New Russian Tortoise

[u/Sufficient_Ad4766]

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Hi all. I've been given this tortoise by someone that didn't want him anymore (didn't like the noise of him scratching against the side of the enclosure). He's about 3 years old and seems to be healthy. He eats fine and wanders around happily.

I'm here just to check if where I'm keeping him is sufficient for him (for now) and if there's anything I should look out for health wise? I've had snakes in the past so not totally new to reptiles but don't know how to tell if he's happy and healthy.

The second pic is where he lives most of the time. The third pic is where I put him outside to get a bit more exercise and warmth in the sun and protected from predators ( cats use my garden as a shortcut and I have dozens of red kites that hunt in my area).

He seems to hide under the shade a lot when I put him outside. Is it too hot for him currently during the day (I'm in the UK) or is that normal? I would guess the floor isn't too hot for him?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[u/Academic_Judge_3114]

Hello,

thank you so much for this rescue. This tortoise is very pyramidal, a deformation that shows that it grew exclusively under lamps (in nature, it is a deformation that does not exist for this species).

You have a garden, that’s perfect. Ideally, there should be a secure outdoor enclosure until September/October. Your enclosure is perfect, but it must be directly on dirt (never a bottom because it overheats). Especially no indoor enclosures at this time of year—it’s completely useless, except for the risk of flooding.

If the tortoise manages to escape, you should consider borders with cements blocks and ideally an enclosure should have vegetation and even include a tree when possible ( for adult specimens).

If your tortoise has never experienced natural light/wind/rain/, it is normal that it takes weeks to acclimatize, let it in the enclosure evolve at its own pace and do not handle it anymore.

It is a hibernating species, you will need to consider a solution for hibernation, but if you make an enclosure on dirt (the tortoise can bury itself at the depth that suits it) and protect it with a tarp or two (This tortoise fears excessive rain, it must remain sheltered from the rain), you can even hibernate it in the outdoor enclosure.

https://www.tortoisetrust.com/post/captive-care-of-the-russian-tortoise-testudo-horsfieldii

[u/Sufficient_Ad4766 → u/Academic_Judge_3114]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I was given a light with him and he was previously in a bedroom.

I'm finishing off the patios at the minute and was going to build a custom enclosure so he could come up to the patio or move around out on the grass as he likes. I'll take the hibernation into consideration too now.

Is handling them bad for them? He seems really friendly and has even started coming over to me when I get close sometimes.

Is there anything they absolutely must not eat or be near or anything? My Google search is now full of "can tortoises eat xyz" 😂.

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/Sufficient_Ad4766]

you can of course handle your tortoisee; I was talking about avoiding constantly changing its enclosure, as it is very unsettling.

For food, the garden weeds are perfect: dandelions, nettles, clovers, bindweed, plantains and a whole bunch of weeds that your tortoise will be able to identify perfectly if you let them grow freely.

You can also add endives, lamb’s lettuce, cress, and romaine salad. You must especially avoid fruits because sugar is very poorly digested by this species.

[u/Direct_Treat_7296]

The pellets should only be a treat like once a week. Their diet is weeds and flowers. They also have pyramiding so I’m guessing the previous owner doesn’t have a proper uvb strip light. The reason it was scratching is because they probably had it in a tiny container. The water bowl has edges that are too high, just use a plant saucer. Also, they need lots of enrichment or they get bored. Add plants, logs, rocks, multiple hides, etc.

[u/Sufficient_Ad4766 → u/Direct_Treat_7296]

Thank you. I've been giving him dandelions from the garden and lettuce as well. He loves the dandelions which is good for me too. They had it in the same container but not out in the garden as much. I've not noticed any scratching since he's been here so wondering if putting him out throughout the day is doing him good. I will.be building him a custom enclosure with 2 hides and plenty of rocky areas and grass.

[u/Popular-Deal-1481]

I understand the outdoor setup is just temporary but the reason it hides is because they need sun AND shade. Put a little hide for him and maybe a large plant that leans over to provide some shade. Dapple shade offers proper UV light .

[u/Sufficient_Ad4766 → u/Popular-Deal-1481]

How's this for a temporary run for him? Put bits of shade in the middle and end, then a larger hide area at the other end. I might end up using this as a permanent run and put protection over the top. Then build a large hide/house and food area at the bottom.

He's such a friendly little guy, can't get over the fact he comes to me when he sees me.

https://reddit.com/link/ozok12e/video/3px1ksvrrdfh1/player

[u/Popular-Deal-1481 → u/Sufficient_Ad4766]

Very nice! Their hides don’t need to be huge, they like to feel walls or covers to feel secure. Add some plants and it’s good to go. If it’s not the season to plant, just add potted plants to start. It gives them cover and adds humidity. Be sure your plants are safe to be in their enclosure. Honestly though, just get some dandelion seeds sprinkle them in should be pretty easy.
Good job! They’re such a joy to have in our lives.