Re: Russian Tortoise

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Posted by Mike on December 13, 2001 at 09:27:54:

In Reply to: Re: Russian Tortoise posted by Tom on December 13, 2001 at 01:02:03:

: Always leave water with your Russian tortoise. Soaks once a week are good, but your tortoise gets thirtsy when he gets thirsty. it would be like you being told not to drink anything except what you get from your food you eat daily, and then given a bath once a week! And in theoir naturla environement, if tyou want to get right down to it, the grasses they eat are very dry and contain little water as opposed to lettuce. A nice shallow clay planter bottom can work good, as well as many "pre-made" dishes found in pet shops. Just make sure your tortoise can't fall in it and drown, and also rinse and refresh the water and water dish daily. Good luck!

: Tom

Tom-
I understand your point, but (please correct me if I'm wrong) I think you may be anthropomorphizing them a bit. Russian tortoises come from the dry steppes and deserts of western Asia and eastern Europe. Their natural climate has little rainfall. Unless very firmly anchored, the tortoises will most likely try to burrow under the dish, thus spilling all the water in it. This will make the substrate more moist, thus increasing the humidity-and Russians aren't happy in a moist/humid environment. In addition, the foods which we feed our Russians contain more moisture than does their natural food, which would further decrease their need for a water bowl. I'm just trying to state the way Russians live in their native environment-rarely will a Russian tortoise utilize a bowl of water every day.
Regards,
Mike

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Re: Russian Tortoise Tom 12/14/01 (3)
- Re: Russian Tortoise Mike 12/15/01 (2)
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    - Re: Russian Tortoise Tom again 12/15/01 (0)

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: : Always leave water with your Russian tortoise. Soaks once a week are good, but your tortoise gets thirtsy when he gets thirsty. it would be like you being told not to drink anything except what you get from your food you eat daily, and then given a bath once a week! And in theoir naturla environement, if tyou want to get right down to it, the grasses they eat are very dry and contain little water as opposed to lettuce. A nice shallow clay planter bottom can work good, as well as many "pre-made" dishes found in pet shops. Just make sure your tortoise can't fall in it and drown, and also rinse and refresh the water and water dish daily. Good luck! : : Tom : Tom- : I understand your point, but (please correct me if I'm wrong) I think you may be anthropomorphizing them a bit. Russian tortoises come from the dry steppes and deserts of western Asia and eastern Europe. Their natural climate has little rainfall. Unless very firmly anchored, the tortoises will most likely try to burrow under the dish, thus spilling all the water in it. This will make the substrate more moist, thus increasing the humidity-and Russians aren't happy in a moist/humid environment. In addition, the foods which we feed our Russians contain more moisture than does their natural food, which would further decrease their need for a water bowl. I'm just trying to state the way Russians live in their native environment-rarely will a Russian tortoise utilize a bowl of water every day. : Regards, : Mike

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