Everything you Need for your First Tortoise

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In this video I talk about everything you need to get started with your first tortoise. I talk about every item in detail and in the end go over the cost of owning one of these beautiful animals.

[@DcN1212]

Mine was a female 6” and she coast me $100 US. She was a rescue and the guy selling her had more animals they would give him. He takes care of them until they are good health and then tries to find good homes for them. I got lucky I was the 2nd person to email him on purchasing the tortoise. I got really lucky when the first person didn’t show up to make a first visit. My Russian Tortoise is a cute little thing. 😊

[@ashark1412]

Just bought my tortoise 12/08/18 at my local reptile show, and he looks identical to yours, super healthy and was only $45.

[@louiedufflebags7062]

Stealing my girlfriends family’s tortoise Bc they don’t take care of it and it stares into a corner all day. Gonna make him have the best life!!!

[@sammystudio1220]

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww cute

[@aventador1253]

That’s noble but it’s also theft.

[@Bleakcobra33264]

Did it go well???

[@Bleakcobra33264]

Also did they say anything

[@judecurran6072]

My wee russian tort is 1 year old and i bought him with a tortoise table and everything in it for £100 and we took him to vet and he is very healthy

[@backupemail4837]

Are you from England? If you are do you keep your Tortoise outside all year round?

[@dovydass7020]

@@backupemail4837 nonono you cant keep a russian tort outside.

[@greenturtles7076]

road to 10k keep it up!

[@ingenunis5003]

I like your set-up👌🏼

[@boomersplace5798]

Thank you i have russian tortoises and i find this very helpful

[@legonerd6870]

Thank you

[@bathtimetoaster5929]

I’ve been researching them and wanting one for a while and I just found a 5 year old Russian tortoise with his cage for $150 usd on Craigslist, hopefully I can get it Edit: I got him, there’s a really short video on my channel of him eating

[@paranormalyt3701]

Thanks!

[@anthonys6140]

Great info Thanks 😄

[@josweatt898]

I am thinking about getting a pair and let them roam around my fenced in yard in the summer. I have gardens and want to put in a water feature for them to hang out in. I am sure I have to them inside my garage in winter with heat lamps as I am zone 7.

[@katerobinson6443]

hello than you for this video it was very helpful

[@liamichele485]

They are suppose to be on top soil so they can bury down to thermoregulate when they get too hot or cold

[@Thayer2000]

Awesome! They're beautiful and so cool !'

[@emmaober796]

I just bought a baby, Russian, she's so tiny, I called her pebble 😅

[@sydneydudley1676]

Tiny Tom pebble is such a cute name!

[@Zachisfluffy]

Great video! I would like to suggest that it is possible to get a russian tortoise for much cheaper than that, however. Maybe I got lucky, but I was able to adopt Theodore (my russian) for 80 dollars (US) from a local Herp. rescue society and had the chance to get all of his other needs met fairly cheaply. It was still a lot of money, and I'm glad that you're publishing this because cost should be considered at all times. All too often torts are bought without knowing all the stacked costs of owning one

[@RussianTorts]

Yes, it is definitely doable in a very cheap fashion. But it is also good to know the expensive side of things. Good on yu for rescuing that tort

[@enxaniak635]

Zach Gordon man Russian tortoises cost around $500 for a hatchling here

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Great video

[@angelawalsh8319]

I have a 30 gallon tank...buy the 2 heated lights is would that be 2 much watts for the other side of tank and yes I don't know how to describe it

[@daniellerussak1665]

The placement of the linear light will cause eye issues and blindness if not above them??

[@Ryanluke0908]

What do you put the water conditioner in, drinking water or bath water , also how often should I bath my tortoise I’m getting one in 2 days

[@shaun4837]

What is the best bedding to use in ur opinion? Btw I subscribed because I'm getting one In 2 weeks

[@RussianTorts]

Personally I think cypress mulch is one of the best bedding to work with. It is cheap and easy to clean. Another good choice is a mix of sand and coco-fiber (aka eco earth). This bedding has the advantage of letting your tortoise dig.

