There is no set rule for this sort of thing. Its a judgement call.
Setting up for a Russian Tortoise - Constructive comments welcome
- Thread starter David Steere
- Start date
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
1. Such basking behaviour is common. Nothing to worry about. This way she maximizes heat and UV intake and she feels safe enough.
2. Sleeping 12 hours a day or staying burrowed is a part of normal behaviour.
Tom is right that there is no general rule when to help or move your tortoise. If it is stuck in potentialy dangerous situation (e.g. head in a water dish or right under the basking lamp) - I would help. Enclosures set up by Tom's guides are very safe but rarely such accidents happen.
David Steere
Active Member
David Steere
Active Member
I love that picture.
you have a nice little tort.David Steere
Active Member
My daughter Angela gave me one of her old cell phones so starting to get use to taking pictures and videos. My first attempt.
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
It's not bad for a first try! Nice plot, great cast!
Nice to see Sandy exploring, having good appetite and new growth lines!
I'm so glad to see that you are enjoying your tortoise and that everything is going well. Mission accomplished!!!
_The_Beast_
Well-Known Member
Love the videos and Sandy is looking super cute 
David Steere
Active Member
@Tom @Alex and the Redfoot
Sorry for the questions but anything new and out of the ordinary I feel the need to ask.
I was watching Sandy and while eating made what I describe two "snorts/sneezes" in quick succession. Was eating leaf's and wet Mazrui at the time. She continued eating and than walked back to the basking area.
Any concerns? Do Tortoises make any noises normally?
Sorry for the questions but anything new and out of the ordinary I feel the need to ask.
I was watching Sandy and while eating made what I describe two "snorts/sneezes" in quick succession. Was eating leaf's and wet Mazrui at the time. She continued eating and than walked back to the basking area.
Any concerns? Do Tortoises make any noises normally?
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Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Questions are always welcome!
If that happened only once - I would not worry. Likely it was the food clogged the nostrils or stuck on upper mouth.
Russian tortoises normally don't make any sounds. But some other species do (redfoots occasionaly "cluck", for example).
If that happened only once - I would not worry. Likely it was the food clogged the nostrils or stuck on upper mouth.
Russian tortoises normally don't make any sounds. But some other species do (redfoots occasionaly "cluck", for example).
_The_Beast_
Well-Known Member
My Russian hatchling did this once when they got wet mazuri all over their face ... including nostrils and a mushy unicorn horn on their forehead 
I double checked the temps (they were fine, nice and toasty) and haven't seen it happen since. If it keeps recurring when not eating or there are bubbles coming out of their nostrils, then it's a cause for concern (potential respiratory infection).
I double checked the temps (they were fine, nice and toasty) and haven't seen it happen since. If it keeps recurring when not eating or there are bubbles coming out of their nostrils, then it's a cause for concern (potential respiratory infection).David Steere
Active Member
Sandy has been very active today. Back and forth twice now this morning from basking area to food dish. Temps and Lights are okay, soil is moist, soaking every day for 30 minutes and so on.
_The_Beast_
Well-Known Member
What a little cutie! Their shell markings look like tiny batman signals 
THEY DO!What a little cutie! Their shell markings look like tiny batman signals
The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
Yeah, almost all noises Russians make are made by the tortoise inhaling or exhaling in a specific way. He probably just had something stuck in his mouth or nose. I haven't heard mine sneeze, but the first few days he was with me he had this log in his enclosure that he would climb against and make a few mating squeaks, usually in the mornings. This is also caused just by his breathing in the mating position. I since took the log out just in case...
David Steere
Active Member
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Looks great! Just one little suggestion - to use a container with opaque walls for soaking.
Wow yes the scutes do look like Batman symbols.
No wonder they are little escape artists.
David Steere
Active Member
Figured I would take a picture of what food was in the plate in the morning and what was left when I clean up at night.
Did not realize but looks like Sandy eats a lot during the day.
Seen Sandy now in every part of the enclosure. Although the food plate and the basking light is Sandy's favorite spots.
Food plate and basking light is about three feet away so Sandy must be walking a lot during the day.
So happy I found this forum and listened to everyone! I feel I got a really good handle on making Sandy have a good life. THANK YOU!
Morning:
Evening:
Did not realize but looks like Sandy eats a lot during the day.
Seen Sandy now in every part of the enclosure. Although the food plate and the basking light is Sandy's favorite spots.
Food plate and basking light is about three feet away so Sandy must be walking a lot during the day.
So happy I found this forum and listened to everyone! I feel I got a really good handle on making Sandy have a good life. THANK YOU!
Morning:
Evening:
