Hello from Ventura CA

[Poslo]

About a week ago I was driving from Ojai when I saw a little tortoise crossing highway 33. I pulled over and picked up the little guy (or gal) from the hazards of the road. Having never seen a tortoise in this area, I was very curious what kind of tortoise he was. Having grown up in the Mojave Desert I was quite sure he was not a Desert Tort. I took him to a local veterinarian and she told me he (confirmed) is a Russian Tortoise. We decided to keep him and researched how to best care for the little guy. This is how I came across this forum which gave us ideas on the pen we made over the weekend. It measures 6’ long, 3.5’ wide, and 2’ high. I look forward to being part of this forum!

 

[dmmj]

Salutations
Russian tortoises are Escape Artists & they travel great distances once they do

 

[Millerlite]

Hello, I'm from camarillo. Not far from you. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome!

(We usually recommend 4'x8' minimum for Russians. Keep an eye on him and if he won't settle, always restless, you may need to make that nice enclosure bigger.)

 

[Poslo]

Salutations
Russian tortoises are Escape Artists & they travel great distances once they do

Hopefully they don’t ordinarily travel those great distances on highways!
I’m pretty sure his new enclosure is quite secure.

 

[Poslo]

Hi, and welcome!

(We usually recommend 4'x8' minimum for Russians. Keep an eye on him and if he won't settle, always restless, you may need to make that nice enclosure bigger.)

Thank you for the feedback. We will look for restlessness, but so far he seems to be happy as a clam.

 

[Poslo]

Hello, I'm from camarillo. Not far from you. Welcome to the forum.

Thank you!

 

[TammyJ]

Welcome and all the best to you and your new pet. I don't see a water dish for drinking and soaking?

 

[Poslo]

Hi Tammy, you are right! We added a hide box and a soak dish.

 

[Jacqui]

Welcome! You did try to find his owner or was there nobody living for miles around?

 

[Poslo]

Welcome! You did try to find his owner or was there nobody living for miles around?

Yes, the area I found him was a few miles from homes. I have been keeping an eye out on Craigslist though.

 

[Jacqui]

Yes, the area I found him was a few miles from homes. I have been keeping an eye out on Craigslist though.

Thank you! To often we think of a found animal as an animal who is unwanted and needs a new home. Russians especially can easily escape.