David Steere
Well-Known Member
This year I going to build a 4'x'4' wing so Sandy has more space to walk around.
So I will have a 4'x10' enclosure for Sandy to enjoy.
Setting up for a Russian Tortoise - Constructive comments welcome
- Thread starter David Steere
- Start date
So I will have a 4'x10' enclosure for Sandy to enjoy.
Anastasia 22
Well-Known Member
Sandy is so cute!!!
Thank you, David, for providing such a happy life for your guy!
Thank you, David, for providing such a happy life for your guy!
David Steere
Well-Known Member
@Tom @SinLA @wellington @Alex and the Redfoot @Ink @Cathie G @Yvonne G @jaizei @Pippen's Pal @Kala @ecachuh @The_Four_Toed_Edward @TechnoCheese @_The_Beast_ @EppsDynasty @LanaJoy @Jillgp @Anastasia 22 @SocialD @ZEROPILOT @Daffodil @Myrna the RES @er9m @zolasmum
Sandy is very active and I have noticed Sandy has been eating a lot more over the last couple of months. Before I threw half away but now I actually have to add a little more food later in the day.
Can not wait to weigh / measure Sandy on Saturday!
7am
Food with Sandy for Scale
7pm
Sandy is very active and I have noticed Sandy has been eating a lot more over the last couple of months. Before I threw half away but now I actually have to add a little more food later in the day.
Can not wait to weigh / measure Sandy on Saturday!
7am
Food with Sandy for Scale
7pm
Anastasia 22
Well-Known Member
He's growing like a champion!!! His shell looks great!!!!
David Steere
Well-Known Member
@Tom @SinLA @wellington @Alex and the Redfoot @Ink @Cathie G @Yvonne G @jaizei @Pippen's Pal @Kala @ecachuh @The_Four_Toed_Edward @TechnoCheese @_The_Beast_ @EppsDynasty @LanaJoy @Jillgp @Anastasia 22 @SocialD @ZEROPILOT @Daffodil @Myrna the RES @er9m @zolasmum
Please let know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
February 1, 2025
Monthly Checking: Sandy gained 68 grams and grew 1/4" inch this month!
Weight: 403 grams
Length: 5" inches +/-
Please let know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
February 1, 2025
Monthly Checking: Sandy gained 68 grams and grew 1/4" inch this month!
Weight: 403 grams
Length: 5" inches +/-
_The_Beast_
Well-Known Member
Go Sandy Go! Looking great 
David Steere
Well-Known Member
@Tom @SinLA @wellington @Alex and the Redfoot @Ink @Cathie G @Yvonne G @jaizei @Pippen's Pal @Kala @ecachuh @The_Four_Toed_Edward @TechnoCheese @_The_Beast_ @EppsDynasty @LanaJoy @Jillgp @Anastasia 22 @SocialD @ZEROPILOT @Daffodil @Myrna the RES @er9m @zolasmum
Please let know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
I have to ask. First time for everything I guess. Couple of questions
1. Is this what I think it is?
2. Is this safe for Sandy? Keeping the rocks in enclosure?
3. Concerned that Sandy could get hurt or roll on his back.
Any concerns?
Please let know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
I have to ask. First time for everything I guess. Couple of questions
1. Is this what I think it is?
2. Is this safe for Sandy? Keeping the rocks in enclosure?
3. Concerned that Sandy could get hurt or roll on his back.
Any concerns?
Anastasia 22
Well-Known Member
Sandy looks like a T-Rex
I would second Ink. Russians are little bit crazy about climbing, and I have anything in their enclosures to provoke their flipping....
I would second Ink. Russians are little bit crazy about climbing, and I have anything in their enclosures to provoke their flipping....
Yes, it's what you think it is. I would remove the rock for safety in many situations
The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
Yes, that is what you think it is. There was this log that my Russian used to mount and I removed it mainly due to the flipping risk. Flat rocks are definitely safer and eliminate the flipping risk.
Daffodil
Active Member
What happens if they happen to flip over? Does it hurt them internally? Or is the problem that they can't get to food or water if they can't right themselves?
Mostly, I'm wondering if Agamemnon flipped over for some reason, how soon would I have to see it and right him?
Mostly, I'm wondering if Agamemnon flipped over for some reason, how soon would I have to see it and right him?
David Steere
Well-Known Member
@Tom @SinLA @wellington @Alex and the Redfoot @Ink @Cathie G @Yvonne G @jaizei @Pippen's Pal @Kala @ecachuh @The_Four_Toed_Edward @TechnoCheese @_The_Beast_ @EppsDynasty @LanaJoy @Jillgp @Anastasia 22 @SocialD @ZEROPILOT @Daffodil @Myrna the RES @er9m @zolasmum
Please let me know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
I took everyone's advice and replaced with more gentle, flat rocks.
Does anyone see any concerns with these new rocks. I want Sandy to continue to enjoy the rocks but not be unsafe to use them.
Thoughts?
Please let me know if you notice any concerns or questions concerning Sandy.
I took everyone's advice and replaced with more gentle, flat rocks.
Does anyone see any concerns with these new rocks. I want Sandy to continue to enjoy the rocks but not be unsafe to use them.
Thoughts?
David Steere
Well-Known Member
Hopefully someone with more experience can answer your question but I going to try to not get Sandy into a situation where he could flip over.
Not sure what would happen short or long term of a tortoise staying flipped.
If they flip their internal organs are pressed and breathing in danger. When young, hatchlings flip all the time as they scramble and climb anything exploring. Low flat rocks are the best in the enclosure . As they get older they can self right by rocking, but again they will need to latch onto anything to flip back. In the event they flip and have not managed to self right, as soon as you see it provide a warm water shallow soak in a high sided container to help them recuperate and hydrate and calm down. If they they flip in hot sunshine it can be terminal!
Rocks look much better. If he humps them all the time, I would remove them all together so he doesn't injure his boy part.
They usually go thru a phase for a few weeks to a month and then stop. If he doesn't stop them I would remove them and you could try a small soft ball like a tennis ball. But wait and see how it goes.
They usually go thru a phase for a few weeks to a month and then stop. If he doesn't stop them I would remove them and you could try a small soft ball like a tennis ball. But wait and see how it goes.
David Steere
Well-Known Member
Looking back it been since December 20th when he started to show his manhood.
Especially during his soaks I can now see a 1 1/2" long shaft. Is that normal? I make sure everything goes back in before placing him in his enclosure so he does not get hurt.
I will continue to pop in every hour and take a peek at what he is doing. Lots of time I just see him sitting on rock doing nothing. Was really surprised yesterday!
One more thing to worry about. I am like a mom with their first child! He means everything to me being my companion since my wife pasted away.
All good. I know it's hard not to worry, but worry less and enjoy him more. You're doing great.
_The_Beast_
Well-Known Member
New rocks look great and the initial video made me laugh out loud! Walter continues to be quite the flasher and this week he had a rather intimate moment with his wheel 
It's very easy to tell when there's getting ready to flash in the bath as he assumes what is now referred to as the Business Pose or his Power Stance. We assure him that everyone is very impressed and that the he would absolutely get all the ladies in the wild 
It's very easy to tell when there's getting ready to flash in the bath as he assumes what is now referred to as the Business Pose or his Power Stance. We assure him that everyone is very impressed and that the he would absolutely get all the ladies in the wild 
