Yes, a new animal should be kept up over the first winter.

Double-check your husbandry at www.russiantortoise.org.

Make sure to give the tortoise a regular soaking. Recent imports may be dehydrated.

Keep the temperature and light levels up during the day. If possible, keep the temps in the 70s or 80s in the cool end, with a basking spot around 100F. At night, try to keep the temps in the 70-80 range. Try for a 14 hour day.

Offer brightly colored foods to stimulate appetite. My guys go for carrot and yellow squash. These aren't great foods, so just use them to stimulate eating. Maybe shred some carrots over better things like dandelion greens, collards, etc. They also love flowers from hibiscus, dandelion and clover (both red and white.)

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