All About Russian Tortoises!

[@valeriegleason4858]

I have a Russian tortoise male. He is very sociable and knows his name. He wakes up in the morning when he hears us and looks for us from his terrarium. He comes over to us when we put our hands in and sniffs our hands and touches them with his front feet. He then proceeds to climb us our arms. He loves to sit on me and when I let him out and run around the kitchen, when I call him, he comes to me! He is like a little puppy dog! I am totally amazed with my little guy and love him dearly. I have had him for a couple of years now and he seems to be doing great! Thank you for your videos and for all of your great information! I was wondering though, is it normal for a tortoise to come to you when you call his name? I think this is very unusual for a reptile. But if you could let me know that would be awesome!

[@eliseurquhart5911]

I don't know if it's normal but I've had my male Russian tortoise for almost 11 years now and he does this too!!

[@ronking5878]

Mine too! He’s so lovey dovey!

[@Tortelinni0424]

My Tortoise knows his name and he looks for me he’s super cute ❤

[@sunofnihl]

The only reason I have a Russian Tortoise is because I found him out wandering around the City. 10 years later, he's still a very healthy guy and has grown to be very social with people!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad he’s well!

[@MultiPetercool]

Does he have a name? I suggest Boris.

[@elmerblu7549]

Lucky you 😍

[@DoorsToHideBehind156]

@@MultiPetercool my dad had a tatantula when I was a baby, he named it Boris. Later when I was a teenager, he bought another tarantula, a rose hair and named it Boris as well.

[@anthonytorres8871]

You have been a very good parent to that wayward 🐢 tortoise.

[@klausb1758]

They're so cute trying to walk while you're holding them 😊

[@sijam2m59]

I have a partially western Herman’s tortoise that we “saved” from a breeder that had him in horrible conditions but he’s happy and healthy with us and our other tortoise (we live in Scotland)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Nice thank you for saving him!

[@kleineoOoStern]

Is he a mix between boettgeri and hermani ? These people breeding these two species make me so angry ! 😤

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Partially?

[@yeahletsunpackthat]

4 days ago I got a text from our favorite pet store a couple hours away. They had a 10 ish year old Russian, who had not had a great life thus far. He was kept in a 40 gallon tank, Shell has some damage, scutes battered, he’s deficient and seems to be unsure of eating leafy things.. we’ve named him grumpy. My son and I have loved your channel and.. you are the reason he has his very own juvenile red foot!! We are excited to see how grumpy acclimates and how he thrives. We would have never even thought to be tortie owners (I love my turtles) but here we are! Thank you for everything! Without you and the content you make; we would never have found our soul pets! ❤

[@robinr5337]

Just adopted our first Russian tortoise this year. She is so fun!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome good luck with her!

[@kasia1795]

Thank you so much for showing your love for a tortoise that can so often be overlooked. I have 2 male captive bred Russians and love them so much, so full of personality but both have very different personalities.

[@candctortoises]

Chris and Casey, your content is always very inspiring and informative, even for experienced keepers/breeders! Thanks for another outstanding video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@beverlyjensen443]

Excellent video! You are an accomplished speaker; comfortable and confident and the information you casually offer is excellent. Thank you both so much!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Beverley!

[@cheloniachris]

Wonderful video! As I keep a bunch of "russians" for more than 37 years here in Germany, I have an important information which is missing in your video. The males are, reaching adultness, really aggressive against females and, even more, against other male tortoises. I have to sepparate them from each other, otherwise they will injure each other heavily. This is a factor everyone should be aware of, if someone is going to get this species.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Great point and thank you!

[@jonmoore176]

Was hoping you would do a video on these lovely animals. Our male is a real character and we want to build him a better outdoor enclosure, your video really helpful. Also really appreciate you reminding viewers to only buy captive bred. Keep up the good work!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Jon!

[@kelleyrancher]

I love the property you have I have two acres here in Illinois with a creek and a pond I don't use that for my tortoises because of course it's big water and you don't use that for what I have Russians and a sulcata and one red foot they're all pets and very individuals they have wonderful personalities and my red foot will even come when I call his name no matter where he is he's free ranging in the house cuz he's not that big he's like 13 in the Russians are in their own habitats and so far so kind of just came in from being outside so he'll go down to the lower level no have that whole run of the whole lower level of the house for his winter abode

[@RC_Murphy]

Also, A+ tort wrangling. These little guys do *not* sit still unless they're basking or sleeping. Which is also something to consider when keeping one indoors full or part time. If you're not okay with constant clunking and scraping, this is not the indoor pet for you.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! Yes, definitely a good point.

