Huge Russian Tortoise

[russiantortlover12]

I went to my friends house yesterday and he has a Russian tortoise when I saw him I was shocked he was huge measuring out at, 12 1/2 inches. TRULY INCREDIBLE!

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, you know, of course, that us Doubting Thomas's will have to see pictures of the tortoise next to a tape measure. Russian tortoises that are now in captivity just don't get that big. Not saying it isn't true, just that I'm truly impressed and would love to see it with my own eyes!!

 

[yagyujubei]

Even if he measured "over the hump" that would be a very big female. Is that a pic of her? If so, she is still growing.

 

[EricIvins]

Was a true SCL measurement done? Time to break out that Caliper........

 

[tortc]

How big do Russian Tortoises usually get?

 

[Yvonne G]

Females are normally measured in a straight line from front to back and SOMETIMES get up to 8 or 9 inches, but usually they are around 7"

 

[tortc]

Wow, that is huge!!! I would love to see it in person, too bad I don't know anyone else with tortoises.

 

[mattgrizzlybear]

Cool! That's a big one

 

[Anthony P]

Wow. I'd love too see an actual measurement as well. I guess I'll join the club..

 

[Asianstar]

Oh, that's so cute!!

 

[ascott]

Absolutely possible, usually not likely--and that sure is a beautifully smooth tort...would lead me to wonder how long ago it was wild....beautiful...

 

[Katherine]

Hmm. So I don't keep Russians, but how big is it typical for them to grow? I adopted out a rescue to someone I still stay in touch with and the last time I saw her I would say she was easily 11-12" and growing. I didn't recognize this may be large for the normal Russian. Any takers on providing a standard adult size?

---

I am a bit slow tonight apparently, just see Yvonne noted earlier 7-8" is more standard

 

[Tortoise Hub]

If that is a correct measurement that's the biggest I have ever heard of.

 

[Tom]

If that is a correct measurement that's the biggest I have ever heard of.

Me too.

 

[evlinLoutries]

Me too.

Neither do I..

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Anything over 9" or so is considered large, but a 12-1/2" incher is possible, but certainly extraordinary. Just as there are 6' tall people commonly, there are 8' tall people, occasionally.

Not doubting you, russiantortlover12, but would be interested in seeing her next to a ruler/tape measure.

 

[Tortilla1989]

I went to my friends house yesterday and he has a Russian tortoise when I saw him I was shocked he was huge measuring out at, 12 1/2 inches. TRULY INCREDIBLE!

OH MY GOD! I hope my Tort grows big like that!
!2 1/2 inches or not its one good looking tortoise!!!My Russian is about 5 inches now I would say I thought she was just a baby but she must be around a year, I believe they are full grown adults after 3 years

 

[CGKeith]

So.... where are the pics????

We all want to see this big girl next to something to give us a sense of scale.

 

[Mgridgaway]

I think it'd be awesome if it were true, but sometimes I think only guys measure tortoises because size is so often exaggerated

Seriously though, I've seen so many pictures of "look at much 9" tortoise" topics only to find out that the person is measuring from the top of their stretched heads to the very backs of their stretched feet!

SCL, people!

 

[LRTortoises]

http://www.tlady.clara.net/measure.htm

Is this how everyone measures scl.

How to measure your Tortoise:
1. Place the tortoise against the wall on a sheet of paper, place a straight edge vertically at the tail end and make a mark as shown.
2. Measure from the wall to the mark and you have the Straight Carapace Length (SCL).