If you purchase your russian tortoise rt from a pet store the first thing you should do is bring your new tortoise along with a fecal poop sample to a qualified veterinarian who works with reptiles. Although you can use a large fish tank to house your tortoise, building a cage that will accommodate them is preferred for longterm care. Pictured are three typicaly colored russian tortoises they can also be lighter or darker. To help ensure the health and wellbeing of our associates and pet parents, we are temporarily suspending all product returns or exchanges. Russian tortoise care this training course will take you through the principles of russian tortoise husbandry and show you how to create a longlived unique pet you can will to your grandchildren. If you take one as a pet, be prepared to provide a lifetime of care and consider that your pet might even outlive you if you choose to keep one as a pet.
Russians like to dig down in their substrate, and would appreciate an artificial burrow or shady area in their enclosure. Testudo horsfieldii, horsfield, agrionemys, steppe. Russian tortoise testudo agrionemys horsfieldii a popular pet tortoise, russian tortoises are one of the most readily available tortoise species. Greek, russian and hermann tortoise care guide greek, russian and hermann tortoise care guide. But tortoises can live a very long time anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Russian tortoise testudo horsfieldii each species of tortoise has its own special requirements.
Russian tortoise as pets russian tortoise are an active and hardy species. Fresh, clean, chlorinefree water should be available at all times. Although they are called russian tortoises, they are found in more countries than just russia. The smallest and the most adorable legally available tortoise as pets is the russian tortoise. Daily care, pros and cons, cages, costs, diet, breeding all covered at. Need information about a russian tortoise from petsmart. Before purchasing your new captive bred baby russian tortoise for sale online, please do your homework and learn about proper russian tortoise care, russian tortoise diet, russian tortoise breeding and more.
We will be hatching and starting more russian tortoises soon. A requirement of higher humidity and hydration is the main difference. Its one eye has been slightly swollen and not always opening well, it seems to be getting worse. Russians will dig burrows to keep warm in cooler weather as well as to hibernate during winter months. House russian tortoises separately from other individuals of the same species as well as different species. Baby russian tortoises have very similar needs to adult russian tortoises. How to care for tortoises is a tortoise the right pet for you. Amanda melanie posted by rhonda palmer on 19th mar 20 i just had to write and say how happy we are with the new addition to our family, amanda melanie, the russian tortoise. If you are looking for information on russian tortoise care, a russian tortoise care sheet, information on russian tortoise diet, russian tortoise price, russian tortoise size, russian tortoise breeding, russian tortoise baby, baby russian tortoises for sale, russian tortoise growth rate, russian tortoise enclosure, russian tortoise pet.
Also benefit from a russian tortoise commercial diet, but should be no more than 25% of the diet. Also known as the steppe tortoise, the afghan tortoise, and the horsfields tortoise, the russian tortoise is one of the most popular pet tortoise breeds. C this article has been rated as cclass on the projects quality scale. With a small size but big personality, the russian tortoise is one of the most popular tortoises kept as a pet. I have seen numerous suggestions for russian tortoise diet some great some awful. Active and responsive to their owners, they make great first reptiles. See the mediterranean tortoise basic information sheet for additional information. Indoor russian tortoise habitat russian tortoise diet. We purchased a tortoise from petsmart about 2 weeks ago as a gift for our son. Though they are quite numerous as pets and breeders across the world, in their native habitat they are actually vulnerable to extinction.
Specifically made tortoise terrariums are a better option than your typical reptile. We offer a variety of tortoise care sheets and turtle care sheets free of charge to all of our fans and customers. Things to remember when feeding your russian tortoise. Wilmette pet 625 green bay road wilmette, il 60091. A diet of pet shop food may not be the best diet for a russian.
Because of this, there are some peculiarities within the information, depending on the opinion of the taxonomist you speak to, such as the russian tortoise actually belonging to the genus agrionemys. Female russian tortoises are typically larger than males once mature. Edible plants plants as food for tortoises russian tortoise. So here i am again and received a beautiful, active russian. Learn all about the russian tortoise in this article with information and facts that will help you pick your perfect tortoise pet or know more about your pet. Is a russian tortoise the right turtle tortoise for you. Remember, each tortoise order comes with a free starter sample of the same tortoise diet your tortoise has been raised on to order larger quantities, see the lower left side of this page. The russian tortoise agrionemys horsfieldii, also commonly known as the afghan tortoise, the central asian tortoise, horsfields tortoise, fourclawed tortoise, and the russian steppe tortoise, is a threatened species of tortoise in the family testudinidae. Once you join youll be able to post messages, upload pictures of your tortoise and enclosure, and discuss any tortoise topic with other tortoise keepers. We purchased a russian tortoise from the pet store a little. This species is, in our experience, the single toughest tortoise in the world. The plucky russian tortoise, however, while not an easy pet, is a good choice for serious folks with some experience keeping other terrestrial turtles under their belts.
