Russian tortoise questions

[wvgemini]

Okay, I've been keeping snakes and lizards for a few years now and I always research, read, and talk to people befor buying one ... so when my fiance decided that his entry into the reptile world (he thinks my snakes are beautiful, but isn't much on having them himself) would be tortoises, I wanted to do as much research as possible. We don't have any torts yet (one box turtle, though) but I would like to get him one come about spring. He really loves the Russian torts, so that is what we are leaning toward.

I was hoping someone here could give me some more info on these little guys. I've read several different care sheets but I like to find out some first-hand knowledge as well. Also, when we set up the enclosure, we want to include some live plants to make the tort's home more ... well ... homey. I know there is a list out there somewhere of suitable live plants to use, but I can't find it.

Any help will be appriciated!

[wvgemini]

anyone?

[mlewis_24]

Edible Plants

American Violet

Opuntia Cactus (prickly pear)

Flowering Maple (abutilon)

Flowering Maple (abutilon)

Agave

Agave

Aloe

Bermuda Grass

Blackberry

Chicory

Dandelion leaves

Dandelion flowers

Hibiscus

Malva sylvestri (mallow)

Mallow

Nasturtium

Opuntia cactus flower

Plantain (plantago lanceolata)

Purslane

Salvia

Ice Plant (sedum)

sedum

Wild Strawberry

Sweet potato

My friend does turtle rescue & referred me to this page. You can go there & see pictures of everything listed.
Plant Photos

[wvgemini]

Aloe? cool ... I wouldn't have thought of that one! Thanks!

[morti]

email me...

morti@primareptilia.net

We'll chat.

-Donnie

[crush]

Does it have to be a Russian or are there others you 2 like. Almost all of your Russians are WC.

Sick or injured specimens
A high proportion of legally traded and an even higher proportion of seized specimens are severely stressed and suffer from a variety of traumatic injuries and contagious diseases. The shipping conditions frequently leave much to be desired, and most animals are subject to faecal contamination and extreme temperature variations in transit. Of particular note is Hexamita parva, a highly damaging parasite of the renal and urinary system. This organism has been identified frequently in T. horsfieldi and if untreated leads to rapid weight loss, dehydration and terminal renal failure. It responds to oral dosing with Metronidazole (Flagyl) at 260mg/kg. Other symptoms include thick or slimy urine which often smells strongly of ammonia. It is imperative that hydration is maintained in affected animals and that precautions are taken to prevent contagion of adjacent stock. Routine urine tests should be carried out on all suspect animals. It should also be noted that Horsfield's tortoises have proved susceptible to epidemics of viral disease (Lange, et.al. 1989) and should be regarded as potential carriers of Herpes-type organisms. All other health problems are diagnosed, and treated, as per T. hermanni or T. graeca.

Many of these bought from pet stores are WC and not treated so please be careful. You may want to have a Vet run test on what ever one you buy just to be safe.

[wvgemini]

Thanks for the info, Crush. I didn't know about all the imports. He likes the Russians, Greeks ... basically the smaller torts like that. I was definitely planning on staying away from pet stores and finding one at an expo, though. And fortunately we have a reptile vet in our area. I'll also be looking for CBB ones. Personally, I like the red foots and cherryheads ... but this one isn't up to me

[crush]

Just be careful with the exspo's too. Alot of venders have WC also and a good chunck of Venders are just looking for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Good luck.

	Wild caught wild caught

[LS84]

i got a tiny golden greek tortoise this past summer and i love him. They stay small and are prettier than most tortoises. Also, he is a desert tortoise, which makes it easier for me because he doesnt need high humidity. He needs a basking spot of about 95, and it would be hard to keep the humidity up otherwise. Hes perfect, and has a great personality. He eats right out of my hand and walks towards me when I stick my hand in the cage because he thinks hes going to get fed.

[LS84]

Also, I did spend a lot on him...because I got him shipped to me, and I knew that the place I bought them from hatched them and they were not wild caught.