Russian Tort Estivation advice

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Posted by LauraO on July 06, 2000 at 12:52:48:

Hi. It is my understanding that Russians really need a summer estivation period to ensure good long-term health. I acquired a pair recently which were loaded with pinworms. They are presently being treated (I have a very good reptile vet, plus two more backups at my disposal if necessary). I have a few questions. Firstly, after a few fecals do come up clear, how long afterwards would it be considered safe to try and estivate them? I always do at least 2 or 3 backup fecals on my animals just to make sure any remaining evidence of parasites is caught. Secondly, just to be on the safe side anyway, I was thinking of skipping estivation this summer and just trying a hibernation period this winter, once it is established that they are healthy. Do you think this is a good idea? Thirdly, in general, what are the optimum temps for both summer estivation and winter hibernation for Russians? Presently their day temp is 80-86 DT and mid-to-high seventies NT. I do not know for sure if this is a little high for a non-estivating animal, but from what I have read and heard from tortoise people near me, I believe it is ok. Plus the way I see it, a little added heat generally helps sick reptiles anyway. Anyone who answers these questions for me will have my gratitude. I got most of my hands-on chelonian experience through volunteering with the Bronx Zoo reptile house (the curator loves chelonians above all), but my at-home experience has been more heavy with snakes, lizards and treefrogs. Thanks!

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Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice Leslie 07/12/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice Ed 07/07/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice Terry 07/07/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice Eric T. 07/07/00 (0)
Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice KATHY 07/06/00 (1)
- Re: Russian Tort Estivation advice LauraO 07/11/00 (0)

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: Hi. It is my understanding that Russians really need a summer estivation period to ensure good long-term health. I acquired a pair recently which were loaded with pinworms. They are presently being treated (I have a very good reptile vet, plus two more backups at my disposal if necessary). I have a few questions. Firstly, after a few fecals do come up clear, how long afterwards would it be considered safe to try and estivate them? I always do at least 2 or 3 backup fecals on my animals just to make sure any remaining evidence of parasites is caught. Secondly, just to be on the safe side anyway, I was thinking of skipping estivation this summer and just trying a hibernation period this winter, once it is established that they are healthy. Do you think this is a good idea? Thirdly, in general, what are the optimum temps for both summer estivation and winter hibernation for Russians? Presently their day temp is 80-86 DT and mid-to-high seventies NT. I do not know for sure if this is a little high for a non-estivating animal, but from what I have read and heard from tortoise people near me, I believe it is ok. Plus the way I see it, a little added heat generally helps sick reptiles anyway. Anyone who answers these questions for me will have my gratitude. I got most of my hands-on chelonian experience through volunteering with the Bronx Zoo reptile house (the curator loves chelonians above all), but my at-home experience has been more heavy with snakes, lizards and treefrogs. Thanks!

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