Russian testudo horsfieldii care sheet san diego turtle. This social animal remains fairly small, reaching lengths of just 6 to 8. This attractive tortoise, with a yellow and brown carapace, thick scales, and strong legs, is highly coveted for its mild temperament and its sheer beauty. Daily care, pros and cons, cages, costs, diet, breeding all covered hoppendale, george on. Tortoise care sheets sulcata tortoise care leopard. Daily care, pros and cons, cages, costs, diet, breeding all covered by hoppendale, george isbn. Hermanns tortoise information and pictures petguide. If you want to bring one of these tortoises into your family, make sure that the animal has been bred in captivity rather than taken from the wild. If you would like to participate, you can choose to edit this article, or visit the project page for more information. We purchased a russian tortoise from the pet store a. Whether you are looking for specific dietary needs, general care, tortoise habitat construction, breeding, incubating, or just everyday questions we offer a variety of care sheets free for your use. Russian tortoise care chicago exotics animal hospital.
They are small, making them easy for most people with limited space to keep. They are also feisty, eager to eat and more active than some other tortoises. However, even the largest female specimens rarely exceed 8 inches in length, making them easy to accommodate, regardless of gender. The following list of plants is to be used as a guide for safely landscaping your pens and providing a better variety of weeds to feed. Russian tortoises have a very social personalitythey are considered to have a personality much like a dog. Theyre only about, making them a great beginner reptile. Russian tortoise care sheet russian tortoise information. Hell actually hang out on the bed and watch tv for a little with me before passing out for a bit. There is a lot of conflicting information about the russian tortoise. Russian tortoises are often bought as a first pet tortoise by inexperienced hobbyists who intend to keep them indoors. We purchased a russian tortoise from the pet store a little over a week and a half ago. Pet tortoises are popular pets for many people since they are quiet, cute especially as hatchlings, and dont shed any fur. They are fairly easy to care for and are hardy torts.
Testudo horsfieldii is known variously as the russian, the afgan. Russian or horsfields tortoise turtle and tortoise shells the spruce pets. They need a high fiber, low protein, and calcium rich diet for normal digestive tract function and proper growth. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Nobody knows for certain how long a captiveborn russian tortoise can live. If pets are to be bought from a pet shop, check the reputation and the atmosphere of the shop first. The species name of the russian tortoise is tortudo horsefieldii, or agrionemis horsefieldii the agrionemis horsefieldii is a small sized tortoise. We have been following the feeding and lighting instructions since day 1 and have put a thermometer in the cage to ensure it stays the suggested 7585 degrees. Russian tortoises seem to be one of the most popular tortoises sold in pet stores. Baby russian tortoise care sheet also for other herbivorous. Glass terrariums at least 30 inches long for one tortoise, larger for several. Russian tortoise is part of wikiproject turtles, an attempt at creating a standardized, informative, comprehensive and easytouse turtle resource. Russian tortoise care sheet russian tortoise diet russian. Its scientific name depicts the name of the 19th century american naturalist and physician called thomas horsfield.
The gender of a mature tortoise can usually be determined by external characteristics. Cage carpet or newspaper are safe choices if changed frequently. The russian tortoise, which is the name it is usually known by, was named after the naturalist thomas horsefield. We were told it was a 2 year old russian tortoise and it would be perfect for an 8 year old. A popular pet tortoise, russian tortoises are one of the most readily available tortoise species. High this article has been rated as highimportance on. In 1968, two tortoises of this species traveled to the moon and were the first one to undertake such a journey. Russian tortoise agrionemys horsfieldii is a small species of tortoise but a threatened one due to habitat degradation. Once youve purchased your russian tortoise for sale, it is time to get ready to prepare for your new pet tortoise to arrive and get everything ready. Russian tortoise care this training course will take you through the principles of russian tortoise husbandry and show you how to create a longlived unique pet. Russian tortoises well started hatchlings and juveniles. When you get your tortoise, it is highly recommended that you take your pet for a check up.
