Russian Tortoises

Russian Tortoises are great pets! They are honestly the lowest maintenence pets I have ever seen or owned!

WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE

Russian Torts come from the desert areas around Iran so they are used to hot, slightly humid weather. Therefore, they are great in areas like Socal, and bad in areas where it snows. A humidifier is sometimes recommended, but it isn't necessary unless your torts are always inside. They can be outside in as low as 50 degree (F) weather, but where I live, it (rarely) can get to the 30's or 40's.

HABITAT

During these times, or when it rains, I put my two torts Charley and Lola into a small box, filled about halfway up with sand. There is a lid that folds half way that I drilled about 10 holes into. These boxes with wheels are sold at Home Depot. I don't need light because they are only inside when they really have to. Otherwise, they stay in their outside habitat that I built myself. It is blocked so my dogs can't come in and is about 8'x 3' so there is PLENTY of room for them to crawl around and climb. There is a hinged lid on top for easy use of putting them and their food in and out. It is covered in clear plastic so that when it rains, the habitat doesn't get soaked. The floor is made out of woodchips on top dirt so the can dig anywhere. There's a small flowerless bush in the middle that provides shade, and the torts don't even try to eat it. Inside their outdoor habitat is a water bowl with a ramp that is shallow so they can take naps in it :) I also have a large half log that you can buy from any pet or reptile store. It's natural and they LOVE to climb on it, slide down, and sleep under it. There is lastly, a small food bowl.

FEEDING

Russian Tortoises are very low maintenence with feeding. Once a day, preferably in the morning, each tortoise should have about half of a leaf of lettuce. It could be Red Leaf or Romaine, but preferably Green Leaf for it is the healthiest. Don't feed Iceberg Lettuce, it isnt healthy for tortoises. You can also feed torts extra treats every once in a while such as: tomato, carrot, berries, rose petals, aloe, or spinach.Find a full list of foods that torts can eat, that way you can plant different plants in your habitat. I would suggest soaking them every once in a while, twice a week in the summer.