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 #2073940


Steven1
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 Need Russian Tortoise Help

I am going to be getting a Russian Tortoise for the first time. I know they need a very large habitat and a heat lamp but I don’t know much more. Also, do tortoises smell? Any information would be helpful. Thanks
09/19/09  10:37pm

 #2074063


Heatseeker
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   Message To: Steven1   In reference to Message Id: 2073940


 Need Russian Tortoise Help

Heres a really great site for care. http://www.russiantortoise.org/ I would do as much research as you can before you get one :) Its best to have the enclosure set up and ready before the tort comes home.
You’ll need a digital probe ot lazer thermometer for checking temps. Are you goingt o keep it inside, outside or both?
They do not normally smell as long as you pick up the poo or if they go poo in the water you change the water right afterwards.
They eat lots of leafy greens, weeds, grasses (chemical free) and such - you shouldn’t feed them friut as it can cause a bacteria bloom in their tummy. Russians also do not eat any meat products or bugs. But you will need to buy some calcium if your tort is kept indoors and a cuttle bone with the hard back taken off will help supply extra calcium and keep the beak trim. If the beaks and nails get too long they will need to be trimmed, a vet can trim the beak for you. Feeding off of a large flat rock or a rough tile will help keep beaks trim. Also leaving the greens fairly large and not cutting them into tiny pieces (unless you get a baby) will help them use their claws for tearing it.
They need a uvb/uva light and heat lamp Or you can buy one that is a combo of the two. The uvb lights are expensive but unless your tort can live outside then you will need one. You can use any heat light, even a household bulb if it gets to the right temp. Your not going to want to hibernate for the first year after getting any tort. Its best to see how they are going to do.
If you ever get another tort to add to your enclosure make sure you have a quarentine period of at least 3-6 months. Torts can carry parasites and pass them on to each other, if you can get a check up from a reptile vet and a fecal sample done. Its a great investment!
Check out that site and let us know if you have any other questions :)
09/20/09  10:13am

 #2074100


Steven1
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   Message To: Heatseeker   In reference to Message Id: 2074063


 Need Russian Tortoise Help

thanks for the info.
09/20/09  12:42pm

 #2076538


SkumBoss
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   Message To: Steven1   In reference to Message Id: 2074100


 Need Russian Tortoise Help

Definitely get a fecal test. They are 20 bux, and most torts have parasites or worms, mine had both and seemed perfectly healthy. By the time they show symptoms it’s usually too late.
09/25/09  07:36pm

 #2077145


Steven1
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   Message To: SkumBoss   In reference to Message Id: 2076538


 Need Russian Tortoise Help

ok
09/27/09  11:17am


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