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Thanks for all the comments. I would love to check in more often; I always learn something just by reading other posts. We'll see.

Thanks guys! I wasn't worried, just curious what is going on. Does it signify a particular age of a Russian?

Yes it has, Yvonne, how are you? Hope this is clear enough to see; That little black tip is hard and pointed.

NO! It does not look like your photo. This is a recent development. I will post picture tomorrow.

Hello! This is my go-to place when I have a question about my Russian. Digger and I have been doing so well that there have not been any questions. However, ther is now a new development: Digger has grown a pointed "claw" at the end of his tail. It reminds me of the stinger at the end of a...

Good to hear your reply. I will do that. I stay busy. After retirement, I took up a new career and am busier than before. I had landscaping to do, published a book, joined a gym and write a little - one of those people who just have to be doing all the time. You should see the habitat I dug...

Thanks to both of you for answering. I am a mother who worries. He does have a dish of water in his habitat. When temps get to 100 degrees, I spray the habitat. Apparently, I need to either wet it down more often OR soak him more often. - ?

Wellington, A lock box is a great idea; thank you. I only watch his weight because he gets ravinous in Oklahoma heat July and August and sometimes the plants in his enclosure dry up or get choked out by squash vines. Thanks for the good comments; I put out a lot of sweat for this habitat.

I dug this two summers ago; about 9 x 4. Digger loves it and hisses at me when I bring him in at night. I planted bell peppers and squash - not up yet. There is a lot of dandelion, hen & chicks and kale. I bring him in at night and watch his weight feeding him when he comes in. The triple...

Someone please take a look at this picture and tell me if Digger's shell looks healthy. He stays outside during the day in summer and seems to "dry". I soak him at least once a week and occasionally oil his shell (almond or olive oil). He had a bath 2 days ago and was oiled a week ago.

Digger's new digs: I spent all of last fall digging this 4 x 9 ft. enclosure. For Easter, Digger went outside into his new digs for the first time and gnoshed on dandelion. Have planted squash and bell pepper seeds. Plan to put herbs in the corners where the concrete block have openings. Still...

Digger celebrated Easter by going outside in his new habitat for the first time this season and gnoshing on dandelion.

Gorgeous dog. My husband and I have both had run ins with aggressive dogs when walking our rough colllies. It is not a good situation. I was even dragged through gravel. I am one to give the animal the benefit of the doubt as far as fault ( I'm only 4' 10"). I read that pit bulls were bred...

I never give my Russian anything grown from a nursery or florist. They use chemicals to encourage growth and the tort will ingest it from the plant. Anything I purchase from these places has to grow in my care (without chemical fertilizer) for at least a year before I offer it for food...

Just a P.S: Sweaters are adorable but hinder their breathing. Torts breathe through their shell. Sweaters do not keep them warm. Torts are cold blooded animals and get their heat from outside their body. That is why they seek you out for warmth. They are darling and so is all your concern.

Thanks, puts my mind at ease. I read up a bit on this and find that Zeropilot is in agreement with my book on Russians. Digger seems just fine by all intents and purposes. To be on the safe side, I am going to empty the terrarium and replace with new bark and sprinkle in some diatamacious...

This "pyramiding" can not be reversed. But, moisture and high fiber diet will keep it from getting worse. Soaks, a little oil on occasion and lots of leaves in the diet.

Got any pictures?

My exotic vet showed me to count the rings around a section on the top of the shell - like you count the age of a cut tree by the rings around it. Am I being clear? The pet store estimated my tort to be about ten years when I bought him about 5 years ago. He was a little more than the 4"...

I agree with Jamie. The natural oils are always better. Regular soaks are a great help. You can get the substrate too wet for a Russian; I prefer to mist every other day. Russians are desert torts and tend to look dry. I judge more by peeling skin. I don't mix but also use the coconut...