New to the tortoise world

amanda0883

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Feb 24, 2014
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17
Hi all, my name is Amanda and I just got a Russian Tortoise on Friday. I live in upstate NY and I got him (not been sexed yet) mainly for my 3 year old son who has allergies from anything with fur. We tried a guinea pig and found out he was allergic to her too. I knew I would have to do something that does not have fur and would be good for my son to handle. A friend of mine had got one and I really wanted to do a bearded dragon or gecko (but the cricket thing and food thing seem to be expensive and much required upkeep) and I talked to her a bit about the tortoise situation and she explained to me how easy they are to take care of. I was really excited to get it for my son not knowing I would easily fall in love. My son decided on the name Frankie so it will be ok if it ends up being male or female lol. I am really scared to do something wrong as our guinea pig died suddenly and I am not exactly sure why (she was always fed and watered and cared for). We do have a cat as well named Dexter and he is about 6. He runs away from my son so I wanted to get my son something that he could call his own and am happy to see they live a long time with proper care. Frankie has really become a member of the family and I am trying to do everything right and research my brains out when he does something new cause I get so nervous lol. I am glad to see there is a forum on stuff that people can ask and get answers for. I found a vet and hoping to make an appointment sometime this week.

One thing I do really want to know is how much exercise they need and if it is normal for them to not each much within the first few days of having them. I am also wondering how to tell if they are getting too stressed when you take them out so you know to put them back?

Thanks!
 

Yvonne G

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Welcome to the Forum, Amanda.
 

Grandpa Turtle 144

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Hello Amanda welcome to the TFO from AZ . Can you send us a picture of you enclosure and the RT .
 

amanda0883

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Feb 24, 2014
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Thank you for the welcomes! Here is Frankie and his enclosure...we are using a big guinea pig cage temporarily until we can find something or make something a little more suitable.


Oops apparently it didnt send let me try again
 

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julietteq

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Hi Amanda,

I also have a son who is allergic to everything with Fur and/or feathers and according to his doctors a tortoise would not do any harm. Oliver loves his tortoises, but there has been an unexpected side effect. I have completely fallen in love with these beautiful creatures as well :) Good luck !
 

Mr. Nubs

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Feb 3, 2014
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This is why I bought a leopard tortoise. I have a fur allergy as well. It sucks being allergic to anything!
 

pfara

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Hey Amanda and welcome to the forum! Me and another forum member were just talking about how we have tortoises due to fur allergies in the family. Still, I love my torts to death and wouldn't change a thing. As for your questions: it's totally normal if they don't eat for a few days. Torts do everything pretty slowly which includes dealing with change. Give him a chance to settle down and de-stress. He'll come around in a week or two if the conditions are right. And as for being stressed, if he pulls into his shell then it's a sure sign he's stressed. Hope this helps and keep asking questions :D

Oh and for exercise: I don't have a Russian but I have read that they really dislike small enclosures. They can walk for miles a day and get restless if they don't have the room.
 

amanda0883

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Feb 24, 2014
Messages
17
Thanks for your help! Yeah, I definitely fell in love that's for sure! He has been an awesome addition to our family. :) Good to know I am not over exercising him...I love to let him out and let him roam around and watch what he does. :) My son on the other hand gets so excited and can't leave him alone lol. He is starting to come around though and get more comfortable with us which is good. :)
 

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