Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my Russian tort Winston for about a month now. I have him in an old bookcase that I laid on its back and put some mulch in the bottom for substrate. I also put a pile of Timoth Hay in one of the corners of the case because I read that they can eat it and it also provides a good place for them to hid and dig. I rarely see Winston eat the greens that I put in the cage for him. He also only comes out first thing in the morning and usually stays hidden the rest of the day. I was wondering if this is normal for Russians and could he maybe be eating too much hay causing him to not eat the greens.

Look at his feces and you should have a good idea if he is eating much hay. It is desireable if he eats some hay, but most will eat fresh greens quicker...so determine if he is eating at all. It may be that your tortoise is responding to shorter day lengths and is prepping itself for hibernation...so be sure you are informed on that and take measures to make hibernation go smoothly OR keep it warm and light enough so it does not hibernate and/or use up its fat reserves. If this is a recent import, it might be best to keep it awake this Winter. Good luck, and check out the RussianTortoise website.

How do I know when he makes feces? I have yet to see any in the cage. Is that because of the substrate that I have or is he just not eating? What does the feces look like? I see him eat sometimes early in the morning when I pull him out of his hiding hole and put the greens right in front of him. I have a heat lamp on him and he is right in front of the heater vent. The hot area under the lamp is at 100 degrees and the cooler side is about 70 and maybe 60 at night. He still seems healthy.

One more thing... Does he pee when or right after he eats?
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TurtsandTorts Discussion Group
2 Russians (Harley and Marley)
2 RES (Sunny and Fatty)
2 Gerbils (Sydney and Vienna)
1 Cat (Abby)

If you have only had your tort for a month, I would definitely not recommend letting it hibernate. Good rule of thumb is to know the medical history of the animal for a year before letting it hibernate. Did you get yours from a pet store? If so, he might not be eating because he may have a parasite. If he is from the pet store, take a fecal sample to a good vet.
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TurtsandTorts Discussion Group
2 Russians (Harley and Marley)
2 RES (Sunny and Fatty)
2 Gerbils (Sydney and Vienna)
1 Cat (Abby)

I did get him from a pet store. I dont know if he urinates when he is eating or not I have never looked. I have only seen one fecel sample since I have had him and that was right after I brought him home. Can you tell me where to find a good vet in my area?