Can any one answer some Russian Tortoise Questions?

Question

I have two females in a 4ft by 2ft enclosure. They are a little over 4 inches, and both of them are healthy. During summer, they will be in a VERY large enclousure outside. (Its about 15x12ft)

My questions are:

Can aspen bedding be used as a bedding? I have it for my feeder insects, so I was wondering if Russian Torts could use it too.

Can alfalfa hay be used as bedding? Or timothy hay? Right now they are on paper towels for hygenic purposes.

I feed them a handful of greens a day. (each) Thats not too much or too little is it?

Their basking area is always between 85 and 94 degrees, and the rest of the cage is 70-80. This is not bad? They always move around and are mostly under the basking lamp.

Sorry for all the Qs. I researched these guys for about three months before getting them, and I want to make sure I'm doing it all right.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

1. Aspen bedding is not a good idea for tortoises. Try a mix of sand, clean leaf mulch or potting soil, and shredded barks (cyprus, coconut, etc.). Aim for one area that has some Sphagnum moss (not peat moss or sphagnum peat) or Bed-A-Beast, or other more absorbant material in it to hold a lot of water for a humid zone.

Please do not use paper towels- they do not offer the bones and legs the right support. Hay tends to pick up molds and mildew too easily, as does the old answer of rabbit chow.

2. Greens alone are a bad diet. Add some fodder (hays, grasses, plant stems, flowers, etc.). Fodder, greens, and vegetables should make up about 85% of the diet. Fruits should make up about 10%, and proteins under 5%. Here is a GREAT article on tortoise diet: http://www.petdoc.ws/TortDiet.html

The right amount fo food is about the same as the size of their dead- although I usually double that with the fodder and some of the dark leafy greens. Don't forget the right supplements (try a good powdered vitamin every other feeding, and a calcium supplement (with nothing else in it) at least once a week.)

3. The temps sound OK- but I am also worried about the humidity. Russians (and most tortoises) need at least a hiding space that is about 70% humidity. I am also curious about your lighting- are you offering any UVB?


Just FYI- my favorite sites for Russians are:
http://www.russiantortoise.org
http://www.tortoisetrust.com.uk
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com (They have a good discussion group as well!)

Good luck!

Answer 2

instead of aspen bedding i would recommend pine chips or larger wood chips. make sure they dont have a lot of odor, unless you know that it will be in a highly ventilated area, like outdoors.

i wouldnt recommend hay because i have a russian tortoise and i know that he loves to dig. also the hay will probably create a LOT of dust and odors.


a handful of greens is about good but try to mix it up with some fruits and different veggies. my tortoise loves apples and soaked dog food :)

the temp seems fine just make sure that in the hot summertime its not too hot.

:) happy tortoising

Answer 3

I would look up a care sheet online.

My RT is on crushed walnut shells. They should be fed a variety of things like:
Romaine lettuce
Red and green leaf lettuce
Endive
Escarole
Radicchio
Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Kale
Collards
Spring Mix (mixed salad greens)
cabbage (on occasion)

You dont mention that you have UV bulbs. They need this if they are indoors.

Answer 4

I think this website will answer most of your questions: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-russian.htm

It also gives good advice on indoor and outdoor areas. Sounds like yours are still pretty young - you should be able to enjoy their company for many decades to come!

Answer 5

give this site ago, we got our tortoises 4 months ago an have found it really helpful.