[@saga2964]

Mine loves her blanket--and my MyPillow! If I have her snuggled in her blanket, she'll scoot up to my pillow, and fall asleep or just doze for hours beside me while I watch KZbin or read a book! But if she 's not comfy in her blankly, she'll definitely bang around the sides of her enclosure, the walls of the room I'm letting her wander, or shove everything aside so she can hide in some random corner.

[@The_Real_DCT]

Mine so far doesn't do much clunking, it's usually only when he's in the mood to rearrange the substrate in his enclosure which is once every few weeks. Scratching he usually does before he goes to bed for the night, he'll just go to the corner and scratch for a few minutes and then goes into his den. I don't know why he only does it in a corner, even when he's out in our yard he will go to the corner of the house, garage, the fence or even planting boxes and just scratch at it for a bit when he's getting sleepy. It's kinda cute. Still amazed at how quickly he came out of his shell so to speak when we first got him. We saw him at the store for four weeks just looking depressed, we couldn't take it anymore and bought him and the moment he left the store, he perked right up and everyday since he's been showing more and more of his personality. Never got phased by the cats constantly checking him out when inside or the chickens checking him out when he's outside. Though our Red eared slider did throw a tantrum when he first saw him across the room. Yes our red eared slider throws temper tantrums like a child. He will swim around really fast in a fit moving everything he can, tossing rocks around and then gives you a dirty look after.

[@yeahletsunpackthat]

@@The_Real_DCT❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@katielyn531]

I would love a video like this about the Hermann's tortoise! Lots of great information 🙂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We just did one on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5DEZplmo7esq9k

[@katielyn531]

@@GardenStateTortoise huh idk how I missed that one. I'm a subscriber and on your Facebook. Slipped through somehow. I will watch it for sure ☺️

[@RobinNichols-tp4mn]

Simon is my Russian tortoise, he's got a great personality. Very hearty, very bold. Awesome little guy!

[@kaltwasseraquaristik7603]

Her most common name here in Germany is four-toed tortoise.

[@nutmeg5]

Love your “Perestroika” with Russian tortoises! How can we not have world peace with these guys?

[@okaki_tortoise]

Nice video!! I would like to see more russian tortoise videos🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Sounds good thanks!

[@Gimenez528Hz]

​@GardenStateTortoise yes, me too please. Especially for my little Russian Andres Tartuggo

[@lijing1973]

Thank you so much for your video. I have learn a lot from your channel . I only had my Russian tortoise for three month but I love him so much ! He gives me so much joy and the best part is he will take a nap on my lap while I am reading a book .

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@grejfrut89]

I have 6 hosrfieldii, most of them adopted from bad conditions. In Poland it is the most popular species, sold cheaply many years ago at marketplaces. Many tortoises lived (or still living) on slippery floors, eat fruit, vegetables and lettuce, without access to the sun, UVB, digging or hibernating in proper conditions. It's a bit better now, I'm trying to educate people on forums etc., so I'm sharing this movie wherever I can :)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow, thank you for watching and good luck with yours!

[@mattw3379able]

I am about to get a russian tortoise, so this was very helpful! I hope you can continue to do this, to help people!

[@tarasostapiuk8096]

Finally!!! I waiting for this video on your channel for many years!!! Thank you!!! You make a big, amazing job 👍👍👍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@22RosesGrow]

They are beautiful rescues.Yes, research is important.Thank you

[@tamarrajames3590]

They are a beautiful species, and remind me of little tanks when young. I’m so glad you are able to bring the rescues back to good health.🖤🇨🇦

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Tamarra!

[@fairwind8344]

Wow! How interesting! In Russia we usually call this amazing creature Mediterranean/Greek/Caucasian tortoise and it was mind blowing to know how you call it in America. I often met these wonderful walking rocks in the mountains near Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk, at the shore of the Black Sea. Always so cute and friendly! They often feast on ripe fermented dogberries that fall on the ground in autumn and wander around forest trails.

[@fatzyfatzy8322]

Where do you live?

[@NuzhdarHamdown]

He literally said “in Russia”

[@1prairiedog]

What you see there is Testudo ibera nikolskii.

[@yxnchxk4206]

NO. NOT AT ALL. Actually greek tortoise is completely another species, same with Mediterranean. "MIDDLE-ASIAN Tortoise". The most common name for the russian tortoise in Russia, Ukraine etc. is "MIDDLE-ASIAN Tortoise". This is the official name, it uses even in gerpetology literature.

[@katiedid1851]

I find your videos, besides being consistently entertaining, are wonderfully informative. I never knew turtles, Terrapins, tortoises are real personalities, and even can be pets. I really have learned about reptiles.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Katie!

