beginner

Hello all, firstly I just want to say thank you for everyone who posts on this forum, all the information and advice on here has been a lifesaver and I’m so glad I found this site. We just bought a house, and as we’re moving in we saw that the old owners just left their tortoise. They were...

I am currently planning on building my own enclosure once I free up some more space but any tips to make Kirby’s current enclosure better would be awesome! He’s a Russian tortoise and around 6-7 months. This is a top view, the left side is a large shaded hide and the right side is his roaming...

Hello! I just got my first tortoise for almost a week now. Not sure the gender and age yet but was told he was about 6-7 months old! This is Kirby :) he’s a Russian tortoise

Hi my name is Terrell I have always kept reptiles but never a tortoise so anyway had lizards and snakes but I know tortoises are completely different. So my mum's next door neighbours dog kept barking at her tortoise and she said this was unfair so I decided to take her on. She's in a crappie...

Hello friends, I'm Steve and I recently adopted a male Russian tortoise. His name is Gregori (He is my display picture). I have two aquatic turtles but this is my first Tortoise ever. Just looking to make friends, chat about tortoises, turtles, and much more. I am also looking to discuss indoor...

Hi, I’m currently planning to build a bigger enclosure for my two marginated tortoises. They are around 6 inches long so I’m going to a 4 x 8 foot enclosure. How big should my I’ve light be for that size enclosure?

Hi I have two marginated tortoises and was wondering what substrate I should use that‘s as close to the soil in their native habitat. Thanks!

I'm very seriously considering a Russian Tortoise as a new addition to my family. Right now I have a 55 gallon aquarium that I'm a bit lost on how to best set up for my unaquired new friend. Due to the climate that I live in I'll be able to set up a small outdoor "playpen" but the large and main...

Hello! I just brought my Russian Tortoise home today. I’m feeling pretty confident about how his enclosure is looking so far, but I have found some conflicting information on a few topics: 1. I have a heat lamp as well as a UVB lamp. Currently I only have a heat lamp that emits light as well. I...

Last year I got a baby Greek Tortoise and everything necessary for him however, even after following everything I had read he still died. I still have the enclosure, substrate, etc. so I wanna get another one but I would like to know if there's anything you think I should know beforehand? I'm...

I’ve had my sulcata for 3 months. I researched so much but I’m getting so much different information and im so confused. I’ve had such bad anxiety because I don’t want to mess him up. I use a 100w basking light. A uvb strip from reptisun I forgot the exact one. What’s the best one to get? At...

Hello, I’m looking for recommendations for tortoise breeders in the United States. I’m from Minnesota but am unable to find a breeder anywhere remotely close to me. I’m still not 100% sure on the species of tortoise I’m planning on getting yet, but looking into Russians and Hermanns (as I’m...

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the amazing, inspirational tort owners and the helpful information I've received on this site. (Long post - strap in) I spent a long time considering what animal to get as a pet. I live in rented accommodation and a cat or dog would not be...

I am looking into getting a Russian tortoise and I have a couple of questions. What UVB and heating lamp do you guys suggest using? How many days a week should I feed my tortoise? Should I give it a grassland diet? and if so how many days a week? What type of wood should I use to build the...

I am planning to get a tortoise and have an outdoor enclosure for him, however, I do not want a tortoise that will hibernate because I don't trust myself in doing so. And with an outdoor enclosure, I cannot keep it warm 24/7 so that he will not hibernate. What kind of tortoises will not...

is this a good enclosure for my baby Sulcata? It’s a mixture of cypress mulch, organic top soil, and sphagnum moss. I planted some grass seeds, as well as an aloe plant and 2 other succulents. It stays about 80 degrees in there with the lights on and between 30-50 humidity if i spray it a few...

Hi TortoiseForum. Recently I've been interested in reptiles. I'm debating between getting a ball python and a tortoise this summer (most likely a Russian or a Hermann's, maybe even a Redfooted), but I'm stuck between the two. The main deciding factor for me is which one is more interactive or...

Hi Everyone! My name is Julie and I am the new owner to Franklin (don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but going with that name for right now), my Sulcata Tortoise (~4 months old). I live in the Northern part of California and for those who live where I am, you all know it's rainy season + cold...

Im from scotland and in 2 weeks i am getting a russian tortoise it will be kept in my conservatory wich can be really cold how can i heat the enclosure on top of using the heat and uvb lamp. It is and open top table , pleanty big enough for him ( I am really worried he will be to cold, should i...

Hello :-) My name is Chloe. I am 19 and I have been researching into getting a tortoise for a pet for two or so years now. I just haven’t made the leap yet! I came very close to getting a young Russian tortoise a few days ago but chickened out. I want to provide my tortoise with the best love...