Russian Tortoise

Testudo horsfieldii

Native Range

The range of the Russian tortoise extends from southeastern Russia southward through eastern Iran, northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan.

History

This species was first described by John Edward Gray in 1844.

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult Russian tortoise is an enclosure that measures 4′ x 2′ x 2′. If possible, Russian tortoises are best kept in much larger, custom-made enclosures. We do not recommend that Russian tortoises are kept in clear aquarium enclosures.

If kept outdoors, enclosures must be secure to prevent the Russian tortoise escaping (they are very talented at both climbing and burrowing!) and to avoid predators from being able to harm the tortoise.

Please note Russian tortoises are solitary animals. While some individuals may house two females in the same enclosure, we recommend this is only done with caution as bullying and aggression can occur. Additionally, if a male and female Russian tortoise are housed together, breeding behavior will occur, which may stress the female tortoise.

Russian tortoises are burrowers and the substrate should allow for this natural behavior. We recommend a mixture of organic potting soil, peat moss, coco coir, cypress mulch, play sand and orchid bark.

Heating & Humidity

Russian tortoises should be provided a hotspot of 90-95° during the day. Night-time temperatures should typically be between 65-70°. In most cases, the ambient humidity should be around 40%

Please note that a reliable thermostat must always be used with any heat source!

UVB Lighting

If kept inside, we recommend the following: Arcadia Desert 12%, Zilla Desert 50, ZooMed ReptiSun 10.0

Diet

Russian tortoises are herbivores. Russian tortoises require a high-fiber, low-protein, low-sugar diet for best health. This means that their diet should be primarily comprised of leafy greens, grasses, and edible “weeds”. We recommend a varied diet! Some examples of appropriate greens include: Alfalfa, Clover, Dandelion, Endive, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Collards, and Spring Mix.

Average Lifespan

40-60 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

• Bright and alert
• Able to walk with the bottom of the shell (the plastron) clear of the ground
• Beak should not look overgrown
• Clear, open eyes without any signs of discharge
• Noses should be clean and dry; no discharge
• No sores, abnormally discolored areas, or any signs of infection or disease.

Sources

“Care Sheet – Russian Tortoise.” Austin’s Turtle Page, www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-russian.htm.

Healey, Mariah. “Russian Tortoise Care Sheet.” ReptiFiles®, reptifiles.com/russian-tortoise-care-sheet/.

Heinen, Joe. “The Russian Tortoise Care Sheet.” RussianTortoise.Org, 2000, www.russiantortoise.org/care_sheet.htm.

Mede, Erica. “Russian Tortoise Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/russian-tortoise-care.html.

Pollock, Christal. “Basic Information Sheet: Russian Tortoise.” LafeberVet, 18 Mar. 2015, lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-sheet-russian-tortoise/.

Stewart, Tyler. “Russian Tortoise Care Sheet.” Reptiles Magazine, 30 Nov. 2011, reptilesmagazine.com/russian-tortoise-care-sheet/.

“Tortoise Care Sheet.” Avian and Exotic Animal Care & Veterinary Hospital, www.avianandexotic.com/care-sheets/reptiles/tortise-care-sheet/.