Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have decided I want a tortoise. Problem is I don't know which kind I want. I would like one that is fairly easy to care for and stays relativly small. I think I've narrowed it down to a Russian or a Redfoot. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

The decision between these two animals hinges on many things. Firstly, where do you live? If you live in Florida, then redfoots would be a good idea, russians not so good (lest you wish to be creative and put a lot of work into an indoor setup). If you live in Arizona, then a redfoot may not be such a good idea. Tortoises should spend as much of their time as possible outdoors, and depending upon the weather, this can affect your decision regarding which tortoise species to acquire.

Keeping tortoises is not very easy, even if you have only one or two animals. They have feeding requirements that are rather specialized. For instance, regardless of species, you will have to have a good source of dandelions, thistles, and other herbaceous weeds to match much of the natural diet of these creatures. With redfoots, a large crop of hibiscus, althea, grape, and other assorted fruit trees do well in an enclosure, whereas russians benefit greatly from the inclusion of mulberry, grape, petunia, geranium, and assorted grasses and weeds (the rougher stuff). Keeping tortoises requires either possession of a green thumb or association with someone or some organization that does.

Should you keep a russian, you will also have to make proper and safe accomodations for hibernation. This is a plus, as tortoise upkeep is significantly reduced for several months. However, one must be prepared for the initial expense of the hibernation refridgerator.

Also, consider how long these animals live. You will bequeath this animal unto your grandchildren, if you're lucky. Redfoots have been known to live around fifty years, and russians live much longer.

T.G.

a redfoot can get over a foot in length depending on the speicies but make exellent pets with lots of personality but i have russians and they are great pets too and they stay small and easy to care for aswell(easy for tortises anyway). russians should not have much humidity while redfoots should, and an out door enclosure is best or you could make a large indoor enclosure if you choose russians in a humid area or the other way around for redfoots. i belive you don't have to hibernate russians because mine ate all through the winter. also young and tender greens are beloved by most tortises. also make sure the animals are CB. have fun with whatever tortise you choose.

Thanks for all the advice. I have decided to go with Russians. By the way I live in Central Alabama. I plan on having a large indoor enclosure for the colder months and nights as well as having an outdoor enclosure for the summer. Whats the best to give uvb exposure. How long each day should they be exposed? Also what type of substrate is best for indoor enclosures?
Thanks in advance.

a good substrate could be coco fiber, it's what i use. if ingested it will be digesteg and past through the GI tract. or you could go with a non-chemical topsoil.

Are you talking about that stuff that comes in bricks? If so thats what i was thinking about using. I use it with some of my other reptiles and i was worried it might keep the humidity too high for Russians. Also i was thinking about maybe nmixing a little sand with it. Do you think that would be a good idea?

the enclosure i have does not have a top allowing very good ventilation and high walls prevent escape. what enclosure are planning on using? you could also try putting in a fan into the side if the enclosure is custom. are you putting in a water dish, most of the water they get is in the food they eat. but i use coco fiber and i don't need to worry about humidity due to the top.

I have a tortoise table. I have the Russian ordered but it has not came in yet. I'm just trying to get everything set up good before he arrives. I'm thinking about trying to find a kiddy pool and use it as an enclosure. Do you think it would be better than a 3 1/2 by 4 tort table? I've decided to try the coco fiber and see how it works. If i put the enclosure by the window so the sun would shine in on it, would that give some UVB exposure?
Sorry for so many questions I'm a newbie when it comes to tortoises.
Thanks

Hi there I have a new Russian as well. I built a rather simple enclosure for out guy and he seems to like being outside all day. My thought was that he would get lots of sun light, I too though about keeping his inside enclosure next to a window then I thought most good windows block UV so that is when I decided on the outside enclosure.

Could you give me some details on your outdoor enclosure? I'm thinking of building one also and would like to gather some ideas. Post any pictures if possible.
Thanks
Charlie

Designing enclosures has to be one of the best parts of keeping land tortoises. First off, you should take several things into consideration. Make sure to have a spot where sun and shade are both in acceptable abundance. Put yourself in the tortoise's position. Would two square feet of shade and one cave-like shelter suit you? You would become bored with such an arrangement. Many hiding spots are a must, with interesting terrain, preferably with some sloping features (flat, desolate areas are not favored). If you have any shrubs or anything of the sort (preferably mulberry or althea, as russians enjoy this sort of thing), center your enclosure around such things. Deck the center of the pen with large stones over which the animals can crawl. Plant the enclosure with weeds such as dandelion and sow thistle. I generally go that bigger is better for tortoises, though an outdoor enclosure can be too large, so large as to allow an animal to become easily lost. For a single russian, I tend to offer at least thirty square feet (this is 3' by 10'), and a maximum of four hundred square feet (20 ft by 20 ft). I tend to push toward this maximum. I have never had a problem with predation of adult tortoises, but depending upon your individual circumstance, you may not feel comfortable taking the same chance. In this case, thirty to forty square feet would be preferable, as to allow screen cover.

Walls can be as simple as a line of cinderblocks, or wooden planks screwed together to form a box. Cinderblocks are very cumbersome, but they don't rot like planks do. Make sure to secure corners, as russians like to chimney climb their way over corners. Also, make sure to bury walls at least six inches deep, deeper should the tortoise in question be particularly adept at excavating tunnels. A simple hide tunnel can quickly turn into an escape, and when this happens, the tortoise could lose its way and get hurt.

T.G.