Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I agreed to take in what I thought was a box turtle and upon
its arrival it was a russian. It has been kept for several
years in an aquarium in a young child's room. No UVB and
a small heat lamp. I was told by the owner it wouldn't eat
anything but Romaine but she really didn't know what to feed
it.

I don't know much about husbandry on these guys so need some
help. I currently have it in a large rubbermaid container
with newspaper and a little of the reptile bark that came
long with him. I have a Reptisun 5.0 and 60 watt heat lamp
over it. I did soak it last night. I hope this is OK cause
I do know they like less humidity unlike my Redfoot. Also I
gave it a hide spot because the little thing is seems terrified
of people. This morning much to my surprise it ate squash,
mixed vegetables, tomatoe and a salad of turnip, endive and
romaine. So much for it only eating Romaine.

2 questions:
This little guy is just 4" shell length. He only weighs 300 grams. He feels really light when picked up. Does this seem
an OK weight? My Redfoot is about 6" and he weighs almost 2.5
lbs.

Is the diet above acceptable? Do they also eat Timothy Hay?
What is the best substrate and how often should I soak him?

Any help is greatly appreciated. I am looking for a rescue
to find him/her a good home if any of you have any leads.

Linda

Try this website

http://www.russiantortoise.net/

Most of the info is really good although we don't see eye to eye on the use of Mazuri Tortoise diet and a few other things.

I use it for my Russians once a week and I highly recommend it.

>>I agreed to take in what I thought was a box turtle and upon
>>its arrival it was a russian. It has been kept for several
>>years in an aquarium in a young child's room. No UVB and
>>a small heat lamp. I was told by the owner it wouldn't eat
>>anything but Romaine but she really didn't know what to feed
>>it.
>>
>>I don't know much about husbandry on these guys so need some
>>help. I currently have it in a large rubbermaid container
>>with newspaper and a little of the reptile bark that came
>>long with him. I have a Reptisun 5.0 and 60 watt heat lamp
>>over it. I did soak it last night. I hope this is OK cause
>>I do know they like less humidity unlike my Redfoot. Also I
>>gave it a hide spot because the little thing is seems terrified
>>of people. This morning much to my surprise it ate squash,
>>mixed vegetables, tomatoe and a salad of turnip, endive and
>>romaine. So much for it only eating Romaine.
>>
>>2 questions:
>>This little guy is just 4" shell length. He only weighs 300 grams. He feels really light when picked up. Does this seem
>>an OK weight? My Redfoot is about 6" and he weighs almost 2.5
>>lbs.
>>
>>Is the diet above acceptable? Do they also eat Timothy Hay?
>>What is the best substrate and how often should I soak him?
>>
>>Any help is greatly appreciated. I am looking for a rescue
>>to find him/her a good home if any of you have any leads.
>>
>>Linda
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

2-3 times/week to my Redfoot. Is it OK for the russian? Also
my reptile room is higher humidity because of my water turtles,
Redfoot and iguanas. Will this hurt him? What should their
humidity be?

Thanks for your prompt response.
Linda

For the Russian start out at once a week and see what happens.

The humidity should not be a problem as long as it does not get cool and you have a heat lamp to provide a good dry area.

Naturally their humidity is low but they spend a good deal of time underground.

>>2-3 times/week to my Redfoot. Is it OK for the russian? Also
>>my reptile room is higher humidity because of my water turtles,
>>Redfoot and iguanas. Will this hurt him? What should their
>>humidity be?
>>
>>Thanks for your prompt response.
>>Linda
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I prefer to soak mine 2 to 3 times a week for about 15 to 20 minutes. That has worked out well, but mine are about 5 years old. Maybe for babies this wouldnt be the best approach.

Definitely use the www.russiantortoise.com. He has some great information. Make sure you have a UVB light. Keep some water in the container. I like to use a 50/50 substrate of sand and chips for mine when they have to be kept indoors. Be careful about feed too much tomato. It has a lot of acid. They will eat pretty much any other veggies. Mine like squash, endive, zuchinni, and raddichio. Keep us updated!

Ash