Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any real difference in the care and hardiness of these breeds? We have been told these are the best choices for the area we live in Central New York.

Thanks for your help.

All 3 are pretty hardy and have "outgoing" personalities, similar diets, habits. "Russians" might no like a lot of hot humidity, they seem tolerant of cold and hot, but not humidity. Russians often burrow, so plan for that. Russian males and Herrmann's males are both ornery if you have multiple tortoises, they will fight and pester the females. You could probably do well with any of these 3, with proper enclosure design. Stay away from desert adapted North African "Greeks", but ones from Europe would probably be a good choice. I really enjoy my Ibera type Greeks and Russians, too. I am told Herrmann's may be found in forested areas of France, perhaps roughly similar climate to yours? Consider captive hatched if you are a beginner,sometimes wild ones are a challenge to acclimate and generate Vet bills, no $ saved if so... Good luck, vic

I just wanted to add that I think Russians can tolerate humidity quite well.

I live in St. Louis, MO, where the humidity is high. I kept a group of Russians in an outdoor pen from about April to October for several years. They were fine with temps ranging from 40s to low 100s and liked to stay out in the rain. If it was going to be cold AND wet, then I brought them in. Or if it looked like the pen would flood.

They were never sick.

Just make sure they have a place to get out of the elements that allows them to remain dry. In cooler weather I would stuff newspaper into the hide box.

Good luck.

As usual, Brad it correct. I concur, wet and cold is a real problem, but warm and humid is actually what mine have within the burrows in our harsh desert climate. I oversimplified it, and stand corrected. Very general answer on my part, Russians are said to come from harsh and extremes of climate, yet they favor riparian areas, so warm humidity is OK? You will need to give them choices and be clever in enclosure design, drainage, retreats etc. vic

Vic,

I wasn't attempting to correct you. I only wanted to add to your observations. I had a feeling you weren't in a high humidity situation.

Brad

My $0.02 worth is in agreement with Vic and Brad. I kept my russians outdoors here in Baton Rouge (south) Louisiana last year from April through early October, and they went back out in April this year. They tolerate the wet as long as they can get to a dry area, and its not too cold. No illness last year or this year. My russians also utilize pavers and bricks in the enclosure to climb around on as well as help stay dry. All species you listed would probably appreciate a slightly elevated hide box area to get out of the rain and not sit perpetually in moisture.

Do keep in mind that the mentioned species will need to have a cold hibernation period for their long-term good health, and to experience a proper yearly rhythm. Some people may say that they do well without hibernating, but my experiences are completely the opposite. (Also: no hibernation = (usually) no eggs!)