I need some help with my russian tortoise set-up...please?

Question

I got a russian tortoise the other day, and I'm not sure that he/she is doing so well.

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE:
30 gallon tank
100watt heat lamp shining on one corner of the tank
7% uv light on 12hrs a day
water pool w. ramp for swimming/drinking
hollow half log for hiding
tortoise food & lettuce

At the pet store they said that this is all I need, but my turtle isn't moving around at all--and the store said that he should move around as a sign of healthiness.

Does anyone know what I have done wrong, so that I can make my turtle happier and healthier?

THANKS!

Answer 1

Turtles died when people don´t give them calcium, vitamin A, multivitamins, a correct food to eat ( it can be insects in general, like worms; a hot place to stay ....

Lettuce is not the best you can give it !! you must give your turtle, "acelga"( this is an spanish word, I´m from Argentina, translate it please !). spinach is good too, tomatoes, etc.( you can make juice and put into the tank)....

Please go to a vet, he is the best friend your turtle has !!

Cheers and good luck !

Answer 2

Could be stress from being brought home and placed in strange surrounding. If you have a local vet that works with turtles/tortoises, you might want to get a check-up, just to make sure you didn't bring home a sick one.
Russian Tortoises are grazers and enjoy broad leaf plants. The best diet is a variety of weeds (leaves and flowers). Dandelion is a favorite.
For detailed diet information: http://www.russiantortoise.org/russiantortoisediet.htm
Aquariums are often recommended by pet shop employees. However, they are unsuitable for tortoises. Because of the shape (too tall and narrow) air circulation is poor. They are also hard to keep at the proper temperatures. They are heavy and hard to clean The clear sides are also stressful to the tortoise. They don't understand the concept of glass and will continually try to go through it.
If you must use an aquarium, the minimum size is 75 gallon. It must be fitted with a circulating fan and a visual barrier.
More information:

Answer 3

This actually sounds normal-my tortoise sleeps alot, when she is very warm she gets very active...try a tiny bit of banana to entice him. Just a half inch of banana is okay, don't over do it, or he'll get a belly ache. Make sure the lettuce is romaine or something with more nutrients than the iceberg. He will perk up, talk to him and touch him occasionally. Certainly give him a bit of time to adjust. I would recommend some wallpaper for the aquarium-glass and tortoises just don't understand each other : )
also try http://www.tortoisetrust.org/

Answer 4

Right well, what is the animal a tortoise or a turtle? If it s a russian tortoise then i really cant think of anything that you are doing wrong, i have a hermanns tortoise there are days when he/she desnt move around so much, but i would just reccomend that you give him/her a while longer to settle in a know its surroundings.

Good Luck

Soz, just hav'nt ever herd or a Russian Turtle







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