Tips & Tricks for the Russian Tortoise – Testudo (Agrionemys) Horsfieldii – Do’s & Dont’s for Care and Housing
Everyone keeps their tortoises in their own way. On this page, we show how we house, feed, and care for our animals.
The Preparation:
You’ve been thinking about getting a Russian tortoise for some time now? That’s super exciting!
The Russian tortoise is a relatively small species of land tortoise that is commonly kept as a pet. Moreover, this species does not require a CITES document, and a transfer statement is sufficient.
However, it is important to consider the following points before making a purchase:
• Tortoises (like many other reptiles) are primarily observers and do not enjoy being taken out of their terrarium daily. (Apart from causing stress, this can pose other health risks due to the significant temperature difference between their enclosure and the external environment.)
It is important to realize that it is not desirable to let the little animal roam around the living room.
• Tortoises, like many other reptiles, can live for a long time, so consider carefully whether you will still be able to take good care of the animal in 5, 10, 20, 40, or 60 years.
• Russian tortoises are quite active animals that require a spacious terrarium. They also have higher demands for the quality of their UV lamps. Think carefully about whether you have enough financial resources and space at home to provide proper housing and nutrition. Also, consider unexpected costs such as those for veterinary care or broken equipment (terrarium, heat mat, etc.).
TIP: Educate yourself thoroughly before deciding to make a purchase!
Housing and Care:
If the above points haven’t raised any doubts, you can start thinking about setting up your terrarium.
Russian tortoises, like all other reptiles, are cold-blooded. This means they cannot regulate their body temperature themselves and rely on external heat sources to warm up or cool down.
TIP: We recommend ensuring that the enclosure is fully set up and running for some time before acquiring the tortoise. This way, you can address any heating or lighting issues beforehand without causing any discomfort to the animal.
A large, lushly decorated enclosure is a feast for the eyes and a real gem in any room!
Try to ensure that the size of the terrarium matches the size of the acquired animal. In a too-large terrarium, a young tortoise will not feel comfortable and will likely try to hide as much as possible.
For adult tortoises, a terrarium of at least 100x50x50 centimeters is sufficient for a single animal. For each additional inhabitant, the terrarium should be increased by 25%. Of course, larger is never wrong!
For heating the enclosure, we use combination lamps (providing warmth and UVB radiation in one). UVB is crucial for the health of your tortoise and must not be omitted! UVB is responsible for the production of vitamin D3. Thanks to vitamin D3, calcium is absorbed and utilized properly in the body. Animals that do not receive enough UVB light may suffer from deformities in their shell and skeleton.
TIP: The amount of UVB radiation emitted by a lamp gradually decreases over time. (The lamp continues to emit light and warmth but no longer provides UVB.) Annual replacement of the lamp(s) is necessary for the animals.
The daytime temperature can rise to about 32 degrees Celsius on the warm side (under the spot it can be a bit warmer), and the cool side should be between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. This way, the tortoise can choose the best temperature for itself at that moment.
At night, the temperature can drop to between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Try to create a day and night rhythm, for example, by putting the heat lamp on a timer. Our lamps (for terrariums and the room’s fluorescent lighting) are set to burn for 12 hours as standard.
TIP: If you choose to keep multiple tortoises together, be aware that males can be intolerant of each other (especially if there is a female present).
Further furnish the enclosure with plenty of hiding spots, (artificial) plants, and if possible, a side and back wall. Ensure that everything is securely fastened so it cannot be overturned or dug under. Avoid large temperature differences and drafts, as these can lead to health issues such as pneumonia.
As bedding, we use fine reptiblock or coconut coir / humus without fertilizers.
The advantage of this bedding is that it absorbs and retains moisture very well, ensuring that the humidity remains at an optimal level. We regularly spray with a plant sprayer and ensure that one side of the terrarium remains slightly more humid.
It goes without saying that waste should be removed as soon as possible and that the water bowl should be replenished with fresh water daily.
Russian tortoises can generally roam around outside in the garden during the summer. However, always ensure that there are shaded areas and hiding spots available. It is important to prevent the tortoises from escaping and to keep predators away from them.
TIP: (Pavement) tiles are not suitable for the tortoises to walk on. Due to their relatively short legs, there is a risk of them damaging their plastron. Soil, with or without grass, is preferred.
Feeding:
Russian tortoises are omnivores that primarily eat plant-based foods. This includes vegetables such as endive or chicory. They also enjoy flowers (dandelions), herbs, and fresh hay. Occasionally, they can have some animal proteins like worms or fresh meat. Often, canned food for senior dogs is given, but make sure it is of good quality! Do not feed too often to prevent the animals from becoming overweight.
TIP: Good lists can be found online with all kinds of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers that are suitable to feed your Russian tortoise!
Powder the food with a good vitamin and mineral supplement at least once a week, and optionally with calcium powder. Placing cuttlebone in the terrarium also meets their calcium needs.\
Of course, a shallow water bowl that they can fit in entirely should not be missing.
TIP: Also, consider adding a turtle plant (callisia turtle) or a Golliwoog to the terrarium, they enjoy them!
Feel free to contact us!
If something is not clear, if you need help, or if you just want more information about keeping the Russian tortoise, don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form, and we will be happy to assist you further!