We have a wonderful male Russian Tortoise named Tortie. He's been with us for about 5 years and before that he belonged to a pet store owner. He is around 10-15 years old. We are looking for a somewhat local home for him since I am not comfortable shipping him, and I would like to meet...
We have a wonderful male Russian Tortoise named Tortie. He's been with us for about 5 years and before that he belonged to a pet store owner. He is around 10-15 years old. We are looking for a somewhat local home for him since I am not comfortable shipping him, and I would like to meet...
Thank you. As you can see, I am in need of this direct and specific information. This doesn't frustrate me, it relieves me! It's an easy fix.
So, to be certain, I will get pure soil. Do you try to keep the soil loose...I'm wondering what happens if he spills his water and it gets muddy. I...
OK, I picked up a thermometer, some dessert sand and dirt. I'm going to work on changing his substrate later today. I'll get pics up as soon as I can. I'll try to find some hibiscus flowers. Though I may not be able to do that today. I do know a nice field of weeds not far from here, and...
Thank you a million times over! All of these suggestions given me a solid place to begin. Reading all of these thoughtful replies has brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I'm embarrassed for jumping in without educating myself better. But I'm grateful to have support here and right these issues...
That sounds like a good idea. I'll begin tomorrow with mixing the pellets into the greens.
I did once try the soil/sand mix...and the change seemed to "freak him out" a bit, but I'll try it again.
I greatly appreciate all of the help. It's overwhelming how much conflicting information is...
Not the entire 5 years. My husband had built him a house...but it was very similar. This one just looked a little nicer and has the proper fitting top on it. We also have dogs and cats and wanted to keep him safe from them.
He's never been particularly active as I've heard they typically...
Thank you....yes, he does have a hot basking light. The problem is that he doesn't ever choose to use it. I have to move him under it or he'll stay in his dark, hidey hole all day. When I bathe him, I put the bath under his light to help him get warm.
I've been offering him a variety of...
Well, I'm not exactly sure. He's indoors, so it's room temperature. But our home does fluctuate. I'd guess that our house is usually around 72, but his home is warmer because of the heat lamp. But he stays in the dark most of the time.
I should mention that I just broke down and gave...
I think I could really use some help/advice.
I'm feeling very worried and frustrated. Our Tortie isn't eating. I've been reading (on the Tortoise Trust site) that pellets are not adequately nutritious for tortoises...no matter what the advertising says. Our Tortie is very, very finicky...
Hello,
When we first adopted our Russian Tortoise, we were told that we must always dechlorinate (similar to when adding water to a fish tank) the water we use to bathe him as well as to wash his food. I have done this ever since, but I have never seen anyone else post anything about this...
Hi Yvonne,
I just saw this! thanks. We still have Tortie. We've had him about 5 years, and he's very sweet. I am torn about the idea of rehoming him. But I wonder if he'd be happier in a different home. Here, he has to live indoors all of the time. He has a nice enclosure, but based upon...
[Hi Teresa,
My name is Lisa and we live in the Kansas City area. We've had a male Russian Tortie for about 4 and 1/2 years. He was purchased from a pet store that was closing. The information that we were given at the time was that he was captive bred and was about 7 years old then. I...