Russian Tortoise Care Guide

Get to Know Your Russian Tortoise

Basic Information

Common Name

Russian Tortoise

Scientific Name

Testudo horsfieldii

Distribution

China, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Size

4 - 8”

Life span

40 - 50 Years

Checklist for Your Russian Tortoise

Tank with screen cover

Lighting

Heat lamps

Food

Calcium

Substrate/Bedding

Shallow water bowl

Water Conditioner

Moss

Thermometer

Hygrometer

Decoration- Rocks, Branches, Hiding places

Everything your Russian Tortoise needs, all in one place.

Feeding Your Russian Tortoise

Fresh food such as grasses and mixed salads that offer a variety of shredded vegetables should be always provided, they do not eat insects.
Squash, carrots, spineless opuntia cactus, spring mix and romaine lettuce are all great options.
Limit fruit intake.
Vegetables should be dusted in a calcium powder to prevent MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease).
Fresh water must be always provided. Use a water conditioner to remove chorines and chloramines.

Russian Tortoise Habitat

A minimum of a 12 inch wide by 30 inch long habitat is suitable for juveniles up to 4 inches.
Adults will require a habitat that is a minimum of 24 inches wide by 48 inches long.
To offer a feeling of security provide the tortoise with a variety of shelters such as curved cork bark, clumps of grass or straw – located away from the heat lamps.
Substrate:
Reptile Carpet for all ages.
Mixture of half sand and half moss.

Lighting and Temperature

Daytime Temperature: 70-82°F
Basking Spot: 90-95°F
Nighttime Temperature: 60-70°F
Lights should be on for 10-12 hours each day and then total darkness at night.
Heat emitting lamp that will provide 90-95° F at one end to create a basking spot.
UVB lamp for Vitamin D synthesis.
Nighttime lamp that will provide 60-70°F, ceramic heaters are great since they don’t generate any light.
Monitor the temperature by having a thermometer on each side of the tank.
Humidity:
For yearlings or juveniles a range of 65-75% humidity is required.
For adults a range of a range of 30-50% humidity is required.
Make sure to wet down any moss every few days to keep moist.
A hygrometer is helpful with tracking moisture levels.

Handling Your Russian Tortoise

Great choice for a beginner
Russian Tortoises are smaller than many breeds of tortoises, are very docile, and are relatively easy to maintain in captivity.
Russian Tortoises have great personalities.