Yo!

[Karechan]

Hello! I'm Karechan.

I'm an experienced pet owner but not so much with reptiles. My experience has largely been with dogs and small mammals, particularly rats.

I'm starting the process of looking for a Russian Tortoise and hope you guys can help me out with various questions and whatnot throughout the ownership experience.

Thank you!

 

[KarenSoCal]

Hello! I'm Karechan.

I'm an experienced pet owner but not so much with reptiles. My experience has largely been with dogs and small mammals, particularly rats.

I'm starting the process of looking for a Russian Tortoise and hope you guys can help me out with various questions and whatnot throughout the ownership experience.

Thank you!

Welcome to TFO! You've come to the best place to learn all about Russians, and tortoises in general.

If you haven't read these, it's a great place to start!

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[TechnoCheese]

Welcome to the forum! Keep in mind that an adult Russian requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet. We have a very good Russian breeder here (@Carol S), so be sure to see if she has hatchlings available. Unless you want an older one, of course.

 

[LaLaP]

Hi and welcome! I'd like to add that if you are looking for an adult Russian I see them listed on Craigslist all the time and they are always in small aquariums and not being cared for very well. You could rescue one of those poor souls and give it a great life!
I rescued one a few months ago and I'm looking for a good home for him... too bad you're so far away from me. Maybe it's my imagination but the one I rescued seems so "happy" and at peace now compared to when I first got him. It's been a heartwarming experience.

 

[Karechan]

Thank you for the warm welcome! I'll be sure to review all that info thoroughly before I pull the trigger.

I've made a post in the Wanted forum (https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/looking-for-a-russian-tortoise.171464/) that lays out what I'm looking for and my questions/concerns, if anyone wants to check that out. Thanks again!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Welcome!

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

Russians are great little tortoises. Get a captive bred one from a good breeder and you'll have a much better experience than if you buy a wild caught one from a pet store.

 

[Carol S]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[RosemaryDW]

Welcome to the forum!

It’s hard for me not to encourage rescuing one from Craig’s List. It’s true they often come with issues but they are scrappers and I’m a sucker for rescues.