Ruby the Tortoise
Member
Hello fellow tortoises! I have a 14 year old “daughter” Russian Tortoise, and I was wondering how much exercise she needs. Any ideas?
No issue, but my tortoise doesn’t get too much exercise, and I saw the white ring, so I knew she needs more exercise. How much is what I am wondering.There is no peer reviewed scientific study with which to answer your question, but the simple answer is: A lot.
In the wild they would walk long distances some days and others they would shelter in place due to weather extremes. Males tend to wander more and further, but females move around too.
In your climate, I think the best strategy would be to have a large indoor enclosure of at least 8x4 feet, and also a much larger outdoor enclosure. Use the outdoor enclosure during warm sunny weather and the indoor enclosure the rest of the time.
They also tend to get a lot of exercise when you soak them. Some of us call that "the tortoise treadmill".
Is there a reason you ask? Any specific problem?
The white ring is new growth. That doesn't have anything to do with exercise.No issue, but my tortoise doesn’t get too much exercise, and I saw the white ring, so I knew she needs more exercise. How much is what I am wondering.
Yes, but it is literally the size of your finger. So I was told that she needs more exercise and a little less food.The white ring is new growth. That doesn't have anything to do with exercise.
They can always use more exercise. Can't we all? I can. But no need to starve the tortoise. They are grazers and should be able to eat as much of the right foods as they want. Are you feeding the right foods? Or are you driving to the grocery store for tortoise food?Yes, but it is literally the size of your finger. So I was told that she needs more exercise and a little less food.
Where in Oregon are you? I'm in Corvallis, I keep Sulcata and they walk for miles daily. Russians are the same walk and graze walk and graze. My Sulcata eat grass and weeds, and I used to keep Russians and they also eat grass, weedsI give her lettuce, kale, and other greens that I have checked to be safe. She does sometimes eat weeds outside, too.
I don't keep Russian tortoises.Where in Oregon are you? I'm in Corvallis, I keep Sulcata and they walk for miles daily. Russians are the same walk and graze walk and graze. My Sulcata eat grass and weeds, and I used to keep Russians and they also eat grass, weeds
Yes, Russian tortoises... can be rebellious sometimes. I also think that is part of being a tortoise parent, too.I don't keep Russian tortoises.
Although I had one for a few weeks.
He chased my Redfoot all day long.
(I know...this was before the internet..)
But aren't all Russians very active in general?
Pacing and walking. Climbing and attempting to escape?
The white ring is new growth. Nothing to worry about.Yeah, it is just she has had the white ring for years, and I am concerned now, since it doesn’t look natural nor is it going away.