New Tortoise

[KaTheya]

I just recently got a tortoise that I purchased from PetSmart. I can tell the employees knew close to nothing about my tortoise. It was labeled as a testudo tortoise instead of actually saying what tortoise it is. So I was wondering if anyone could give me answers on what exactly my tortoise is so I can provide the proper enviornment for him(just assuming its male, but not really sure if it is).
At the moment I have his basking spot at around 80-85F and his humidity at around 30-40%.
If needed I can provide more pictures.

 

[leigti]

Welcome to the forum. What you have there is a Russian tortoise. The basking spot should be around 95 or so and the humidity around 50%. Check out the care sheet in the Russian tortoise section.

 

[KaTheya]

Thank you! Helps a lot to know

 

[Texas Scott]

I purchased mine last Sunday and it also said testudo on the tag. Also wanted to mention that the vets at my local Banfield (in petsmart) do not take in reptiles. Makes me wonder how they take care the reptiles...

 

[KaTheya]

Well by reading this forum he was horribly taken of. His tank was extremely small the person said they mostly fed him kale and his temps were bad

 

[Crzt4torts]

He's lucky he found you, sounds like you are a caring owner who will give him what he needs.

 

[KaTheya]

@Crzt4torts Thank you, I've been researching like crazy to provide him with a happy life and so far he's very interactive!

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

He looks like a russian tortoise. Usually petsmart only sells these types of tortoise

 

[KaTheya]

@Linhdan Nguyen Thank you for your input, I don't understand how pet stores can get away with treating animals like that, let alone not knowing what kind they are.

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

@Linhdan Nguyen Thank you for your input, I don't understand how pet stores can get away with treating animals like that, let alone not knowing what kind they are.

Im not sure either. There are russian tortoises that are being sold at petsmart near my place now & the enclosure is so small & the tortoises are always in their shells. I feel bad but I already have a sick tortoise that im paying vet bills for. I cant afford another right now

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Here in Florida, Petsmart always has too many Russians for sale and not in very good shape.
The tortoises well being isn't Petsmarts number one priority. It's profit. And these tortoises sell.
We have a list of good tortoise vets here by state. What is your location?

 

[KaTheya]

@ZEROPILOT Massachusetts :/

 

[Tortoise_Wrangler]

I purchased mine last Sunday and it also said testudo on the tag. Also wanted to mention that the vets at my local Banfield (in petsmart) do not take in reptiles. Makes me wonder how they take care the reptiles...

They don't take care of their reptiles, I've never heard a happy story about people purchasing reptiles from Petsmart. They lack a sense of responsibility at Petsmart. If you ever plan on expanding your herd, be patient and buy from a local breeder and get yourself a Captive Bred tortoise, you won't be sorry. Reptile Shows can be a good place to buy new torts, they have a lot of reputable breeders trying to provide captive bred animals.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

A cute little Russian tort. GOD bless.

 

[bryson white]

I just recently got a tortoise that I purchased from PetSmart. I can tell the employees knew close to nothing about my tortoise. It was labeled as a testudo tortoise instead of actually saying what tortoise it is. So I was wondering if anyone could give me answers on what exactly my tortoise is so I can provide the proper enviornment for him(just assuming its male, but not really sure if it is).
At the moment I have his basking spot at around 80-85F and his humidity at around 30-40%.
If needed I can provide more pictures.View attachment 166328
View attachment 166326

Thats a Russian tortoise petsmart buys there tortoises mostly from the wild and they are filled with parasites so a vet visit by a herp vet will do the tortoise some good

 

[KaTheya]

@bryson white good to know, are their any symptoms I should look out for until I can get him to a vet?

 

[bryson white]

@bryson white good to know, are their any symptoms I should look out for until I can get him to a vet?

if he/she is not eating,worms in there poop,rubbing the eye,infected eye,bubbles out the nose, and wheezing or very loud breathing

 

[KaTheya]

if he/she is not eating,worms in there poop,rubbing the eye,infected eye,bubbles out the nose, and wheezing or very loud breathing

My tortoise just drank some water and afterwards started making heavy breaths and gurgling type noises. Is this what you mean? Im very nervous now.

 

[bryson white]

no i think he/she will be fine if it was right after drinking water if so he will be fine but if it was hours after drinking the water you need vet visit asap