DesertRussian
New Member
Hi Everyone,
I'm a new member living in Tucson, AZ. I am eager to create a lush outdoor environment for my new Russian, Marvin, 25+. I have been transplanting spurge and purslane throughout the enclosure and he is reality eating them both, with some preference for the purslane. I have also planted some native grasses, Bamboo Muhly because it was a desert tortoise recommended plant, after I spoke with vets from Orange Grove Animal Hospital who said to lean towards grasses for a Russian tortoise. I've also planted one feather grass in the enclosure, it is just for screening and hiding at this point, not much for forage value. I wish I had take pictures yesterday before I ripped all the crab grass out of the enclosure. It wasn't being eaten at all, and I was concerned it would be hard to remove if I waited any longer. It was very useful, however for camouflaging the spurge and purslane, because after the bermuda was gone, Marvin had a feast! All of the plantings are only to be supplemental, he gets fresh greens everyday, and loves the flowers from desert willow trees. I look forward to any feedback and hope this can help owners in the southwest raise their Russians outdoors.
Also I am looking for a pair of females to add to an expansion of the enclosure, if anyone has recommendations of who to reach out to I would be grateful! Thanks all.
I'm a new member living in Tucson, AZ. I am eager to create a lush outdoor environment for my new Russian, Marvin, 25+. I have been transplanting spurge and purslane throughout the enclosure and he is reality eating them both, with some preference for the purslane. I have also planted some native grasses, Bamboo Muhly because it was a desert tortoise recommended plant, after I spoke with vets from Orange Grove Animal Hospital who said to lean towards grasses for a Russian tortoise. I've also planted one feather grass in the enclosure, it is just for screening and hiding at this point, not much for forage value. I wish I had take pictures yesterday before I ripped all the crab grass out of the enclosure. It wasn't being eaten at all, and I was concerned it would be hard to remove if I waited any longer. It was very useful, however for camouflaging the spurge and purslane, because after the bermuda was gone, Marvin had a feast! All of the plantings are only to be supplemental, he gets fresh greens everyday, and loves the flowers from desert willow trees. I look forward to any feedback and hope this can help owners in the southwest raise their Russians outdoors.
Also I am looking for a pair of females to add to an expansion of the enclosure, if anyone has recommendations of who to reach out to I would be grateful! Thanks all.