Welcome

Russian Tortoises

Testudo Horsfieldii

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Russians are hardy little tortoises. Their habitat in the wild is harsh and food is not plentiful.

They are able to withstand lower temperatures than some of the other Mediterranean species but their needs are basically the same. Because they have to survive extremely low temperatures during their hibernation period in the wild, they have developed into very efficient burrowing machines. They bury in to get out of the heat in midsummer and they make tunnels as long a a metre to hibernate through the cold winters.

Even though they are no longer in that harsh environment, their habits do not change and they still need to dig. Keeping Horsfields means that you must give them the burrowing facilities they need. Keeping them on a lawn for instance, is cruel and they will eventually suffer from stress related illnesses.

They’re an active species, soon become tame and make excellent pets. These tortoises are fun and fascinating to watch. Once they know who feeds them, they will come running.

Obviously they need a very secure enclosure and often 'lose' themselves for weeks on end in the summer if the temps are high. If you are not careful your tortoise is likely to disappear in September and not reappear until April so we find that the Fridge method of hibernation is by far thr easiest. At least you know where they are

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DIET

A mixture of edible weeds such as:- clovers, plantains,dandelion,sow thistle,vetches, bindweed and many more ( see the links) Flowers such as:- hibiscus leaves and flowers, lavatera leaves and flowers, wall flowers, rose petals,creeping bell flower, mimulus, gazenia, pansies, and many more. If these foods are temporarily unavailable the following can be fed:- water cress, lambs lettuce, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, endive, escarole, cactus pads.A calcium supplement should be given daily (limestone flour) and a vitamin supplement twice weekly. (Nutrobal)

A Russian’s natural diet does not include fruit. Avoid the brassica family (cabbage, kale, cauliflower etc) Make sure that nothing in your garden is ever treated with chemicals as this can be lethal for your tortoise.

OUTDOORS

The enclosure should be as large as possible. An absolute minimum sized pen for an adult tortoise is approximately 4ft by 6ft during the warmer months. The base of the pen should extend below the ground surface between 8 and 12 inches using wood, heavy duty chicken wire. The walls of the pen should be made of wood so that it doesnt give a surface for the tortoise to climb up. But the bigger the enclosure will be, the better for the tortoise as they are very active and curious. If you suspect predators (including humans) could be a problem, make a lock screen top for your pen. The top sections of a pen could be made into sections, this will make it easier to close and open if the pen is large. Place a pen where it has a combination of sunny and shady areas during the day. Make sure that there is good drainage as Russian tortoises are sensitive to dampness in the soil. Always provide a water dish with fresh water for your Russian though they will probably use it as a toilet.

Add objects that will make the pens look more interesting are rocks, plants, logs, dirt mounds and terracotta plant pots which provide a good hiding place and shelter from the rain and sun.

Plant a variety of grasses, shrubs and wild flowers in the pen. Use pesticide free edible plants , this will provide more of a natural setting for your tortoise and also provides a suitable diet during the months when you can grow plants outdoors. Suitable plants for a pen are hibiscus, sedum, mallow, fruitless mulberry, opuntia cactus, roses, ice plant and dandelion.

Use an organic top soil if your soil isnt deep enough for your Russian Tortoises to burrow in.

A twice weekly soak for 15 minutes in warm water will help keep them hydrated.

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INDOORS

Indoor enclosures should only be used for babies and for older tortoises in the Spring and the Autumn when the weather is too cold for them to be outdoors.

To live indoors, make the enclosure as large as possible! Use an open top 'table' set-up. The substrate should be several inches deep and should not trap moisture. A 50/50 mix of top soil and play sand is ideal. Hemp products such as aubiose are also suitable for smaller tortoises. See pictures.

All tortoises need UVA and UVB lighting. Combined heat and UV lamps are readily available on the internet or from reputable pet shops. Place the lamp to one end of the enclosure so that the tortoise can thermoregulate and not become overheated. Regular soaks are necessary also as life under lamps is very dehydrating for little tortoises. Provide the same sort of scenery with rocks, logs, hides and make sure that fresh water is available at all times.Soak your tortoise in luke warm water daily if possible for 15 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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