[@sos3309]

There are very few people in the scene and tortoise world of your capability and of course will to show, compare, explain as profound and informative as you do ... greetings from Stuttgart

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you SO very much 🙏🏻

[@cdd4248]

This is so helpful - I am a social worker and often help people with the care or relinqishment of a pet. I now know more about our turtle friends and will pay closer attention to their care and welfare. Do you have a book on the care and housing of turtles/tortoises?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad it helps! I have not written a book at this point yet. Unfortunately most of the books out there on their care are outdated.

[@toadranchcages]

Fantastic video!! So informative and such a great help for keepers!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you guys!!!

[@irizavr]

My Russian Tortoise and I thank your for all your videos and especially this one! With love to your channel from Russia :З

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@nathanhawkey9373]

I have a Russian tortoise that i hibernate outside and I live in Indiana it's always nice to walk out to look at the garden and seeing her there

[@shailysalomon6439]

Hi!! Nice and informative video! Love it. My son just got one russian for Chrsitmas. I bought all the lights and recommended stuff. But you said it is save for them also cold weather. We live in Fl.

[@RC_Murphy]

YES! I've been waiting for this video for a while. Russian torts have the best personalities . . . when they're not under things.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha yep! Thanks!

[@janesoulharding8128]

Omg amazing video. I want to live in your garden. Thank you so much xxxx

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Jane!

[@thestarygirls2969]

The turtle/tortoise he caught from the bushes:AAAæ

[@tarasostapiuk8096]

Your horsfield tortoises look amazing 😍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! 🐢

[@RONPEE-STINGER]

@@GardenStateTortoise am i an ahole for buyin a baby sulcata

[@mmmghr]

i got my russian tortoise from my grandpa after he died, idk how old he is he might be older than me lol. i live in an apartment so i dont have a nice big space for him right now, but i like to take him on walks in the complex

[@chrisp4962]

A friend of mine just got one of these guys, i'm going to share this with her! Now I want a Tortoise!

[@saga2964]

I rescued my Li'l russie, Morla, from a Petsmart surrender. She was so sick from incorrect care, she had to be hospitalized and part of her shell is permanently damaged from an infection. But she is all better now and truly the love of my pet life! ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad she is well!

[@saga2964]

@@GardenStateTortoise I loved seeing your little guys! I can't believe how tiny the boys are!

[@The_Real_DCT]

Ours is a PetSmart surrender too. We kept seeing him for weeks just looking miserable. He never moved from this one spot, just stayed there like a depressed lump. So we said to hell with it and bought him. He perked right up the moment we left with him. He's been happy ever since. Even knows his name, Jack Burton. I named him that as he would stop and look at me everytime I said that name. Didn't respond to anything else. Funny enough the first thing he did when he came home was check out his new enclosure and then slept for 12 to 14 hours. Next day he ate like a pig and then soaked in his water bowl. After that he was climbing, rearranging his substrate.

[@lostwithasmile485]

Our Bongo recently disappeared from her habitat outside. Probably a cat or owl took her. Loved that little guy. She was pretty big and heavy, too. I hope that somehow she will appear in the spring....

[@kelleyrancher]

She might have dug down into the ground make sure you check every week and see that she doesn't reappear cuz she could have done that

[@honeyxd3267]

Did she ever reappear?

[@lostwithasmile485]

Yep! dug herself under one of the big grass bushes. Bad spot because it gets watered and she was all wet. She recovered totally fine! @@honeyxd3267

[@carolynbroadus688]

I have my Russian tortise max about 7 or 8 years got him from Petco he's the coolest turtle ever he knows when iam coming to him I let him out some times seem like he knows my voice thank you for sharing he's in a plastic container big north for him enjoy your day and God bless y'all Amen

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good luck with him!

[@PondGuardianRacing]

Russian tortoise: the galaxies most famous species haha

[@mm93mustwin13]

Great video you can definitely tell your education with tortoises and turtles is second to none 👍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you SO much 🙏🏻

[@Salodanger75]

Best tortoise breed to my opinion. I have 2 rescues. 🥰

[@TheAnimalguy1996]

Thanks so much! I've been rescuing russian torts for a few years now here in TN. I have a 20ft and some change enclosure. I keep them outside year round, but I always get nervous around this time of year. I don't have any cold frames, but I have a bunch of structure, logs, and hides that I consistently pile leaves in and on top of. I'm sure they'll be fine, but this video makes me want to get a few cold frames and put them in.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome glad it may give you an idea or two. Thanks for rescuing them!

[@JoshuaWeirdo]

Do they have to hibernate/brumate during the winter, or can you keep them warm inside?

