Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, iv'e had a russian for a couple of months now and the only time he ever moves is to come out and eat every other day. otherwise he burries himself and thats it.
I believe i have his enviroment correct. I had a 4x2ft enclosure built. I have 50/50 coconut/playsand substrate. Power Sun bulb, temp at 85 at one end and 75 at the other.Water is available, etc... He eats well and im using the russian tort vitamins from carolina pet supply.I have taken him to the vet who gave him a clean bill of health.
Is this normal behavior? I have had 2 other torts for many years and they are out and about all the time!
I feel like he must be very unhappy for some reason???

Is the enclosure well lit only at one end? I use a basking light at one end and a pair of 48" fluorescent bulbs to light the entire enclosure. I think if it is too dark, even if there is adequate heat, the tort may not be stimulated enough to be very active.

Also, are the lights on for very long? Short periods of light will lead to reduced activity, too. I keep the lights on 12 hours.

But I've noticed my russians like to slow down in late fall. I try to hibernate them for at least 6 weeks. They seem to perk up after that. It seems that the russian tortoise will respond to the seasons in spite of the indoor conditions you create for it.

In other words, if your tortoise doesn't have parasites or other health problems, then it is just doing what is natural: slowing down in the winter.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice. I will try adding some more light, hopefully that will help!

try raising the heat at the end of the enclosure, too. At night you won't have to worry about heating in general (unless it can get below 60 degrees. Usually a basking area of 95 is recommended, only to help and aid in digesting. Some russian tortoises are just plain lazy and some are just hyper. Luck of the draw. I have one hyper and one lazy. I wish my hyper one was lazy and i wish my lazy one was hyper. Don't worry too much about him sleeping alot unless when you pick him up or soak him he doesn't respond much at all. At that point see a vet. But, if he seems normal when you handle him there should not be too much to worry about.
I guarantee raising the temp in the basking area you will see a heightened amount of activity.