How old do they get?

[abra]

How long will little Rambo, my Russian tort live? About? If I keep him nice and healthy? I've been telling everybody like 50 or 60 years but I have no idea so I've pretty much lying

Also, I want to hibernate him next year does anybody know a thread/webpage about hibernating Russians? I want to learn as much as possible before next year haha

Thanks guys!

 

[Yvonne G]

From 50 to 70 years, but of course, some may live longer or die sooner.

This is one of the better care sheets:

http://russiantortoise.org/care_print.htm

 

[abra]

I love that website I'm going to try to follow that care sheet as much as possible so Rambo can live as long as possible

 

[tortoisenerd]

What are the reasons you want to hibernate Rambo? I think you can have a healthy and happy tort with hibernation. My personal opinion is that for an owner like myself, it has more risks than benefits. If you do decide to hibernate him next winter, please do your research and get some good information about how to safely do it. Some people have spread information that you "must" hibernate your tort...I think that really isn't true. So, I want to make sure you hadn't been told that, and your want to hibernate isn't only based upon an outdated opinion. There are many things that can go wrong with a captive hibernation. Its great you are starting the research process now and aren't rushing into it. Hibernating a new or young or sick tort are things to avoid. There is some great hibernation info on the forum if you do a search...but you kinda got to weed through the threads. Good luck!

 

[abra]

What are the reasons you want to hibernate Rambo? I think you can have a healthy and happy tort with hibernation. My personal opinion is that for an owner like myself, it has more risks than benefits. If you do decide to hibernate him next winter, please do your research and get some good information about how to safely do it. Some people have spread information that you "must" hibernate your tort...I think that really isn't true. So, I want to make sure you hadn't been told that, and your want to hibernate isn't only based upon an outdated opinion. There are many things that can go wrong with a captive hibernation. Its great you are starting the research process now and aren't rushing into it. Hibernating a new or young or sick tort are things to avoid. There is some great hibernation info on the forum if you do a search...but you kinda got to weed through the threads. Good luck!

I probably wont hibernate him but I'm going to research on it so I can figure out the pros and cons. I've just heard it keeps your tort healthier, but mostly just for mating torts and Rambo probably isn't ever going to mate haha It's a big decision for me so I'm just trying to think about it, I just want him to be as healthy as possible!

 

[-ryan-]

People used to say that they need to be hibernated in order to breed successfully, but mine breed all of the time with no seasonal temperature or light cycle changes. Now people are saying that it keeps them healthier, and they reference accumulation of vitamins and minerals, and generally I just have to wonder how well-founded that claim is.

 

[tortoises101]

At least 65 years under proper care (lots of weeds/flowers, plenty of sunlight, proper amounts of space, and a nice varied life) and even more if you love your tortoise and give it the best possible care a captive tort would recieve. For people who live in a climate which allows year-round outdoor keeping russians easily hit the 80 or 90 mark.

Check out the hibernation site on this page; http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/articles.html

Please read the entire hibernation section. Yes, it's a very long read that'll make you commit a few hours, but your endurance will do yourself and your tortoise a huge favor.

 

[abra]

Okay thanks! I'll read it tomorrow