[@alexcarey5084]

can i use well water for a tortoise? its not from the city and i use it for my snake and chinchilla so it should be fine right?

[@jessiccahart24]

Where is a good place to get a tortoise like one that stays smaller

[@angelawalsh8319]

Do you need the vitamins powder for them?

[@ICEDCAN]

This is nice

[@nikhilr546]

hey I love your enclosure....how do you water your plants that are inside the enclosure and keep the substrate around the pots from getting wet? I think it is important to keep the substrate dry for many tort species so if you could give me any info on that it would be great

[@RussianTorts]

I just make sure I don't water the plants too much. I water them once a week and never really had an issue with the substrate going damp

[@nikhilr546]

thanks for the info :)

[@johndobby7276]

What’s the brand of food u use

[@boyubao5859]

i have a small cage but i let my tortoise roam around the apartment

[@Redthirteenjamie]

04:06 I expected you to say "and im selling the big bags of weed for 50 bucks" 😂😂😂😂

[@RussianTorts]

That would be more of my roommate's territory

[@Redthirteenjamie]

+RussianTorts 👍👍👍

[@qcity6417]

Hi so I’m getting a Russian tort but I’m not sure whether to put it in the big 5ft by 2ft tortoise table or a smaller area he’s 6 months

[@peachuelo]

Bigger is always better!

[@seenhidden]

Hi, awesome video :) Where can I get spider plants, as i've checked on amazon to buy them and after researching I realised they are not organically grown , and my tortoises beak is long past its jaw. I have gotten some cuttlefish bone and going to order some slate for him to eat off to hopefully trim it it down, should I be concerned?

[@RussianTorts]

If you think the beak is a concern take it to a vet who can trim it down for you. For spider plants you may need to go to a local plant shop or even a hardware store (like Ronas) as they usually have a plant section. You probably wont be able to find an organically grown one so you will need to switch the substrate and wash off the pesticide of the plant

[@seenhidden]

Awesome thxs man :)

[@K4YL4J0]

I'm looking at getting a Russian Tortoise, and I was wondering if you've heard of the Exo Terra MVB 125-Watt bulb. It supposedly gives both heat and UVB light in one bulb. Would that be a good purchase, or should I get the two separate bulbs? Thanks so much!

[@RussianTorts]

+KraftyKay MVB are a great choice as they have a high heat output while also putting out uvb. They only require you to buy one lamp fixture and therefore it is less annoying to set up the basking spot. MVB have been tested for a while now and do provide the necessary UVB rays for tortoises. It is rwally up to you. I buy the bulbs separately because I do not want to have to buy an expensive bulb every time the bulb breaks (MVB go for around 50% here while heat lamps are 15$ and UVB bulbs are 25$)

[@roelwillems8050]

what is the ambient temperature in the room???

[@allyshabowers638]

I received a Russian tortoise 2 years ago and am the 3rd or 4th owner of him. He is in his mid 20's and the more research I've done the more I've learned that he's never been properly taken care of. I am continuing to try and research and make steps to get him healthy. When I got him he was only fed iceberg lettuce, I changed to romaine lettuce to start, then tried every green suggested, along with suggestions of things to sprinkle on his food. I can't get him to eat anything but romaine lettuce. Do you have any suggestions on what else I can do? I've talked to a vet and ppl at different pet stores.. they suggested dry wood chips for his bedding? When I got him he was in desert sand, I listened to the vet and changed to wood chips, but no suggested substrate. Should I completely get rid of the wood chips and get just substrate? Do you have a specific kind of substrate you would suggest using?

[@RussianTorts]

wood chips is very generic. Do you know what kind of wood? Reason I'm asking is because Cedar Wood is extremely toxic for reptiles, so you need to make sure not to use that. I have mine on cypress mulch in that video, and still do, and it is my substrate of choice. As for food, if a tortoise is hungry enough it will try new things. They can go a week without food or more so maybe your tortoise just wasn't hungry enough when you tried those different foods.

