Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what length and weight do male and female russians need to be to breed?
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1.1.3 Common Mud Turtles
0.0.2 R.E.S.
0.0.1 Map Turtle
1.2 Russian Tortoises
0.3 Box Turtles
1.0 Hamsters
3.0 Dogs
2.3 Family

I had a female that I purchased several years ago when she was only 4" and under 400 grams. She did not mate and produce eggs until she was about 6" and 900 grams. Now, over 5 years after purchase, she is 7" and 1100 grams, and has laid 8 eggs per year for the last 2 yrs. I also have a female that was purchased at about 6" and 900 grams who has produced 8 eggs per year.

The only male I've had that has successfully mated is about 5.25" and 600 grams. His son, who is closing in on 5" at 3 yrs of age, started showing interest in mating when he was about 4" and 2 yrs old. I don't have his weights available at the moment.

Please note that these sizes are for one variety of russian tortoise. My russians are fairly light colored with a yellow background and moderately domed shells. There are others that are darker, smaller, and flatter, and I imagine they reach sexual maturity at smaller sizes.

As usual, Brad is right on target. I think 900 gms. for females is the key to getting them to breed. Most tortoise imported are way too small, they are probably 3-5 years from breeding size. They used to import large ones, but these are rarely seen anymore. Mine start to breed when the females attain 900 gms , and they males may start much smaller. Vic

i was under the impression that mine where adults and full grown; i guss not. they are about 4"-5" and weigh: 498g, 416g, & 374g respectively.
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1.1.3 Common Mud Turtles
0.0.2 R.E.S.
0.0.1 Map Turtle
1.2 Russian Tortoises
0.2.1 Box Turtles
1.0 Hamsters
3.0 Dogs
2.3 Family

As I tried to indicate in my "also" note above, not all russians are alike. The male I mentioned was purchased at about 4.25" and maybe 400 grams. After 2-3 years he had grown less than a quarter inch and reached maybe 425 grams, which I attribute to the growth-inducing wonders of the captive environment, not to him being immature. He was weathered looking and had the appearance of age.

There are supposedly subspecies, and I would imagine a variety of potential sizes. I doubt that that 4.25" male, who now lives elsewhere, would ever reach 5". The largest tortoises I have are about 6.25" and 7" and show no signs of reaching the 8" that others report.

So don't discount the breeding potential of your tortoises.

"what length and weight do male and female russians need to be to breed?"

ditto to brad and vic. here are a few numbers for comparison:

Female breeder weights(g): 1200, 1640, 1155, 1240

Females not yet bred:

890g ten years old (CB), males interested, no eggs yet
855g LTC no eggs
825g LTC no eggs, but is pseudocopulating

Proven male breeders: 630, 719, 880, 630

Male too young 325g 5 year old (CB) guessing 2-3 more years

hope this helps,

matt