Greetings

[TortFam13]

We are proud new owners of a Russian Tortoise named Joey. He is about 6" across his shell--not sure how old. We are newbies to tortoises but have loved them afar for a long time. Looking forward to all the help we can get to ensure our little guy is taken care of and happy. Thanks!

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

welcome to the forum! can you post some pics of you new tort and his/her enclosure? if you post a pic of your torts tail i can tell you the gender. here is a really good care sheet read all of it http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. Where are you?

Here are some threads to help out:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

Reason Tom asked where you are is it helps us to know what kind of info to give you when we know your climate.

 

[tortadise]

Welcome

 

[TortFam13]

We are in Colorado. In the summer we have a perfect outdoor area to plant a tortoise garden and construct an enclosure. For now, we built a tortoise box 6' 4' . We use fir bark and coco coir. We have the light set up with UVB and heat. I'll post pics when I can. Out little guy seems really shy/traumatized and barely comes out of his hide box. We did a warm soak to saw "welcome" and he explored a bit but that's about it. Thanks all!

 

[TortFam13]

Avatar pic is from the soak/ exploration. Hopefully his shyness is ok.

 

[the_newzie]

Welcome from Las Vegas!

 

[pam]

Welcome from Minnesota

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, it's quite ok. Tortoises are territorial, and your tortoise is almost full grown, so it's pretty stressful on him to be plunked down in a new territory. It may take a while, maybe a couple weeks, for him to start venturing out on his own. Just keep bringing him out in the morning and set him in front of the food, then step out of sight and leave him alone.

 

[TortFam13]

Thank you! That relieves me a bit. I was trying not to be worried we have been avidly reading tortoise care and following discussions for a while before adopting him, but when you have the little guy, it's hard not to worry:/

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO from AZ . Russians Rule !

 

[Jodie]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome to TFO!

 

[TortFam13]

Thanks all for the welcome! Day 3 and he/she is doing better. (I'll post tail pics when I can ) Although we have tried to set up a small little routine for him, we have mostly left him in peace to adjust--especially since he is mature and I'm sure WC. He has enjoyed some greens SO much and is much more active and tolerant of us observing him. Yay! Already a part of the fam!