[@allyshabowers638]

RussianTorts It's zoo med Repti Bark and says it's 100% pure fir bark. Do I continue using this and get mix it with a different substrate or get rid of it completely and use a different substrate? When he was given to me his tank was given to me as well. It's 3 feet by 1 1/2 feet. After watching your video I'm assuming this is too small. Would you say I need at least 4x4 ft in size? I let him out to walk around at my place, but lately all he wants to do is sit under his heat lamp and that's it. I do shut the heat lamp off at night. He eats quite a bit of lettuce everyday, but I will give it another try and try the greens again. When I tried different things before I only waited 2-3 days and gave him his lettuce again because I was afraid he was going to starve!

[@RussianTorts]

Don't be afraid to wait longer, it is really hard to starve a healthy tortoise. You can continue using Zoo Med Repti Bark, but that is a very expensive way to go. It is safe but so is cypress mulch and that is much cheaper. 4x4 is small still. That is the size I have Potilla in but I want to upgrade her cage to 8x4 when I move in september (if I have enough space). You definitely need to upgrade your enclosure size though! 4x4 is a good start

[@liamichele485]

Allysha Bowers hi there..join this face book page.they are experts in tortoises.they have tons of files on what tp feed your tort and the correct setup...they should have sterilised top soil as substrate..no lettuice from supermarkets.just certain weeds and flowers facebook.com/groups/874775982638253/

[@johndobby7276]

What’s the substrate u use called also can u do a cage tour

[@kenjiro2676]

John Dobby cypress mulch, topsoil, and peat mix

[@user-fb5vd3hb8x]

Thanks! Your video helped because I got a new turtle a month ago, but it doesent seem to eat :/ for a week now... Can you help me ?

[@RussianTorts]

that often happens when it gets cooler outside

[@beastmode8083]

can u tell me where u got your heat lamp and uvb lamps and what kind it is. thx!

[@RussianTorts]

Any large pet store will carry them. UVB is a 10.0 26w bulb, heat lamp is a 100w I believe

[@connordilucchio8948]

How about a home like your wood habitat

[@ohok5317]

Im getting one next month, i have a box room, how big of a cage do they need?

[@LarryDaSkeleton01]

Im kinda late but to other people who read this: make it or buy it as big as you can (They are expensive tho i recomend making them)

[@beastmode8083]

How much do you think everything cost for u including the outdoor inclosure, indoor inclosure,food, etc

[@RussianTorts]

Difficult to impossible to answer. If you are great at doing things yourself you can probably get away for under 500$

[@dylanmckerley3973]

also russian torts what type of plant is it in your tortoises enclosure i have 2 of them and would like to add these to their enclosure

[@RussianTorts]

Spider plants

[@adrianvera0989]

Thanks bro now I can get a tortoises

[@sofia-powers]

If you get more than one make sure that you don’t get 1 male, 1 female!!!! Things will get violent fast

[@adrianvera0989]

@@sofia-powers thanks I'm gonna get 1 Male and that's it. Ofcourse baby version

[@scarlettandtilly953]

s o p h i e I was going to get 1 male and 1 female so I will get a female instead

[@beastmode8083]

What else can u use for a hiding spot. And does a hiding spot count as the tortoise house? I want a Greek tortoise but it's hard to get them here to Hawaii so I might get a Russian. Are the Russian tortoises playful and fun? Please reply

[@RussianTorts]

Yes any hiding spot counts as a tortoise house. You can use plant pots lying on their side, large plastic containers, anything really. As for playfulness of tortoises, my tortoise is a meanie. But I don't think this has anything to do with the fact that it is a russian tortoise

[@chrisharo8624]

Do you keep both night and day light on ?

