Are Russian tortoises friendly?

[Stormmchaser]

I am going to get a russian soon and I'm wondering if they're social to humans.

 

[GBtortoises]

Generally, individual tortoises have their own individual "personalities". To some degree you can base it on species, but within that each tortoise may differ. For an example, it's been my experience that Hermann's and Redfoots are species that don't mind human interaction and in most cases are curious and will gravitate toward their owner. Some other species (Marginated come to mind) will usually sit off in a distance and watch what's going on. Not necessarily running over to their owner unless they see food in hand. Russian tortoises are a burrowing species that tend to spend much of their time buried or undercover (given the correct environment). Most that I have had weren't that interested in human interaction. Mst of the time they didn't exactly come running up to see what I was doing!

 

[RosemaryDW]

My Russian is anti social and a bully by nature; resources are scarce where she’s from, everyone’s competition.

That said, she knows I’m generally not a threat and doesn’t hide from me or try to push me around (much!), just does her thing. I think she’s fascinating as is but sometimes have to remind myself she has zero interest in what I think!

As mentioned above, they are all individuals and some can get used to closer interaction.

 

[LasTortugasNinja]

Reptiles aren’t going to give you an emotional connection you get from a dog, cat, or parrot. They just really don’t have the capability beyond “it’s the food lady!” and “that thing is big, I’m going to hide.” They will adapt their behaviors to yours to a degree (I had a monitor that loved neck rubs and would shake her hind leg like a dog. Was adorable!) but you won‘t develop a true emotional bond like you would with a dog. Many people project emotion on their reptiles, and that works for them. I won’t judge.

that being said, I won’t hold it against my tortoise that he won’t confide his dreams with me, or wag his tail when I come home. He’s got his own unique species traits that are fascinating in their own way, and it’s a challenge for me to adapt to his behaviors, instead of having him adapt to mine.

Its a big commitment to own a reptile, and one that is emotionally one direction, but it’s still very exciting to be a part of the world that isn’t commonplace, and you get to see a sliver of the world few others see.

 

[Tom]

Ive seen many that are, and many that aren't.

It depends on the individual personality, and also what you do with the tortoise.

 

[Stormmchaser]

Thank you all for your replies! I'll put this all in mind!

 

[KarenSoCal]

it’s a challenge for me to adapt to his behaviors, instead of having him adapt to mine.

YES!
You've put into words a feeling I had when caring for Chug. I just could never put my finger on it.

You nailed it! Thanks!

 

[Kim&Tim]

Thank you all for your replies! I'll put this all in mind!

I have a 5 year old male who's had a pretty shitty life before he came to live with me. You'd think he wants nothing to do with people but he is curious, interested and doesn't bite. He's a very friendly little dude!

 

[Blastoise]

I have one that is very friendly and one that ignores me!

 

[TechnoCheese]

Regardless of your Russian’s behavior, keep in mind that, though they are small, they do require very large enclosures. Here, most people recommend no less than 8x4 feet.
Be sure to give these a read

Russian Tortoise Care Sheet https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/

Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

 

[KronksMom]

My little guy loves me. I know that probably sounds like I'm putting my own feelings onto him, but I hear it from other people all the time. Usually with a sense of awe in their voice, like he's a wild shark or something. He seeks me out constantly, not just for food. When he's startled, rather than try to hide, he runs toward me. That's probably just because he trusts me to protect him, but what is trust if not a degree of love? He comes out of his bedroom if he just hears my voice. He likes to climb up onto my chest and then press his little head into my neck until he falls asleep. He is buddies with my husband and friendly with everyone else, but he just acts differently with me. I don't know. I've had other reptiles. None ever had the personality of Kronk. And I certainly didn't expect this kind of connection from him. Maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see.

Or maybe a witch turned a dog into a tortoise.

 

[Ruszian Tortoise]

Mine chases after me, especially when she's hungry. She does bite, but that's only when I let her sniff my finger (she thinks I may be food). It's not an "attack!" kind of thing. I know this is like a month after you posted, but still. My tortoise does NOT like me rubbing her neck... Or her shell. But she'll try to climb up the wall to find me when she sees me walk past her enclosure. She's sweet, though, and loves pellets... Which..mayyy not be a good thing? But anyway, I like Russians.... Although it is true that I've never had any other species. Haha! Did you get your Russian? What did you name him/her? How old is s/he?

 

[Kim&Tim]

My little guy loves me. I know that probably sounds like I'm putting my own feelings onto him, but I hear it from other people all the time. Usually with a sense of awe in their voice, like he's a wild shark or something. He seeks me out constantly, not just for food. When he's startled, rather than try to hide, he runs toward me. That's probably just because he trusts me to protect him, but what is trust if not a degree of love? He comes out of his bedroom if he just hears my voice. He likes to climb up onto my chest and then press his little head into my neck until he falls asleep. He is buddies with my husband and friendly with everyone else, but he just acts differently with me. I don't know. I've had other reptiles. None ever had the personality of Kronk. And I certainly didn't expect this kind of connection from him. Maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see.

Or maybe a witch turned a dog into a tortoise.

I agree with you and even it is projecting, I don't care? I think Timmie thinks I'm a decent food provider, putting him in the tub type of person that he trusts. He's never affraid or hiding from me or in his shell.
I grew up with Peter, the testudo graeca from my grandfather. He came to live with us in 1985 and was my grandpas from 1925. He died in 2011 and how old he was exactly we don't know, he was wildcaught so late 90's maybe over a hundred. Peter had a alot of freedom, lived in the garden with all the food growing he wanted and liked. He had a heated indoor house in the kitchen, he used a catflap to get in. So he had alot of choice, didn't need us but still liked to sit with us, walk around the garden, sit in the sun together. He wasn't a bumber or biter. He was a sweet tortoise. So i feel he had a relationship with us and we enjoyed him. What you call that, well I don't care??

 

[KronksMom]

Thank you for sharing about Peter. 86 years together. That's incredible ?