I have had great experience with my pair for the most part. The few bad experiences were mainly my fault. I kept the first one I got in a forty gallon breeder sized tank. Basically a single animal needs a four by two foot enclosure minimum, thats about 1-2 foot tall to keep them from climbing out. When I got the female, they both lived in the same tank OK, but needed more space IMO. They need a basking spot at one end of the cage around 90 degrees. I use a combo UVB/heat lamp when they are inside. They need UVB to metabolize calcium from their diets for good health and prevent shell and bone disorders. I feed mine a variety of greens like mixed lettuces, endive, escarole, dandelion greens, etc. Variety is key, but concentrate on the greens that have high calcium content. I feed mine tomato and other fruits occasionally, and also mixed veggies and Mazuri tortoise diet. I also offer them edible flowers when available like roses. I also keep a shallow pan of water for them to soak in and drink if needed. I turn my lights off at night and let the temp drop to room temp. Mine live outside in a pen most of the year know, but lived over a year inside just fine. Make sure they stay dry. They can tolerate cool temps, but they do not tolerate cool and WET conditions!! I used cypress mulch, or rabbit pellets on the bottom of their enclosure when they were inside. If you keep them outside in a pen, make sure they cannot dig out. My male dug under his pen wall and had a vacation for three weeks. I still can't believe he was found, and thats another long story LOL!! They are generally personable, recognize you give them food, and scurry out when they see you coming for food. They stay a very manageable size compared to other species. I also suggest to read these forums and get a good book about them. There are a few that concentrate know on russians because they are becoming so popular. Based on their size and hardiness, I think they are probably one of the better species to keep inside year round.



Good luck.

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