[@RussianTorts]

The light only stays on during the day

[@coltonochoa6564]

Hey I am about to get a tortoise.(totally off topic but his name is going to be apollo) is gravel ok cus I am making a outdoor enclosure for him

[@RussianTorts]

Yes, as long as the pieces are large enough that he cannot accidentally swallow them

[@liamichele485]

Thereddevil topsoil is best so they can bury down to thermoregulate

[@invalidusername2907]

Gravel can scratch his shell and injure him. It would be better to use topsoil.

[@ulaandtortoiseslife4393]

i only have a one HUGE lamp so idk if thats enough for the lamps

[@RussianTorts]

If it is a Mercury Vapour bulb then yes as these produce both UVB rays and heat. If not then no, you need a separate UVB bulb

[@ulaandtortoiseslife4393]

Yay :)

[@kittyclown14]

can you use rocks from the beach if you clean them very well?

[@RussianTorts]

yes you can

[@kittyclown14]

thanks!

[@jolivera6701]

Hey I have a couple questions so I am about to buy a Female Russian Tortoise and i have a cage and everything... I have 3 bulbs... the uvb, the basking, and a night one that is red... My question is how long should I leave this lights on and at what times should i turn them on/off?

[@RussianTorts]

Heat and UVB should be on 12h a day (no more). You should not need a heatlamp (infrared) at night. Russian tortoises need a temperature drop at night.

[@jolivera6701]

RussianTorts so at around what time should I turn off/on the uvb and heat lights? And they should both be on at the same time correct?

[@jolivera6701]

RussianTorts like if I wake up at 7 AM and turn on both the UVB and basking light then I should turn them both off at around 7 PM correct?

[@genghiskhan8793]

Juanse Olivera 12 - 13 hours

[@laine6407]

If they are outside? Do I need all the lights?

[@kenjiro2676]

No

[@scarlettandtilly953]

Nope they should only go outside when it’s sunny/hot not when it’s sunny but cold or any other weather

[@greenlightspeedshop7053]

do u still have ur tortise? havent seen any new vids

[@RussianTorts]

Yes still have her. Have been busy lately with exams and work so I have not been able to make any new videos. Hopefully that will change soon!

[@yeast868]

I live in canada and the Russian tortoise I'm getting its 65 $ for a baby I'm getting it from underground reptiles in Florida USA!!!

[@kristiansigismondi]

I've done almost 8 months of research and know everything to come from a tortoise, should I still not get it as a first pet??

[@h0es28]

Dap Donut Just Get it!

[@bellasmith3070]

I just got a young tortoise and she's not eating,please help me,she won't take fruits,vegetables or the food from the pet shop,seems as if she's just looking for way to go out 😭

[@RussianTorts]

Fruits are not good for them, neither are most vegetables. "Food from the pet shop" most of the time is also no good (would need to know brand and type). You should try feeding some romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, mustard greens.

[@mlg5741]

Do you think that getting my tortoise delivered is a good idea? I'm kind of a noob about all this and I can't find any video / article to respond to my question. Do you think getting it delivered in a box is dangerous for the tortoise?

[@RussianTorts]

+MimiGreenFox Most reptiles get transported that way, and there is no harm that will come towards your tortoise if it is done properly. Make sure that the person you are buying your tortoise from is a reputable breeder and that they use an official reptile or animal shipping business.

[@liamichele485]

Maria Louise Green its cruel....shal we put u in a box and ship u across the country...would you be calm and not scared

[@kingjasper2618]

Can I use Eco Earth substrate for my Russian Tortoise

[@RussianTorts]

+Adam Becker Yes, eco earth is a fine choice. Only issue with it is that it can get very dusty (breathing irritation for tortoises) if it is kept to dry

[@gerdadancegerda]

How often do you clean your whole cage?

[@RussianTorts]

I spot clean every day. I do a whole tank cleaning where I change all of the substrate for new substrate once a year

[@gerdadancegerda]

Thank you!!

[@thejasosei]

Can you please tell be the lights you need?

[@RussianTorts]

I use a 100-150w heatbulb from exo-terra (depending on the temperatures inside the house. In the summer a 100w bulb is enough, in the winter I need a 150w bulb). As for uvb I use a exo-terra 10.0 26w bulb.

