Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my Russian for almost a year now. Up until now he has been doing fine, well maybe a little lazy for a russian but I just chalked that up to him just being lazy. Now for about the last two weeks, he has been hiding in his humid hide. The only time he comes out is when I take him out to soak him. He doesn't come out to eat or anything else for that matter. I thought he may be to cold in his inclosure so I added another lamp to up the temp some, but that hasn't worked either. If anyone has any advice I would be truly greatful.

it sound like you have him in an indoor enclosure. i keep Russians as well and have noted that behavior as well. it could just be that he is bored with his inclosure. if he can see all the walls from one spot then he isn't going to explore. what i did was move mine outside into a larger pen, but that's a permanent solution. in your case you cloud just take him into your back yard and let him run around while you watch him, keep an eye on him though, don't let him eat anything he shouldn't.
-----
1.1.3 Common Mud Turtles
0.0.2 R.E.S.
0.0.1 Y.B.S.
1.3.1 Russian Tortoises
0.1 Hamsters
3.0 Dogs
2.3 Family

I agree with the boredom theory. My horsfield definitely gets bored with his indoor enclosure and I can tell this because he'll get up about 8.30 a.m., potter around a bit, eat, and go back to bed by 11 a.m and not come out again. But if I vary the set-up (re-arrange things a bit, add rocks to break up sightlines, etc.), he's off exploring again - until he gets bored. Having said that, he's outdoors all the time now that the weather is warm and there's where you really see the differenct - lots of energy and v. happy.

The only other thing I would consider if your tortoise is sleeping a lot (other than checking that the temperature isn't too hot or too cold) is having a faecal test done to see if he has worms, as that can make them very lethargic.

Nina

Mine has been doing the same thing lately. I think because its really hot here and humid so he just sleeps all day and night. Today he was eating a ton and walking around a lot.

My Russian doesn't even come out in the moring. The only time I have seen him in the past two weeks is when I take him out to soak him and when he is done soaking he goes right back in. The temps are about 80 degrees in the cooler area and higher than that in the basking spot. I have heard about summer hibernation with these guys and I was wondering if that was it. He doesn't appear to be sick in any way, there is no discharge for his eyes or nose when I finally get him woken up. Maybe he is just extremely bored.