Russian Tortoise Care Sheet

Russian Tortoise Care Sheet

Testudo horsfieldii
Category
Snake
Average Size
8 - 10 inches long
Average Lifespan
50+ years
Diet Type
Herbivore

Diet & Nutrition

Russian Tortoises should be fed grasses and mixed vegetables daily. They can be fed a variety of leafy greens such as turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, hibiscus leaves and flowers, green onions, green beans, zucchini, frozen mixed vegetables, timothy hay, and alfalfa. Fruits should only make up about 10% of their diet.

Never Feed Lettuce! It contains no nutrition, only water and cellulose.

Russian Tortoises should be fed grasses and mixed vegetables daily. Dust food with calcium powder daily, & a multivitamin once a week.

Housing & Habitat

Russian tortoises are found throughout Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan. Their natural habitat varies and they can be found in open forests, grasslands, and deserts. This is a terrestrial species which prefers a dry climate and a suitable place to hide. Russian Tortoises can be kept alone or in groups. Breeding males may become aggressive and caution should be taken when housing together.

Enclosure Size

A single adult must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep X 16"

High.

Substrate

A variety of substrates can be used. Fir bark or dry coconut fiber are most commonly used. A sandy soil mix of 50% peat moss and 50% sand is also used with great success.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

A temperature gradient of 75° - 85° F should be provided with a basking area of 95° F. Nighttime temperatures can be allowed to drop to 65° F.

Lighting

Since this is a diurnal species, it requires two light bulbs. One is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. The second is a UVB lamp. The UVB lamp will specifically say UVB on the box. If the box doesn't say UVB, it's not UVB.

Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.

Humidity & Watering

Humidity

Humidity levels should be between 30% - 50%.

Watering

Russian Tortoises require a water bowl large enough to fit their entire body. The water bowl should be changed daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Russian Tortoises eat?

Russian Tortoises should be fed grasses and mixed vegetables daily. They can be fed a variety of leafy greens such as turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, hibiscus leaves and flowers, green onions, green beans, zucchini, frozen mixed vegetables, timothy hay, and alfalfa. Fruits should only make up about 10% of their diet. Never Feed Lettuce! It contains no nutrition, only water and cellulose. Russian Tortoises should be fed grasses and mixed vegetables daily. Dust ...

What size enclosure does a Russian Tortoise need?

Russian tortoises are found throughout Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan. Their natural habitat varies and they can be found in open forests, grasslands, and deserts. This is a terrestrial species which prefers a dry climate and a suitable place to hide. Russian Tortoises can be kept alone or in groups. Breeding males may become aggressive and caution should be taken when housing together. A single adult must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep X 16" High.

What temperature and lighting does a Russian Tortoise need?

A temperature gradient of 75° - 85° F should be provided with a basking area of 95° F. Nighttime temperatures can be allowed to drop to 65° F. Since this is a diurnal species, it requires two light bulbs. One is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. The second is a UVB lamp. The UVB lamp will specifically say UVB on the box. If the box doesn't say UVB, it's not UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: Humidity levels should be between 30% - 50%.