If you house your russian tortoise in a terrarium, a minimum size of 75 gallons is required. Hermanns tortoisealong with the spurthighed tortoise and the marginated tortoiseis part of a group of tortoises referred to as mediterranean tortoises. Russians are very forgiving tortoises, and their relatively low cost, ready availability and hardiness makes a. Russian tortoise care sheet russian tortoise information and. Turtles and tortoises are not your runofthemill pets, and if you choose to add a chelonian a turtle or tortoise to your family, you may want to broaden your vocabulary beyond what you need when talking about more, uh, ordinary pets. Found naturally in the dry open landscapes of aghanistan, pakistan, iran, russia, and china this tortoise is also known as the steppe tortoise, the afghanistan tortoise, the russian box turtle, and the fourtoed tortoise. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek more detailed information on the particular type of tortoise they own. Once youve purchased your russian tortoise for sale, it is time to get ready to prepare for your new pet tortoise to arrive and get everything ready below are some tips and information on the care of the captive bred russian tortoise you can always email us with questions you may have about your new pet russian tortoise.
Russian tortoise care sheet pet supplies, pet food, and. Most russian tortoises in the pet trade in the united states are wild caught and imported. Russian tortoise description, habitat, image, diet, and. I feel that this is due in part to the fact that they are very adaptable. Delivery may be delayed due to acts beyond our reasonable control, which may include, but are not limited to, weather, strikes, power outages, shutdowns, local, state or federal governmental actions, and other similar acts. For our purposes, it is still acceptable to refer to the russian tortoise in the genus testudo. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Below are some tips and information on the care of the captive bred russian tortoise. If kept too dry, they will have irregular, pyramided shell. Jan 19, 2011 we purchased a tortoise from petsmart about 2 weeks ago as a gift for our son. The edible landscaping plants may or may not be eatenliked by your tortoise. We have several russian tortoises for sale at really low prices. Learn how to care for russian tortoises available at petco. Then having a healthy, interactive, longlived russian tortoise is simple and inexpensive to replicate wherever you live.
If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14day period, or if youre not satisfied for any reason, petsmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Their small size and active nature make these tortoises an excellent reptile pet. Buyers are able to obtain a russian tortoise from the internet, from a private buyer or from a reptile show. There are some important points to note wherever an animal is acquired from. Russian tortoise care sheet caging needed if you house your russian tortoise in a terrarium, a minimum size of 75 gallons is required. Russian tortoise information and pictures petguide. The hermanns tortoise is a popular breed that makes a great pet. If you need additional information, please refer to the sources on the following page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. Be sure to select only a captive bred russian torotise for sale from an experienced russian tortoise breeder. With proper care they should out live their owners. In july i purchased a russian tortoise from here and hes doing wonderful.
Learn about general care and characteristics of these reptilian pets. They have a number of other common names, including afghan tortoise, steppe tortoise, horsfields tortoise, and central asian tortoise. He loves cucumber so i decided his name should be mr. Russian tortoises are common pets native to central asia, russia in particular. As with any other turtle or tortoise breed, the hermanns tortoise should be purchased from a reputable breeder who can guarantee that the animal was born in captivity, as doing so will help maintain their wild populations. Dec 23, 2019 we purchased a russian tortoise from the pet store a little over a week and a half ago. Turtles and tortoises for dummies cheat sheet dummies. See more ideas about tortoise care, russian tortoise and tortoise. Caring for a russian tortoise russian turtle caresheet. Testudo ibera group, the hermanns tortoise testudohermanni and the marginated tortoise testudo marginata. Russian tortoise basic care and turtle rescue of long. Russian tortoises are extremely territorial and generally do not mix well with other species of tortoise. If you are thinking of getting home a russian tortoise as a pet, then the following article will prove to be very useful.
Russian or afghan tortoise testudo horsfieldii has virtually identical husbandry requirements. This site is dedicated to providing exchange of ideas and information to create a better understanding of the care and breeding of the russian tortoise. The life of a tortoise are you thinking of buying a tortoise to keep. However, they cant be raised with ignorance, and with their long life, they need to be taken care of. Thank you tortoise supply for the outstanding service. A diet of pet shop food may not be the best diet for a russian tortoise, so it is also a good idea to find out what these animals are being fed. With good humidity, uvb, and healthy food, your tortoise will grow healthily and smoothly.
With proper care, russian tortoises can live to be over 50 years old. Posted by luiz quiroz on 15th aug 2019 i love my new russian tortoise. I gave him a little soak and he started to explore his new enclosure. The information in this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. House your russian tortoise in a enclosure that is big enough for the tortoise to move around in freely. This is definitely the place to get your tortoise from. Some tortoises have a tendency to go to the bathroom in their water bowl, so expect to clean and disinfect this daily. Although it is not a mediterraneantortoiseitoriginatesinasia,the russian or afghan tortoise testudohorsfieldii has virtually identical husbandry requirements and therefore the information presented here is stillrelevant. However, precise data on the feeding ecology of steppe tortoises are essential because the.