Does this Russian look ok?

[Imkeisme]

I got this guy from Petco a few months ago. I've seen tons of pictures of Russians and their shells look so beautiful. My little man how ever is more of a dark brown, his shell scales are slightly indented, and kinda chippy. I feed him tortise pellets (rainbow color I don't remember the name) lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, squash, zucchini on the regular. I also add some cuddle bone pieces twice a week. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Also I keep the humidity at about 70 roughly and he gets a soak every week and I'm also having problems getting his poop off his underbelly every now and again. Here is some pictures of his shell let me know what you think....

 

[Imkeisme]

Oh and green and red peppers he loves those

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes. He's a beautiful specimen. Your diet for him should be leaning more towards weeds and dark, leafy greens.

 

[Imkeisme]

Yes. He's a beautiful specimen. Your diet for him should be leaning more towards weeds and dark, leafy greens.

Weeds? Any in particular? I live in Pennsylvania so we have a wide variety here. Also when you say dark leafy do u mean things like spinach, chard, arugala?

 

[Imkeisme]

Weeds? Any in particular? I live in Pennsylvania so we have a wide variety here. Also when you say dark leafy do u mean things like spinach, chard, arugala?

And good his shell was really concerning me

 

[Yvonne G]

Arugula is ok, but spinach binds calcium and should be fed sparingly.

From the web:

Edible Green Leaves
Dandelion, red clover, plantain, watercress and chickweed are edible green leaves. They are sold in some supermarkets, but you are likely to find them growing freely around your neighborhood or in your yard.

The following should be fed sparingly:

Cruciferous Leafy Greens
Kale, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage and broccoli are cruciferous leafy greens.

These are good:

Lettuces
Dark green lettuces include romaine, green leaf, arugula and butterhead

Edible Weeds

• Dandelion. ...
• Purslane. ...
• Clover. ...
• Lamb's Quarters. ...
• Plantain. ...
• Chickweed. ...
• Mallow. ...
• Wild Amaranth
• prickly lettuce
• sow thistle

 

[Yvonne G]

And good his shell was really concerning me

He's just dirty. Once he's cleaned up, you may still think he's darker than what you're used to seeing. Some are dark, some are light. . . just like people.

 

[Imkeisme]

Any advice on cleaning him properly other than soaking him? I've been thinking about getting turtle wax from Petco and seeing if that helps too.

 

[Imkeisme]

Arugula is ok, but spinach binds calcium and should be fed sparingly.

From the web:

Edible Green Leaves
Dandelion, red clover, plantain, watercress and chickweed are edible green leaves. They are sold in some supermarkets, but you are likely to find them growing freely around your neighborhood or in your yard.

The following should be fed sparingly:

Cruciferous Leafy Greens
Kale, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage and broccoli are cruciferous leafy greens.

These are good:

Lettuces
Dark green lettuces include romaine, green leaf, arugula and butterhead

Edible Weeds

• Dandelion. ...
• Purslane. ...
• Clover. ...
• Lamb's Quarters. ...
• Plantain. ...
• Chickweed. ...
• Mallow. ...
• Wild Amaranth
• prickly lettuce
• sow thistle

Very thero much appreciated

 

[Yvonne G]

After he's been soaking for about 20 minutes, scrub him with a soft bristle brush.

 

[Imkeisme]

Should I switch his bedding to something cleaner? I'm currently using ecoearth I've been debating on switching him to wood chips.

 

[teresaf]

He's a turtle...let him get a little dirty.

 

[Bambam1989]

I think he is a handsome fella!

 

[Imkeisme]

Thank you guys!! Btw his name is Tank I forgot to add that

 

[Cheryl Hills]

I have a Russian Tank too!

 

[Hayes Johnson]

Yes! He looks very healthy and alert. I would bath him every other day. I have a Russian tortoise too!

 

[DARKFIRE007]

Looks fine to me, and as far as I know you can use some dawn and a toothbrush (preferably not yours lol) to brush/clean him and his shell, just avoid the face and rinse well. Dawn has been used on wildlife far more fragile than a Russian tort without harming them. As for food, I alternate between collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, kale....the very occasional strawberry, all with success. I would suggest a sprinkle of multi vitamin on the food every 3 or 4 days also.

 

[chemprentice]

Weeds? Any in particular? I live in Pennsylvania so we have a wide variety here. Also when you say dark leafy do u mean things like spinach, chard, arugala?

Weeds can be: dandelion, mallow, sow thistle, catsear, miner's lettuce, etc.

He looks really good!!