New to TortoiseForum!

[a.albright2013]

Hi! My name is Alexi and I've actually been a member of this site for a few years now but I haven't been on in many years, and I never formally introduced myself. I'm from the Chicagoland area, and I actually got my first tortoise, a Russian Tortoise, from a very nice woman on here a few years back. I'm on here again because I recently upgraded my tortoises habitat to make it bigger and better to his needs, and I've decided that I would love to find a second tortoise to keep my first company, since I have more room. Based on his size, I would say my tortoise is around 5 years old, and I've had him for 3 years. His name is Squirtle, after the Pokemon haha. He's been a great pet, and I would love to talk to some of you on here about different options for habitats, feeding, and care. I try my best and I've done my research but I would love to know if anything I'm doing is wrong, or if there's better options. Currently the heat lamp I had set up broke and severely damaged my tortoises tank and many things in it. Luckily no tortoises were harmed, but I want to research the different kinds of lights and fixtures to keep that from happening again.
If you've read through all of that, thank you. Below is a picture of my Squirtle from when he's happiest.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Your Russian tortoise would really appreciate you not getting him a roommate - they're very territorial and do not want or enjoy company. If you get a second tortoise, it will need a separate habitat.

It may just be a funny shadow on the photo, but to me, it looks like your tortoise has a very overgrown beak. You may need to trim it if it isn't being worn down naturally.

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome, even though you been here for some time. I already posted on your other thread about adding a second tort, so won't do that again. However, I agree with the above post, your torts beak is way over grown and needs trimming. After you get it trimmed, a reptile get with tortoise experience can do that, then feed him on a piece of flat rock or tile, it will help keep it filed down

 

[Vladsfriend]

Hi! My name is Alexi and I've actually been a member of this site for a few years now but I haven't been on in many years, and I never formally introduced myself. I'm from the Chicagoland area, and I actually got my first tortoise, a Russian Tortoise, from a very nice woman on here a few years back. I'm on here again because I recently upgraded my tortoises habitat to make it bigger and better to his needs, and I've decided that I would love to find a second tortoise to keep my first company, since I have more room. Based on his size, I would say my tortoise is around 5 years old, and I've had him for 3 years. His name is Squirtle, after the Pokemon haha. He's been a great pet, and I would love to talk to some of you on here about different options for habitats, feeding, and care. I try my best and I've done my research but I would love to know if anything I'm doing is wrong, or if there's better options. Currently the heat lamp I had set up broke and severely damaged my tortoises tank and many things in it. Luckily no tortoises were harmed, but I want to research the different kinds of lights and fixtures to keep that from happening again.
If you've read through all of that, thank you. Below is a picture of my Squirtle from when he's happiest.

Welcome to the forum! You came to the right place for advice. I've received a lot of help here and it can be a little overwhelming at times. But if you check the Russian Tortoise specific posts, it can answer a lot of questions. And if you have questions about your lighting/current setup, pictures and dimensions are very helpful.

 

[Jodie]

Welcome to the forum. Pairs are a bad idea. Depending on the size of the enclosure, a group of 3 or more might be ok. Sometimes even then you have to separate.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Alexi

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Hello, Alexi.

 

[Speedy-1]

Hi and welcome Alexi and Squirtle !

 

[Jacqui]

Hi! Is your enclosure big enough for three?

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Hi, welcome to the forum. This s the best place to get info on all torts and turtles. I also have Russans!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome Alexi!