I've had several russian tortoises over the last 10 years. Some were wild-caught animals that I adopted or purchased, and several were hatchlings from the wild-caught animals I had.

The wild-caught animals all learned to associate me with food and would come toward me when I approached the pen. All would allow me to hand-feed them. All except one male would allow me to touch them without withdrawing most of the time. That one male would always come charging toward me when I approached, but chickened out when I reached down.

The hatchlings would eventually become bored with me, and are relaxed with me all of the time. I usually keep them indoors for the first year or two and then put them out in a pen.

So I think that with patience and regular interaction you could get a russian tortoise to be a reasonably good pet. And by that I mean he might come over when you approach, allow you to touch his shell and neck, and eat from your hand.

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