- Joined
- Feb 24, 2013
- Messages
- 5
How does my Russian Tortoise look?
- Thread starter charlielover0122
- Start date
- Status
He has a couple of chips atop his carapace, but that's no big deal, and should heal just fine if he's otherwise healthy. As for his beak, it is a bit overgrown. I recommend giving him a cuttlefish bone to gnaw on, as well as the tougher parts of the leaves he normally eats to help wear it down. If that doesn't work, you can gently file it down yourself, or take him to a vet for that. I wouldn't recommend get his beak actually trimmed at this point, since it's not that bad.
He seems a bit dehydrated, too. Make sure he's eating moist, leafy greens and if you like, moistened name brand food like Mazuri Tortoise Diet. Make sure he also has a shallow dish of water for drinking and soaking if he chooses. Bathing is also important. A healthy tortoise doesn't usually need more than one warm-water bath per week, but you can increase that frequency if you think he needs it. Looks like you're using coco coir. That's good stuff (I use it exclusively), but make sure you pour some water into it periodically and mix it around to increase the relative humidity. Misting does almost nothing unless the enclosure is covered, and covering is not necessary with Russians.
Other than that minor stuff, though, he does look like a happy and healthy guy!
He seems a bit dehydrated, too. Make sure he's eating moist, leafy greens and if you like, moistened name brand food like Mazuri Tortoise Diet. Make sure he also has a shallow dish of water for drinking and soaking if he chooses. Bathing is also important. A healthy tortoise doesn't usually need more than one warm-water bath per week, but you can increase that frequency if you think he needs it. Looks like you're using coco coir. That's good stuff (I use it exclusively), but make sure you pour some water into it periodically and mix it around to increase the relative humidity. Misting does almost nothing unless the enclosure is covered, and covering is not necessary with Russians.
Other than that minor stuff, though, he does look like a happy and healthy guy!
I wouldn't worry about the little chip on the back.
The beak needs a trim.
The color is fantastic.
The beak needs a trim.
The color is fantastic.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2013
- Messages
- 5
GeoTerraTestudo said:He has a couple of chips atop his carapace, but that's no big deal, and should heal just fine if he's otherwise healthy. As for his beak, it is a bit overgrown. I recommend giving him a cuttlefish bone to gnaw on, as well as the tougher parts of the leaves he normally eats to help wear it down. If that doesn't work, you can gently file it down yourself, or take him to a vet for that. I wouldn't recommend get his beak actually trimmed at this point, since it's not that bad.
He seems a bit dehydrated, too. Make sure he's eating moist, leafy greens and if you like, moistened name brand food like Mazuri Tortoise Diet. Make sure he also has a shallow dish of water for drinking and soaking if he chooses. Bathing is also important. A healthy tortoise doesn't usually need more than one warm-water bath per week, but you can increase that frequency if you think he needs it. Looks like you're using coco coir. That's good stuff (I use it exclusively), but make sure you pour some water into it periodically and mix it around to increase the relative humidity. Misting does almost nothing unless the enclosure is covered, and covering is not necessary with Russians.
Other than that minor stuff, though, he does look like a happy and healthy guy!
Thank you for all the advice!! What do you suggest I file his beak with? I just don't want to hurt him.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2013
- Messages
- 5
Tom said:
Thank you!!
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2013
- Messages
- 5
luvpetz27 said:Hi Abbi and welcome
to the forum!
Charlie is a cutie!
Hahaha thank you
- Status