[@thejasosei]

Thank you so much

[@lukas.caldwell]

I use shredded paper as a bedding is that ok

[@brennanmoore9018]

NO you should use repti bark

[@liamichele485]

The Reptile Room no u should only use sterlised top soil.join this page facebook.com/groups/874775982638253/

[@invalidusername2907]

The dust from shredded paper can cause respiratory problems.

[@0nedairy]

Is this a joke

[@cgmay265]

Do you know if turtles get depressed? I rescued a turtle in October and he was fine until a month ago... He doesn't really eat that much and is always in the same spot, he also doesn't go in his water... (He is not dead xD) I know it's winter so is he hibernating?

[@RussianTorts]

Hibernating depends on your species of turtle, not all hibernate. What you describe does sound like he could be trying to hibernate. It could also be that your heater broke (or another reason for a change in temperature) that is resulting in your turtle being less active.

[@cgmay265]

RussianTorts Thanks! This helped so much!

[@nitsuagmartin]

Correct me if I'm wrong but can't you just go to walmart and buy one of those plastic bins for their enclosure? They are $5 where I live. It would save me a lot.

[@RussianTorts]

Yes you could. I have a video on how to build an enclosure out of plastic tubs from walmart. In the end it is not that much cheaper as large tubs usually cost around 20$ and you would need at least 3 to make an adequately sized enclosure

[@nitsuagmartin]

i thought they were 5. your right.

[@indigo50003]

So is it okay to have them indoors? i was told i cant have one because i live in a flat with no garden

[@elijahmccall3888]

Yea you can house them indoors. As he shows in the video what all is needed to do so.

[@anngribben5746]

would I be able to sell my rusan tortoise its afemale she is six years old complete with 5ank and lighting

[@nitsuagmartin]

I'll take her

[@akshayshinde629]

can you tell me the ingredients for substrate?

[@RussianTorts]

I'm using cypress mulch. You can also mix it with some coco fibre, natural fertelizer free dirt and play sand

[@akshayshinde629]

Where can I find cypress mulch?

[@RussianTorts]

Most garden stores should carry it. Home hardware, Rona, even walmart if it has a garden section.

[@iwillcomeforyou3808]

I have Russian tortise and first day I have it idk what to do with it omg

[@lauughs6901]

How is your tortoise doing so far?

[@liamichele485]

facebook.com/groups/874775982638253/

[@genifermarsh9632]

Is it ok to just use hay.and coco fiber hideaway.with a side cage pond

[@aiceyhawkins9299]

I actually don't have a uvb lamp. Will my turtles survive? But they each have a heat lamp

[@RussianTorts]

heat is very important, however the sun doesn't only provide heat to tortoises in the wild but also uvb rays. The tortoise absorbs vitamin d3 from those rays which allows it to process calcium. Without the rays the tortoise cannot process calcium and will die from metabolic bone disease (MBD, look up some pictures, they are scary). Essentially the bones become weaker and weaker to the point where the tortoise cannot walk anymore. This happens slowly, but it will happen if your tortoise does not have access to uvb. The lamps also need to be replaced every 8 months. Instead of buying a bulb you can also keep your tortoise outside, however, once it gets too cold to keep it outside you will need a uvb bulb inside.

[@aiceyhawkins9299]

+RussianTorts Last question, so turtles and tortoises need the uvb? Or just tortoises? I looked up pictures and I would hate for my little Meridth and Annastasia. But if turtles need uvb, I will definitely look in to it. By the way I have a yellow bellied slider and a three toed box turtle.

[@aiceyhawkins9299]

I might consider getting uvb and heating bulb.

