I received a Russian recently - actually a pair. The female is doing well be the male's eye still concerned me. They seem to "skin over" during the night. The dealer (whom I have done business with for years) assures me this is normal and happens as a result of shipping. He states that as an older tortoise (5 years) that it is trying to hibernate. Here were his suggestions:
Soak it every few days in warm water.
Offer food after soaking (still haven't witnessed feeding for the male)
Keep the heat in the enclosure up.
Anything I am missing? I do put "natural tears" in the eyes twice a day and this keeps them looking good for a while.
