Perspective Russian Tortoise Owner

[Bush Wookiee]

Okay, I have done research on russians before and am back at it again. I had changed interest to a sulcata, but will have nowhere to put such a large creature in a few years. I have room for a russian and a couple of questions.

Will they graze on bermuda grass?

If I am NOT providing artificial UVB, how many hours a week will it need to be outdoors in actual sunlight to receive the necessary benefits?

I know most of the diet should be grasses, weeds, and vegetables, but how much fruit can go into the diet?

How fast do they grow?

How active are they?

Any answers and opinions will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[dmmj]

Will this tortoise be housed indoors, oo out?

 

[lismar79]

Here is a link you should read:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[kimber_lee_314]

I like russiantortoise.org for good information. Yes, they will graze on Bermuda. One hour a week of sunshine is all it takes as far as UV light goes, but I would recommend getting him outside as much as possible. All tortoises do better when they can live outside as much as possible. The diet should consist of little to no fruit. (The only fruit mine get are cactus fruit.) How fast they grow really depends on how much they are fed and how much humidity they live in. Russian tortoises are very active, personable tortoises. You will love them! Hope that was helpful!

 

[Bush Wookiee]

Will this tortoise be housed indoors, oo out?

indoors, but I will take him outside for UVB

 

[Bush Wookiee]

Here is a link you should read:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

I just finished it, thanks!

 

[Bush Wookiee]

I like russiantortoise.org for good information. Yes, they will graze on Bermuda. One hour a week of sunshine is all it takes as far as UV light goes, but I would recommend getting him outside as much as possible. All tortoises do better when they can live outside as much as possible. The diet should consist of little to no fruit. (The only fruit mine get are cactus fruit.) How fast they grow really depends on how much they are fed and how much humidity they live in. Russian tortoises are very active, personable tortoises. You will love them! Hope that was helpful!

Very helpfull! thanks!!

 

[Bush Wookiee]

Another question: Do I need to treat the tortoises water? I don't for my leopard gecko but I know they are two completely different animals.

 

[kimber_lee_314]

Another question: Do I need to treat the tortoises water? I don't for my leopard gecko but I know they are two completely different animals.

Some people do - I don't have time to. They pretty much drink what I drink straight from the tap.

 

[Bush Wookiee]

Some people do - I don't have time to. They pretty much drink what I drink straight from the tap.

Well, it wont hurt anything for me to treat it! Thanks for the info!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Tortoise grow slowly. If your buying a hathcling, it's probably going be around 5-6 years before they reach sexual maturity, and another 3-4 before they reach their full size.