[@RussianTorts]

both turtles and tortoises need uvb. Some need more exposure than others, but that is really depending on the species. Box turtles usually do well with a 5.0 when the light is 30cm away. I don't know about your other turtle, but it definitely still needs the bulb

[@aiceyhawkins9299]

+RussianTorts I just checked and my bulbs are uvb and heat combos. ;)

[@genifermarsh9632]

If you have a russ TORT goes inside and out will be need as much uvb since he goes outside gets real sun

[@704_Alkaabi]

Genifer Marsh I’m in the Middle East the temperature is 40c it will be cooked tortoise

[@genifermarsh9632]

@@704_Alkaabi I meant for my tort I. In Pitts P.A.. I gave mine inside and 3x week I let him outside for the day in his cage saded and half sun with food and watter

[@704_Alkaabi]

Genifer Marsh sadly I didn’t find any tort in the pet shop so I bought a cocktail he’s sooooooo cute and you can make him not scared sooooo fast

[@heatherbiestek9996]

Question I just took on my nieces pet russian torts. They thought they were one male one female. They share a enclosure.. I have been reading and watching videos to learn about them. I just learned they are both males. Is it true they shouldn't house together? Help!

[@RussianTorts]

+Heather Biestek Tortoises should never be kept together unless you keep a large group (upwards of 6) with a ratio of 1 male to 3 females. Two males alone, one male and one female, or two females is all a big no non. It's doable if you have a large enclosure (something like 16x8 feet) but since most people can't do an enclosure that size most people can only keep one tortoise

[@heatherbiestek9996]

+RussianTorts i love them both so much. They both have great and playful personalities. I dont know how to choose.

[@RussianTorts]

Build a seccond enclosure? That way you do not have to choose.

[@cartermykichuk9754]

Does anyone know wear I can get a tortoise I live in Winnipeg or do you know any good websites

[@liamichele485]

Carter Mykichuk join this page on facebook and ask facebook.com/groups/874775982638253/

[@cartermykichuk9754]

Secret Agent I don’t got Facebook

[@yeast868]

Carter Mykichuk you can go on the website underground reptiles and order one for 65 Canadian or us dollars idk which I didn't get I yet

[@lndoxyl]

Pets4Homes

[@barbequesausee]

Can I instead of getting uvb lights let my tortoise go out to see the sun

[@qcity6417]

If it’s warm enough I’d assume it would be ok

[@WilkesBarreWrestling]

Hope your tortoise is okay. They need more than just an hour or two of UV. UVB is necessary and allows them to bask when they want rather than when you want.

[@liamichele485]

You can use a 6tf bookcase on its back for a tortoise table..fill with sterilised topsoil..jobs a good un www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/storage-furniture/bookcases/billy-bookcase-white-art-00263850/

[@jessicapinto3817]

Good idea! But then I remembered that the back end is very thin and fragile and my tortoises love to dig, so they would dig a hole right to the ground haha.

[@thomasbateson9625]

Lauren Mills that’s exactly what I’m doing

[@liamichele485]

@@jessicapinto3817 that's where u use the shelves to put on the bottom to make it more stronger hahaha

[@jessicapinto3817]

@@liamichele485 short-term solution as I one with thick wood and still had a hole after 5 yrs 😁 made one with fibreglass coating now. That should hold!

[@JordyJRT]

Coil bulbs shouldn't beep used with tortoise because it can cause eye problems

[@RussianTorts]

+Jordan Randell-Tredgett This is a common misconception about coil bulbs when they were new to the market. They are now no different than the regular tube bulbs.

[@ScottsTortoiseChannel]

I like you videos but I think you should steer new tort owners towards best practice. For example custom tortoise tables like yours are best for adults/the larger the better and outdoors enclosure anytime possible. Glass aquariums are good for maybe a yearling. Also the coiled bulbs like you had on your bed should not be used because they are known to cause blindness in torts. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@RussianTorts]

+Scotts Russian Tortoises This is actually a common misconception based on experience with cheap bulbs produced in china. Current "coil bulbs" from reputable companies such as zoo med actually are no more harmful to tortoise vision than regular tube bulbs (so as long as the proper distance is kept, there is no harm). Many people use these coil bulbs without any problems arising. problems arise when people put the bulb too close to the tortoise in which case it can cause damage to the retina. I agree that outdoor enclosures are the best and I forgot to mention this in the video so thank you for bringing that up.