[@IlovemydogTeddy143]

Hello! I love your videos. It is so informative. I was wondering what is the best type of tortoise for beginners?

[@davidkelly1298]

Excellent video, very informative. Those tortoises are so cute.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks David!

[@Moresco24]

What size enclosure would they need indoors ?

[@danielaredi-pessin8588]

i'd like to know if you recommend any specific brand of tortoise to house inside an apartment so it has to be small. Thank you.

[@evitachu6573]

Hi! I am struggling to understand this. I am in hot Los Angeles and my Russian tort Abe is outside. This is my first time raising tort. I have been doing a lot of reading… everything is so confusing. Some said I should brumate Abe in the fridge. Some said I should build “night box”… not sure if that means for sleeping bed only? Some said I should have it inside all winter if I don’t want to brumate…. But I have no space inside the house…. Do you have any advice for a tort who lives in LA?

[@deborahbarnatt460]

i have acquired a russian tortoise. she is 4 yrs old. i have her indoors here in england in a large enclosure. what is the best thing to feed her. she has tortoise diet balls and salad every day. do i need to hibernate her? thanks

[@gailtomlinson5510]

Fantastic thank you for talking about them in there averium what temperature is it not safe to be at meaning to high in hot weather in the uk

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@95chriseaton]

I found mine about a year ago in California while driving down the street. He was crossing the road lol

[@royronnie259]

Hey, my new Herman's male... doesn't eat greens very much. But, he eats the pellets. Is that okay?

[@rubinaandrade9541]

Hello 🙋 first of all i would like to say that i love your channel and i find it very important and interesting. I'm from Portugal, more specifically Madeira Island and I have 2 Russian tortoises. I don't know yet if they're boys or girls or a house... I've upgraded their terrarium and I use coconut fiber. I have a stone and two pieces of cork in the terrarium, as well as a wooden resting area. What kind of substrate do you recommend for Russian tortoises that live indoors? Thank you in advance for all your contributions!

[@nikkiandtwan]

I live in central NC, do you think my guy would be okay outside in the winter❓

[@InfiniteLoop]

@4:30 is that Queen and Poggers for today!

[@whitneywalmer3810]

When housing the two male russian indoors what size tank and what substrate is best for them?

[@sally4Ever]

I live in Alaska so my little guy is indoor s. Hes a little feisty

[@thaliabunton04]

i live in Alaska too and i really want a russian tortoise. How big is your enclosure?

[@AK33_akamini]

The best video to see a very cute turtle! ! I'd like to keep it in the same game someday!！❤🐢❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@saga2964]

So adorably derpy! 💗

[@ThomasNoToothpaste]

He ha a skull deformity, but that's the thing, ONE SIDE OF HIS FACE IS SMILING!

[@christinenolan1418]

My sister’s children have a tortoise. I never thought much about him before but I wonder if he’s a Russian Tortoise. He looks like that and loves everybody. Even the dogs. He likes to be warm and he loves strawberries and running around the house and climbing. He’s cute.

[@revenevan11]

I love the taxonomic and etymological discussion at the beginning. Amazing how hardy they are despite being cold blooded!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@loispadgett6306]

I so enjoyed learning about the Russian tortoise and the differences. Learning about different speices is something I always look forward too. Thank you for sharing them with us. GOD BLESS 🐢💖🐢💖🐢💖

[@GardenStateTortoise]

As always, thank you Lois!

[@aprilpotter3054]

Chris, I am getting one soon. I plan to keep her indoors. Do you have any additional advice for me? Should i keep the substrate deep? How deep?

[@meatlemonade3338]

how can i find out if my local climate is suitable for an outdoor pen?

[@epicneszgames3538]

I’ve owned a russian tortoise for over 2 years now, I’m really happy with her (at least i think it’s a girl) She even recognises me when I come up to her pen!

[@abbystrand2106]

Just brought home a 4.5 inch female, if not an adult, how old would we estimate her to be?

[@olivesaviary4757]

Do you have a link to that cold frame? I need something like that to grow food for mine in winter. 🤔

[@babakshakiba1802]

Hello! First of all, thank you for your wonderful and informative videos. I have a question: we live in Europe and access to private open space is very limited here. However, my wife and I would really love to have two pet tortoises. Which species is the best in your opinion to keep indoors? I was thinking Testudo Kleinmanni but they are very difficult to find and extremely expensive. Any other species that you could recommend for indoors keeping?

