Russian Tortoise Concerns..

[Sgrooms]

Hi all... new to the forum.

My name is Stephanie and my family and I have 3 Russian torts. Our smallest tort (Bella) has been very lazy lately.... She is constantly staying buried under the substrate. Our two other torts bury each night but are up with the break of day basking and eating.

Is it normal for a Russian to be doing this?

On a side note we did notice she had watery eyes and was told it could be caused by sleeping and/or dehydration.

Their substrate is cypress mulch and soil. We used coir and play sand mix for sometime but did not like the way the sand always got stuck in their eyes.

They eat a mixture of greens... kale, collards, turnip, green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and romaine.

They have both heat and UVB lights in their indoor enclosure and they also have an outdoor enclosure.

Any and all advice is welcome!!!

THANKS

 

[GBtortoises]

Based on the photos of your enclosure it does not appear to be well lit. In this situation, most Russian tortoises will most definitely bury themselves much more often and for long periods. Individuals may respond somewhat differently or not as soon as others. In order to be active Russian tortoises require a very well lit enclosure as well as correct activity level temperatures. Gender, as well as temperatures may also play a part. What is the gender of the other two tortoises? What are the daytime, night time and basking temperatures within the enclosure?

Watery eyes are caused by neither sleeping or dehydration. Sleeping should have no effect on the eyes of a tortoise that is in good health. When dehydrated a tortoise's eyes will typically have a sunken, dry look. Do they have constant access to drinking water and/or are they being "soaked" (watered) on a regular basis?

 

[Sgrooms]

Based on the photos of your enclosure it does not appear to be well lit. In this situation, most Russian tortoises will most definitely bury themselves much more often and for long periods. Individuals may respond somewhat differently or not as soon as others. In order to be active Russian tortoises require a very well lit enclosure as well as correct activity level temperatures. Gender, as well as temperatures may also play a part. What is the gender of the other two tortoises? What are the daytime, night time and basking temperatures within the enclosure?

Watery eyes are caused by neither sleeping or dehydration. Sleeping should have no effect on the eyes of a tortoise that is in good health. When dehydrated a tortoise's eyes will typically have a sunken, dry look. Do they have constant access to drinking water and/or are they being "soaked" (watered) on a regular basis?

The other two torts are male and female. Our largest tort is a female (we recently adopted her) and the medium sized tort is our male, speedy who was our first Russian. We have had him since May of this year.

The basking area is 90 degrees during the day. The rest of the enclosure is 72-75degrees. The UVB lamp is positioned in the middle of the enclosure so that the rays penetrate most of the surface.

They always have access to drinking water and we soak them in luke warm water once-twice a week.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Stephanie:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know appx. where you are?

 

[Sgrooms]

Hi Stephanie:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know appx. where you are?

We are located in Jacksonville (Orange Park) , FL

 

[JoesMum]

The other two torts are male and female. Our largest tort is a female (we recently adopted her) and the medium sized tort is our male, speedy who was our first Russian. We have had him since May of this year.

I think you have highlighted the problem. Is your little female being bothered by the other two?

Russians naturally spend an inordinate amount of time underground, especially if light levels and/or temps make them think it is winter. However, they will also do it to escape the attentions of a randy male or dominant female too.

You may need to look at separating them.

 

[Sgrooms]

The other two torts are male and female. Our largest tort is a female (we recently adopted her) and the medium sized tort is our male, speedy who was our first Russian. We have had him since May of this year.

I think you have highlighted the problem. Is your little female being bothered by the other two?

Russians naturally spend an inordinate amount of time underground, especially if light levels and/or temps make them think it is winter. However, they will also do it to escape the attentions of a randy male or dominant female too.

You may need to look at separating them.

I have never noticed any "bullying" by the older female and I am not sure if our male is to the point of maturity. Before we brought home the older female.... Our male and Bella would bask together all cozy and sweet ... Maybe the problem is the older female. Perhaps Bella and sense her dominance because she is much larger?

 

[lynnedit]

If your thermometer is accurate, and they are spending a lot of time basking (meaning they are trying to get warmer), you might want to increase the basking temps up to 95F.
It is possible that a larger female tort could harass a smaller one, especially a new one. The only way you will know is to separate them as a trial. You could use a rubbermaid tote, and just a regular 100w house bulb for a week or so until you find out.
Her watery eyes may indicate a respiratory infection, but hopefully her nose is clear, and you don't hear any breathing noises. (might be a good idea to isolate her anyway until you are sure).
You might also increase warm soaks, even to daily for a week or so.

If she doesn't perk up, she may need to see a good Reptile Vet.

 

[Talka]

That enclosure looks like one for one tort, not three. Maybe it's cramped?