving in about 2 months and I plan on getting him a larger environment - what would you suggest?
5. How can I tell how old he is?
6. When we take him outside, he eats grass and dandelion and weed leaves. None of which have been treated with any pesticides. Is this OK for him to do this?
7. I live in the Rocky Mountains during the summer we are quite warm here but- can you take the little critter out in the cold, at all? if so - snow? for short periods of time? Or is it better to keep them inside.
8. How often do they need to re-hydrate themselves? What is the best way to do that?
9. How often should they have baths?
10. I feel bad, I work during the day, and have to leave him inside in his home (10 gal aquarium) I do get him out when I come home and on weekends to exercise and get some sun and such. Is leaving him in his home inside for long periods OK?
11. How do I know (or when does) hibernation begin and how will I know and what should I do?
12. Do these animals need vitamins?
13. How would I know if the tortoise I purchased was wild or born in captivity?
14. And last of all.... How long do they live (on average?)

Sorry, I know that there are a lot of questions and I have been to the websites most of you have recommended, I just wanted some answers from some people who have been raising tortoises for awhile and may have some hidden insights... I do want to do the right thing by this creature.
and...
I know NOTHING about reptiles, but I have been doing some research... and I am trying.
THANKS SO MUCH TO WHOEVER ANSWERS!!! I could use some advice and any would be much appreciated.
Thank you Tortoise Lovers (Aladar will appreciate answers too)

Follow Ups:

Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE EJ 07/04/00 (1)
- Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE Eric T. 07/04/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE Eric T. 07/03/00 (2)
- Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE Archer 07/04/00 (1)
  - Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE LauraO 07/06/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tortoise - need helpful information PLEASE brad 07/03/00 (0)

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: I just purchased a russian tortoise. He seems healthy and I would like to keep him that way, I have a few questions - if ANYONE could help... : 1. How much do you feed them a day (and in a sitting?) : 2. I have seen the "Daylight" light bulbs on the market. I have a reptile heater under the aquarium and that is where he sleeps at night, but I need the light for (sun simulation) during the parts of the day (when I am working) to subsidize him. What size wattage is appropriate. : 3. How warm do you need to keep his environment. : 4. I have a 10 gallon aquarium with a hiding place for him... Is this adequate for now (he is about 4 in (diameter)(I will be moving in about 2 months and I plan on getting him a larger environment - what would you suggest? : 5. How can I tell how old he is? : 6. When we take him outside, he eats grass and dandelion and weed leaves. None of which have been treated with any pesticides. Is this OK for him to do this? : 7. I live in the Rocky Mountains during the summer we are quite warm here but- can you take the little critter out in the cold, at all? if so - snow? for short periods of time? Or is it better to keep them inside. : 8. How often do they need to re-hydrate themselves? What is the best way to do that? : 9. How often should they have baths? : 10. I feel bad, I work during the day, and have to leave him inside in his home (10 gal aquarium) I do get him out when I come home and on weekends to exercise and get some sun and such. Is leaving him in his home inside for long periods OK? : 11. How do I know (or when does) hibernation begin and how will I know and what should I do? : 12. Do these animals need vitamins? : 13. How would I know if the tortoise I purchased was wild or born in captivity? : 14. And last of all.... How long do they live (on average?) : Sorry, I know that there are a lot of questions and I have been to the websites most of you have recommended, I just wanted some answers from some people who have been raising tortoises for awhile and may have some hidden insights... I do want to do the right thing by this creature. : and... : I know NOTHING about reptiles, but I have been doing some research... and I am trying. : THANKS SO MUCH TO WHOEVER ANSWERS!!! I could use some advice and any would be much appreciated. : Thank you Tortoise Lovers (Aladar will appreciate answers too)

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