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RE: Is This Normal for a Russian?

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Posted by: bradtort at Sat Feb 16 20:54:46 2008  [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by bradtort ]  
   

Is the enclosure well lit only at one end? I use a basking light at one end and a pair of 48" fluorescent bulbs to light the entire enclosure. I think if it is too dark, even if there is adequate heat, the tort may not be stimulated enough to be very active.

Also, are the lights on for very long? Short periods of light will lead to reduced activity, too. I keep the lights on 12 hours.

But I've noticed my russians like to slow down in late fall. I try to hibernate them for at least 6 weeks. They seem to perk up after that. It seems that the russian tortoise will respond to the seasons in spite of the indoor conditions you create for it.

In other words, if your tortoise doesn't have parasites or other health problems, then it is just doing what is natural: slowing down in the winter.

Good luck!



   

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