[@charliecurrie5721]

You need to have a cage that is 1ft for every inch of the tortoise

[@clairelewis2285]

I have been doing research for a while on tortoises and been thinking about getting a Russian tortoise I watched a video and a man said that they shouldn’t be outdoors, is it true ??

[@removalist1995]

no

[@clairelewis2285]

Iku Ze thanks

[@backupemail4837]

Depends where you live 😂 and what the weather is like. It's it's a hot day it's the BEST thing to get them outside. But you don't want to keep them outside if it gets rainy or cold because they could get infected.

[@charlessmith9198]

In the wild they live outside so obviously you can keep them outside if you live in an area with good weather

[@marisolestrada8572]

do you need multivitamin and calcium?

[@leonaevans517]

Yes

[@yabode6633]

They need Multi-vitamins twice a week and calcium everyday

[@RONPEE-STINGER]

@@yabode6633 are u sure everyday?

[@lindsey1128]

Can they eat strawberries?

[@RussianTorts]

only as a treat! Too much sugar in their diet will cause stomach problems

[@liamichele485]

Lindsey Segura Velazquez no as they are not a fruit eating species

[@liamichele485]

RussianTorts deffo no fruit... EVER

[@crixsmemes2650]

Secret Agent I own a pet shop and I've been giving Russian tortoises strawberry and fruit for 20+ years and they live till they're very old so YES they're allowed fruit as a treat I have one of my own and he's 52 at the minute I have had him 30+ years :)

[@liamichele485]

Crix's Memes they are not fruit eating species

[@Jman1698]

Do tortoises smell?

[@RussianTorts]

+Mikommi Tortoises themselves do not, however their feces smell extremely bad for some reason. Not a big deal if you spot clean every day.

[@roberthopf4580]

Just was wondering where u got the Russian tortoise from if u dont mind me asking

[@RussianTorts]

Ten years ago my friend's family found her running around outside and took her in as they are not native to Germany. And now she is here with me in Canada ten years later

[@tbaanimations2504]

It only cost about $200 for my tortoise and I had all that stuff

[@RussianTorts]

+TBA Animations Prices vary depending on where you buy (for example, do you live in the states/uk? I calculated in CAD). It also depends on how much you spend on supplies depending on where you buy them (online, local store). There is no exact science to it.

[@tbaanimations2504]

+RussianTorts oh ok thank you

[@tiegan2587]

can russian tortoises eat carrots?? please reply

[@RussianTorts]

yes but in moderation, not as a part of their main diet

[@genghiskhan8793]

RussianTorts do spider plants have a lot of fibre and can I feed in as a main part of his diet?

[@liamichele485]

RussianTorts deffo not

[@Quagsireforprez]

Sooooft tortoise, waaaarm tortoise little ball of tooooort, haaappy tortoise, sleepy tortoise, hiss hiss hiss

[@kristiansigismondi]

It's safe for a tortoise to not eat for a week?

[@RussianTorts]

Definitely NOT!!! They need food every day and can go a couple of days without eating. When they go into hibernation or brumation they will not eat for a couple of months, but while they are active they should always have access to food

[@kristiansigismondi]

RussianTorts thank you, and is it a good idea to get a tortoise as a first pet?

[@RussianTorts]

No. They are pretty difficult to take care of compared to other pets (like hamsters, mice, rats, etc). However, Potilla was my first reptile when I was 10 so it does work out for some

[@dylanmckerley3973]

its not good for a non hibernating tortoise to not eat for a week but its not as bad as say if a dog didnt eat for a week also dont get as first pet unless you plan on living at least 60 more years

[@evitasantiafifah2716]

but but but...... i cant handle a little camera changes

[@mateuszmilewski1194]

Is a Russian tortoise a horsefield tortoise

[@FariborzKoh777]

Yes.

[@HIVETIME]

They are the same thing! Just a different name for them😃

[@williamwright9562]

Is it safe to buy a Russian Tortoise from PetSmart?