[@Bulldog2108]

Awesome video. I think i say this everytime I comment, you are made for KZbin and TV! Great info, great edit. Fantastic content as usual 👏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@albatraozgirl]

I got my big female because she was found wandering down the street in a local neighborhood. She's very outgoing and friendly. I love her bunches❤ and bought a male too. It would be great if they were to breed since numbers for these guys are declining.

[@lilliesomeone4764]

I have a russin tortoise that will always be my little baby I love Jonny to death he is the highlight of my day!

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

Thak you for telling me all of this information...I loved the around the moon information,.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks James!

[@forshellii4908]

I live in russia and have a russian tortoise. They are so cute!!!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching!

[@RossJ316JC]

🙂Love them. Great video👍👍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Ross 👍🏻

[@MuchDogeMuchWow]

Steppe tortise im stuck!!

[@honigtrailapiary4341]

What do you recommend as a proper diet for Russian tortoises!

[@ThomasNoToothpaste]

Dude i also have a russian tortoise, And hes so CUTE!!!!!

[@VincentsReptiles]

Hey can you do a video on how to over winter Russian tortoises outside? I live in South Carolina and wanna keep my Russian outside all year but I’m nervous bc it drops down 35-40 at night around 70-60 in day and at what point should I take my salcuta inside?

[@kelleyrancher]

Is it goes below 70° a sulcata should come inside for that duration of that time if you're North Carolina you shouldn't have any problem putting them inside and outside unless it's real super big black - 85 lb I'm in Illinois so I have to bring him in when fall comes and he stays until probably May

[@BlairRittenhouse-hz6qn]

The two pair we have along with a Redfoot or two have to best personalities! Actually our newest Hermanns is pretty personable too...but the Russians even though im certain they were wild caught are surprisingly pretty cool😊

[@ericarichardson2983]

Would you increasing captive breeding help wild populations? For such a popular tortoise there doesn’t seem to be the same availability of captive bred individuals as other reptiles, do you know why?

[@eryionhetzel2545]

Does anyone have a reliable suggestion for getting fresh flowers for my tort? I live in Ohio, I don't feel a florists would be safe due to pesticides. And my tort absolutely hates dried flowers.

[@olthousem02]

What small tortoise would you recommend for a pet?

[@kornygorilla1245]

I would like to know do you sell any hatchling ..

[@Sensekhmet]

Not all imported Horsfields' are wild caught. For example an Uzbek company called Zoocomplex breeds and exports them. Such a tortoise should come with CITES and/or Custom's papers, however.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good point. Thanks for the info.

[@m_834]

Today some body dropped a forsten's tortoise and I dont know what to do! Can somebody suggest me what should I do to keep it as a family member! I am from Northeastern part of India.

[@reptilemetaljen]

I love my two Russian tortoises lol 😂 they’re sturdy and hilarious and love to eat!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha awesome!

[@kamp6849]

If you were to keep a Russian tortoise indoors do they need uvb light and a heat light

[@gramonehundred]

I rescued my tort from someone who literally would have killed it within a year... he could barely walk... now he's runs around for hours 👍

[@Tortelinni0424]

That’s so great to hear that ❤

[@justinchojnacki4716]

Hello hi I need help and your just the person I was looking for, I have a male and female Russian tortoise pair for awhile now and lace laid eggs in the past, but they haven’t laid eggs In a few years now and I don’t know why what can I do to get them to lay eggs again

[@tirevelation777]

Can you tell the difference between male & female in Russian tortoise babies?

[@PJ-nj4vt]

What's a good substrate to use for a russian tortoise for indoors?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

A sand/soil mix is best.

[@rebeccaking6223]

@@GardenStateTortoise is coco fibers ok

[@ColsenTaylorFishing]

Nice video! Quick question, I have three box turtles, all of them were rescued due to health/other problems, one of mine is a female Eastern box turtle, for some reason every year she refuses to hibernate. She stayed out last year in frozen water and almost died. So I have to cover her in leaves and hope she would be ok, now she’s doing to again, do you know why that is?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Colsen. That’s a tough one to assess but I know what you’re referring to as far as the behavior goes. It seems as though ones like this have some kind of disconnect and fail to respond to the seasonal trigger. I don’t know why it happens but I would suggest keep doing what you’re doing for her.

[@kelleyrancher]

I would bring her inside of she refuses to hibernate she's going to kill herself

[@boebender]

Temperature requirements and size is why I only recommend this species as a pet for kids.

[@sydneyhoward7729]

Your website doesn't work anymore. Do you have another one??

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Both of our websites, GardenStateTortoise.com and HermanniHaven.com are working fine. We just checked them on multiple devices.

[@rememberpupu]

거북이 너무 귀여워 😍

[@dvlsh13]

Have 3 rescues ❤❤❤