Russian tortoise - what's healthy?

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Posted by brad on February 01, 1999 at 09:12:01:

Obtained a small (4.25") Russian tortoise
a few days ago. Haven't taken it into the
vet yet (will do so soon), but would like
to get some details before the visit.

I read up on it before purchasing, have
it housed in a 32x20 concrete mixing tub
with a 95degree hot spot, carefresh bedding,
UV lighting and 75 degree background temp.
It has a 13 hour day with nighttime temps of
about 70. I will move it to larger quarters
and allow it to free roam a little after it is declared
healthy. I would also hibernate it next year.

I'm feeding it a mix of green leafy items (collard
and romaine) with a small amount of green beans
and carrots. I add a small amount of calcium/d3.
When good weather arrives I would substitute
dandelions, plantain, grass and clover for the
greens/veggies.

It is eating well and is active.

Now to the major concern. Some of its feces have
been small and firm. Others have had a lot
of fluid. I assume that an arid land tortoise
would have little fluid in its excrement. Correct?

Follow Ups:

Just a guess. Buzz 2/03/99 (1)
- Re: Just a guess. Joe 2/03/99 (0)
Re: Russian tortoise - what's healthy? Joe 2/01/99 (0)

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: : Obtained a small (4.25") Russian tortoise : a few days ago. Haven't taken it into the : vet yet (will do so soon), but would like : to get some details before the visit. : I read up on it before purchasing, have : it housed in a 32x20 concrete mixing tub : with a 95degree hot spot, carefresh bedding, : UV lighting and 75 degree background temp. : It has a 13 hour day with nighttime temps of : about 70. I will move it to larger quarters : and allow it to free roam a little after it is declared : healthy. I would also hibernate it next year. : I'm feeding it a mix of green leafy items (collard : and romaine) with a small amount of green beans : and carrots. I add a small amount of calcium/d3. : When good weather arrives I would substitute : dandelions, plantain, grass and clover for the : greens/veggies. : It is eating well and is active. : Now to the major concern. Some of its feces have : been small and firm. Others have had a lot : of fluid. I assume that an arid land tortoise : would have little fluid in its excrement. Correct?

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