Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am so excited! I just got 2 new tortoises. I got 1.1 russians. This is my first pair of russians. They look great, and are full of personality!
I also got .1 greek. This brings my total to 1.2. She is smaller then my male, but about the same size as my other female 6.5 inches.
All three are eating and very active. They seem to realy injoy thier new home.
I am hoping to breed both groups in the comming years. any tipes would be greatly appriciated!
I am maintaining the greeks on cypress. The cage temp is around 85 with a basking area that reaches 90-95. They get a bath about every other day. Thier food is romain, green and red leaf, cooked sweet potatos, greated carrots and squash, with limited amount of fruits.
The russains are keep about the same with the exception of cypres. I am currently using a mixture of washed play sand, alfalfa, and cypress. They get the same food as the greeks.
I plan on getting both groups outside this summer, but so far we have had only 1 day over 80 here in central IL. It has been a comfortable spring for humans this year.

I also recieved new torts in today. 2.2 russians. They will eventually go with the 1.1 I already have. I am in west central Illinois and you are right. Weather has been seasonably cool here. All of my torts are wanting to go outside, but right now it is not possible.

I am not familiar with the habitat of the Greeks, but sounds like you are doing good with the Russians. You might want to pick up some (spring mix salad) made by dole also for the Russians. Mine love it. I like to give them as much variety as possible.

I will give the mix a try. Thanks for the tip!

You should probly get some more russian females. Males are really agressive breeders and most russians you buy now-a-days are juvis. So you should pick up the females now so you don't have to look for adults when they are ready to get down and make babys.

That is in the plans, as soon as the budget and wife say it is ok (If you know what i mean)

.....for at least 6mths before you risk adding them to your existing group.
I've known of many a group wiped out because of lack of husbandry proceedures ie quarrantine new stock.

graham(UK)

Yes I have them set up that way already. I was only planing on 30-90 days however. Of course this would be pending fecal check and good health.

You show great knowledge for your torts welfare, well done.
Not many people have this quarrantine regime, but for those who do, it is the safest way forward.

graham(UK)

Thanks! I spent over 11 yrs in the pet industry.
I am no longer in that line of work, but reptiles are still my passion.
Some day I will open my own pet store, but for now I am content to be a manager for OfficeMax.