forgot to add that I know they need UV lighting. :-) n/p

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

Posted by Bry on October 31, 2001 at 20:35:15:

In Reply to: looking into Russian Tortoises, a few questions... posted by Bry on October 31, 2001 at 20:08:02:

: Okay, I've read quite a few care sheets on Russian tortoises. It says many people complain that they're hard to keep alive in captivity, is this because they're often restricted to small enclosures constantly?

: The first 10 caresheets I found were simply copy & pastes of Melissa Kaplan's Russian Tortoise caresheet which provides no info on cage size, environment requirements, etc. I finally found a few with some info. Would like it if some of you gave me links to other caresheets with more info.

: I plan on keeping a single Russian tortoise. Would a small Vision tub, around 40" W x 26" D x 11" H be a good size for a single adult Russian? I don't plan to keep the Russian in the tub 24/7, I'd take it out regularly under supervision to let it get some exercise. There are no free-roaming animals in my home that would injure the tortoise. Is 85-75 degrees F. a good range to have the tortoise in? What about substrate? I've seen some people keep their torts on rabbit pellets. I personally don't like it because it seems they can't get any footing. Is aspen or cypress mulch a good choice substrate? Since the tub would have a smooth bottom, I could provide a soft cloth (not prickly plastic) reptile carpet underneath to provide footing. I have a good idea of what to feed the tortoise. When it gets warm up here in western NY state during spring and summer(not city) I will be able to take the tortoise outside to graze. There's a fairly large area around me that isn't treated with pesticides/insectides.

: If Russians are hard to keep alive, what are other choices of small, hardy tortoises I could keep in captivity? What about Redfoots? Thanks for the help, and sorry for the many questions. If more care sheets provided better info, I wouldn't need to ask so much. :)

: Bry

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : Okay, I've read quite a few care sheets on Russian tortoises. It says many people complain that they're hard to keep alive in captivity, is this because they're often restricted to small enclosures constantly? : : The first 10 caresheets I found were simply copy & pastes of Melissa Kaplan's Russian Tortoise caresheet which provides no info on cage size, environment requirements, etc. I finally found a few with some info. Would like it if some of you gave me links to other caresheets with more info. : : I plan on keeping a single Russian tortoise. Would a small Vision tub, around 40" W x 26" D x 11" H be a good size for a single adult Russian? I don't plan to keep the Russian in the tub 24/7, I'd take it out regularly under supervision to let it get some exercise. There are no free-roaming animals in my home that would injure the tortoise. Is 85-75 degrees F. a good range to have the tortoise in? What about substrate? I've seen some people keep their torts on rabbit pellets. I personally don't like it because it seems they can't get any footing. Is aspen or cypress mulch a good choice substrate? Since the tub would have a smooth bottom, I could provide a soft cloth (not prickly plastic) reptile carpet underneath to provide footing. I have a good idea of what to feed the tortoise. When it gets warm up here in western NY state during spring and summer(not city) I will be able to take the tortoise outside to graze. There's a fairly large area around me that isn't treated with pesticides/insectides. : : If Russians are hard to keep alive, what are other choices of small, hardy tortoises I could keep in captivity? What about Redfoots? Thanks for the help, and sorry for the many questions. If more care sheets provided better info, I wouldn't need to ask so much. :) : : Bry

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

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