Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently was able to get a crop of "tortoise seeds" weeds mix to grow in my enclosure. To add to that, I bought some potted basil plants and plated them in the enclosure as well.

My question is: How can I tell if they are eating from what is now available? Because of the heat, my Russians don't come out in the daytime very much, so it's hard to get a chance to spot them actually foraging. I worry about them so I still offer carrots, and other treats just in case, but is there any obvious way to identify this?

BTW - their weights are maintaining...

Grazing? Usually it will be obvious, they will focus in on some plant they like and eat it to destruction... Possibly some very light grazing you would not notice, they definately have preferences. Mine do eat some grasses, but they seem to prefer forbes and various plants. In your Santa Cruz mountains locale, offer them some Sedum, a succulent, and plant some Allysum, which they love and is probably a native plant to them from Eurasia. They like various clovers too. Aloe verae. etc.

My tortoises have trashed any plants that are not protected from there very agressive browsing/grazing. Many outdoor Russians will slow down during the hot summer if kept outdoors, normal aestivating behavior? That may be why you are not seeing obvious grazing. They may become active for awhile in the Fall. Active grazing you will know, and you will have to replant... good luck, Vic

Vic is spot on. Here in South Texas, summers get very hot, and all Testudo go into a slowed state. Russians are especially prone to this sort of behavior, given the harsh nature of climates in central Asia. Wild russians are reportedly only active for three to four months out of the year, given the climatic extremes. Just make sure the animals have ample shelter so they can have time to themselves, away from the sun and others. And ensure their weights stay up. By fall, your russians will be their usual tenacious selves.

T.G.

Thanks for all the responses.

I did plant some "sulcata mix" tortoise seed that was recommended via this forum. It's coming up pretty good now, and I was just wondering if there was a way to monitor their eating habits once weeds were plentiful.

I also planted a few basil plants that were already mature, hoping to see them eaten down by now, but I have noticed a marked decrease in her visibility. She now spends most of teh day on a bottomless heavy plastic box that is buried in teh dirt and stuffed with hay. (see pix)