New Russian Tortoise owner

[Simone Seymour]

I am an animal lover who grew up caring for a desert tortoise that was given to me by a family friend when I was 8 years old. Just a few weeks ago I found an adult Russian Tortoise wandering into a busy street in Denver and have been unable to locate its owner. I have decided to adopt her and just want to do a great job caring for her. Though it seems no one is looking for her, she is in beautiful shape, very outgoing, smooth and well-formed shell, and active.

 

[Taylor T.]

Welcome to the forum!

Here is our care sheet for Russian tortoises:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
Also read this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Feel free to ask any questions, as we are here to help.

 

[Simone Seymour]

Thanks! I've been researching which brought me here- I'm here to learn!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi

 

[Bambam1989]

I am not an expert, but do his toe nails need trimmed? They look kind of long in the photo. He is gorgeous though. Lucky you and lucky him

 

[Simone Seymour]

I am not an expert, but do his toe nails need trimmed? They look kind of long in the photo. He is gorgeous though. Lucky you and lucky him

Thank you. I agree that her (at least I *think* she's female) nails are too long, and beak seems a little overgrown as well. I didn't want to scare her when I was getting to know her, but will trim the nails now that she's getting more comfortable around me (she stopped pulling her head in when I'm near.) I'd love advice about the beak too.

 

[Taylor T.]

Russian's nails tend to be a little longer than other species. If you put rocks it his enclosure, they should wear down naturally. If you post a photo of her tail, we can confirm the gender. It's hard to tell how long her beak is from the photo, but so long as it doesn't hang over the lower jaw it should be fine.

Russians are the best!

 

[RosemaryDW]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Simone, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.

 

[Simone Seymour]

Thanks, all! Learning a lot from this forum. I have attached pictures of the tail and beak of the Russian I found in the street recently. I think she is a girl- her tail does fold over to the side, just not as far as some pictures of males. It does have the little hook on the end. Also I was wondering if the beak is too overgrown. She also does not like to be soaked halfway up her shell as recommended- she doesn't panic but immediately starts to climb out of the tub and she's quite determined.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Sorry, can't see the photos.
She may never get to enjoy her soaks, some do, some don't, but it is good for her. Use a high sided opaque container so she can't see out.