New Russian Tortoise

addyson123

Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2019
Messages
76
Location (City and/or State)
Oregon
Hello,
I have recently adopted a young adult Russian tortoise and I know that he is still adjusting but I was wondering how long it took for your torts to get used to you and start to be affectionate.
Thanks!
 

Blackdog1714

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2018
Messages
4,666
Location (City and/or State)
Richmond, VA
Hmmm if you asked my Russian he would say man feeds but must cease touching me[emoji35]. Other than that you have a true character- king of all, devourer of a certain few, and no needer of human!
 

Viola B

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
234
Location (City and/or State)
Idaho Falls, Idaho
My tortoise knows me and thinks I am the food God. She doesn't mind my touching her some of the time. She will come over and climb in my hand and sit there for awhile. But I wouldn't call her affectionate. I don't think Russians are what I would call "affectionate".
 

LaLaP

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2018
Messages
959
Location (City and/or State)
Portland, OR
Occasionally my Russian, Diego will come over to me when I sit in his outdoor enclosure and want a shell and neck rub. My other Russian Pops will climb in my hand if he wants a change of scenery. I take these gestures to mean that they love me sooooo much! Because that's what I want to believe. So if you have those types of expectations you could be receiving lots of affection in a few months if you're lucky! Build trust and then find things they like (food, petting, going outside) and be their ticket to those things.
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,405
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
Welcome! They sometimes take a couple weeks to settle in.
 

addyson123

Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2019
Messages
76
Location (City and/or State)
Oregon
Hi ya’ll.
I’ve had my wonderful Russian for a year now and I had been planning to just have the one until my husband and I fell in love with a female Russian that was mistreated in her current home. My friend from college had her and she wasn’t able to take care of her, so she asked me if I’d be able to take her in. Long story short, would it be a bad idea to keep both of them in the same tank? It’s a 50 gallon and I don’t have have the space or money to buy a bigger one.
 

Blackdog1714

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2018
Messages
4,666
Location (City and/or State)
Richmond, VA
Yep, not a good idea! Russians are known ruffians. Second setup for a lovable, but ungrateful Tort. Hope all is well!
 

jsheffield

Well-Known Member
Moderator
5 Year Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2018
Messages
3,114
Location (City and/or State)
Westmoreland, NH
Hi ya’ll.
I’ve had my wonderful Russian for a year now and I had been planning to just have the one until my husband and I fell in love with a female Russian that was mistreated in her current home. My friend from college had her and she wasn’t able to take care of her, so she asked me if I’d be able to take her in. Long story short, would it be a bad idea to keep both of them in the same tank? It’s a 50 gallon and I don’t have have the space or money to buy a bigger one.

You might be able to find, or make, another enclosure for the second Russian... it's a wonderful thing to help out a tort in need, but they'll need the space for it to work out well for everyone.

Jamie
 

New Posts

Top