Russian Tortoise questions?

Question

Last summer I let my tortoise out for a walk in the grass ( in an area that had no pestiside on it). He came across a mushroom and took intrest to it, really getting into smelling it. He then took a big bite out of it. Of course I wouldn't let him eat anymore of it in case it was poisiness to him. Was it? Would he know if it was bad for him?

Also, it seems that he does not eat enough. I feed him all the right things. So I dont need a list of what they eat. My question is, what is one green or food that they cannot resist.
His tortoise table is the right temerature and I have all the proper UV lighting, but he wont come out from under his covered area. I don't want to take out the covered area because I would assume that would cause much stress to him. Is there something I can do? I would assume if he would eat more he would have more energy.

Do russian tortoises feel better when there are other russian tortoises around? I was thinking about adopting another one, if this would make Ivan, my current russian tortoise, comfortable.

Do you have any other tips not related to food or lighting wise.

I've had Ivan for 4 years now, and want to do all I can for him.

Answer 1

1. Tortoises are resistant to most mushroom toxins, so that is not a big deal.

2. Tortoises are often finicky eaters, and not eating enough is not usually a big problem. Most of them eat too much.

3. Rather than a 'superfood', I'd look at humidity- low humidity is a common reason for a loss of diet. While these guys like a certain dryness, they do like rain and humidity, and like having humid hiding places.

4. My favorite superfoods include curly lettuces, dandelion greens, and turnip greens.

Answer 2

first of all try to remember the mushroom if it was flat and thin it's poisonous if it's white and plump it's a common button mush room that is okey. My turtle can't resist lettuce or corn for greens but his favorite is fishcake(fishcake is a japanese food that is ussally found in the refrigerator sections of japanese grocery stores it comes in a packege with a wooden slab to cut it on it is ussally served in soups all it is is sweet fish with some food coloring.) Also just take him out it won't cause that much stress. And yes you can get another tortoise.

Answer 3

Tortioses that are out of their home territory do not know a toxic plant from a non toxic and could very likely eat one that is not good for them. Whether or not the mushroom is poison I don't know, but best to err on the side of caution.
The most common reasons for a tort to not eat well are being too hot or too cold, becoming dehydrated (keep substrate slightly damp) and paraistes. For excellent, up to date care on RT's go to www.russiantortoise.org
They are solitary animals and do not need another tort to thrive.
Julie, Director
Turtle Rescue of Long Island