The turtle does indeed freeze when they hear and see you coming. They aren't entirely used to you or the human traffic near their box. The way the turtle probably sees it that there's a large mammal approaching them and they might get eaten if spotted so they freeze. They probably think if they...
I agree with Yvonne, looks like urates to me too. Density and slimness of it suggests the tortoise needs more water to drink.
If you think she is egg bound, I think only way to confirm that is to xray her at the vet.
Have you replaced your UVB bulb recently? The ultra violet spectrum, that the tortoise needs to metabolize calcium, that the light emits will deteriorate over time. The UVB light should be replaced every 6-12 months to ensure that your UVB light is emitting UVB instead of being just your regular...
Definitely one to go for the debatable topics, but my own impression from watching animals all my life is that we all have emotions. We humans like to think that we are something special while the other animals are robots consuming plant and animal matter. More and more studies done over the...
I'm not experienced with Russian torts, but I remember reading that too much protein in the diet can cause this. The tortoise keeps growing but the shell stays small. Lack of sunlight and sufficient calcium is also part of the problem. If there isn't enough calcium tortoise will not grow its...
Not sure where you could buy one, but any craftsperson worth their salt should easily be able to make these with tools and scrap they might have around. The trap is called "mascall spring trap", googling that will give you multiple links on how you can make something like it.
If you are handy enough with tools that you can drill holes in a piece of wood you can construct this old mouse trap design that works wonders.
Completely tortoise (this size) safe and very effective in catching multiple mice at once.
You put the bait in the hole and spring a noose with string...
Picture update. Geo is doing fine, gaining weight, eating like a pig and getting used to handling.
Also invested in a pretty lid for the juvenile terrarium, there's still protective plastic on top because I need to make a frame, hinges etc to make it complete.