[@RussianTorts]

You'll probably be spending more money than you should but otherwise it should be fine. Just make sure the baby is not pyramiding and looks healthy otherwise

[@thomaskrafft9890]

I know that UV light is not healthful for humans--the reason we wear sunscreen. Do I need to use a reflector to avoid direct exposure to my skin?

[@RussianTorts]

You don't need to worry about that with the tortoise uvb bulb. Since they bulb will be aimed at the cage you should not be directly exposed. Indirect exposure is ok

[@kimberlymcgraw8275]

if you have a torties shouls=d you have a glass tank or wood tank

[@RussianTorts]

Wooden tanks would be better. Especially because you can make them larger than glass ones

[@liamichele485]

Kimberly McGraw pinterest.com/pin/634444666228222737/?source_app=android

[@Idellle]

Should I report my cousin. His live on only news paper

[@RussianTorts]

I would say that could result in family problems. Instead I would let him know where he can go to search about proper tortoise husbandry! Like tortoiseforum.org which has an incredible amount of information about tortoise care.

[@Idellle]

RussianTorts I can tell him about that site next time we see. He offered me his tortoise when he (his wife) got a second child but I live in a 1 room apartment, in another town far away and kind of poor so I could not take him. I hope someone good person adopts the tortoise soon. I could adopt one when I am older.

[@RussianTorts]

I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe life will work out in your favour in a few years and you will be able to adopt the tort

[@Idellle]

I hope :)

[@quinten156]

that bag almost looks like a bag of pot xd

[@RussianTorts]

i joke about that with my roomates all the time

[@quinten156]

Ahahah i can see why 😂😂 Nice turtle btw how old is she btw?

[@RussianTorts]

Potila is probably around 20 years. Don't know her exact age as I didn't buy her

[@mehmax444]

hybernation?

[@RussianTorts]

yeah, what about it?

[@mehmax444]

+RussianTorts do you hybrnate your tortoise

[@RussianTorts]

Ah. I do not hibernate her. However. During the summer and the winter she brumates for about two months each time. In the summer because it gets too hot (right now for example she has not been active for 2 months because it is really warm in my house). In the winter she does it even though the temperatures are good. I think she can sense that it is cold outside

[@mehmax444]

+RussianTorts thanks

[@mehmax444]

+RussianTorts thanks

[@musicalmarion]

It's all so... "blokey"

[@liamichele485]

Greens from the shop are no good. As they are covered in pesticides..just go out and pick fresh weeds and flowers

[@LarryDaSkeleton01]

Ye

[@goldelkslayer5419]

Brah, you ain’t gonna spend $300 dollars, on a Russian Tortoise

[@elliotbeerline1286]

@Tamir Othman why are people like you so toxic for no reason

[@yes3720]

Elliot Beerline well, you’re supposedly need to spend a lot of money in order to take care of a tortoise so no one should be crying over bullshit.

[@yes3720]

Elliot Beerline well, you’re supposedly need to spend a lot of money in order to take care of a tortoise so no one should be crying over bullshit.

[@kenjiro2676]

But you can easily spend well over $1000 on a dog and that’s just the bare minimum. Price of dog, food, toys, vaccinations.. $300 for a tortoise and supplies is cheap compared to a dog.

[@legovideosanimationandjust7114]

TURDTISOE because they will take a turf on the ground

[@lidrec]

But their poop is like a horse or rabbit turds

[@Quagsireforprez]

Sooooft tortoise, waaaarm tortoise little ball of tooooort, haaappy tortoise, sleepy tortoise, hiss hiss hiss

[@Weirdanimalboy]

Wouldn't it be more grunt grunt grunt?

[@RussianTorts]

I've heard my tortoise hiss a couple of times (every time they draw their head into their shell quickly they produce a hissing noise). Never heard her grunt

[@Quagsireforprez]

+Weirdanimalboy I haven't heard my tortoise ever grunt lol but I mean whatever works