Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just wanted to see if ya'll can help me with a few things with my new russian tort.

-proper way to soak them, and how often

-problems why he wouldn't be eating

-proper lighting / heat

Since he is a new tort, and undoubtedly WC, you should soak more often than you would normally. I'd do every other day, in about 1/2" of water (this is an adult, right?). After a couple weeks, you can go to 2 or 3 times a week.

Give him a week before you worry about him not eating. He's probably stressed from shipping, etc. They can go a long time without food. What are you offering? Dandelion greens and flowers are a favorite. You should also schedule a vet exam and fecal check, because most likely he has some kind of parasite. Those WC tortoises aren't as cheap as they seem.

Let us know what kind of setup you have, then we can help you correct any heating/lighting problems. Basically, they need a basking light at one end, temp on that side around 85-95, and the cooler side around 75. Also a UVB light is a must. If you can build him an outside pen, even better.
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Sohni

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
1.0 3 Toed Box Turtle (rescued)
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

My tort's are babies so I soak them everyday for about ten minutes in shallow warm water.

There are some good sites online that you can check out to see what is good for your tort to eat and what is not good too. I get mixed greens at the grocery store and then mix up different kinds of vegis(carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, etc.) plus weeds, grass, clover, rose petals and leaves to give them a variety of food. Then every once in awhile I will give them a small treat which they love. (tomato, bananna, grape, strawberry, etc.) Also...lightly dust there food everyday with calcium. They need calcium for a healthy shell.

For heating I use a UV bulb and a ceramic heat emitter for warmth. My basking area is around 90 to 95 degrees and my cool side is around 75 degrees. Be careful not to get it too cold. My little one is just getting over a respitory infection. They can get them very easily! Good luck with your new little one! They are so much fun.
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Becki

1 Husband
4 kids
2 Hermans
1 Dog
4 Finches
1 Betta