Russian Tortoise Care

Scientific Taxonomy

Scientific Name: Testudo horsfieldi

Male Russian tortoises average around 5.5 inches in carapace length and weigh approximately 1.3 pounds. Females are generally larger, averaging around 7.5 inches and approximately 3 pounds.

Russian tortoises naturally inhabit dry, arid regions around the Mediterranean and parts of Turkey, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, China, and Pakistan. They spend up to nine months each year living in burrows and are the only land tortoise (Testudo species) without a hinge on the rear portion of the plastron. They are also unique in having only four claws or toes on each foot.

Temperature and Humidity

Russian tortoises should be maintained at temperatures between 70–80°F, with a basking area of approximately 90°F.

When housing tortoises indoors, thermometers should be placed in multiple locations throughout the enclosure to monitor environmental temperatures.

Humidity should remain between 30–50% to provide a dry environment. A hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity levels.

Lighting

Natural sunlight that is not filtered through windows is the preferred light source for Russian tortoises and other reptiles.

When indoor housing is necessary due to weather or illness, use a broad-spectrum heat bulb.

The Exo Terra Solar Glo is recommended because it provides heat, UVB, and UVA lighting.

UV light provides multiple benefits including:

Proper calcium metabolism
Improved appetite
Increased activity
Protection against metabolic bone disease

Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Use a ceramic clamp fixture to prevent melting and securely mount the fixture to reduce the risk of accidents.

Replace the bulb annually, and remember that glass and plastic block UV light.

If necessary, a red bulb may be used for nighttime temperature drops.

Growth and Reproduction

Average reproductive age is 7–11 years.

Russian tortoises generally reach maximum size between 20–30 years of age.

Gender Identification

Females are larger than males of the same age.

Female characteristics include:

Short, blunt tail
Flat plastron

Male characteristics include:

Longer pointed tail
Hard bony prominence at the tip of the tail used during mating
Curved plastron
Larger serrations on the scutes near the tail

Husbandry

Russian tortoises naturally dig extensive burrows or occupy abandoned rodent dens to escape extreme temperatures.

Indoor Enclosure

Recommended enclosure:

Plexiglass aquarium

Suitable bedding includes:

Astroturf
Carefresh bedding
Alfalfa pellets
Dirt without pesticides or fertilizers (baked to eliminate parasites and bacteria)

Maintain enclosure temperatures between 70–80°F with a basking area of 90°F.

Provide warm water soaks one to two times weekly or offer a shallow water dish for soaking and drinking.

Provide full-spectrum lighting using the Exo Terra Solar Glo to support proper calcium metabolism.

House only one tortoise per enclosure to prevent fighting injuries.

Outdoor Enclosure

Russian tortoises are excellent diggers and climbers.

Outdoor enclosures should include:

Thick wood boards, concrete, or chicken wire buried approximately one foot underground
Walls at least three feet high
Protective screening above the enclosure
Dry soil, gravel, or sand suitable for burrowing
Shallow water dish
Grasses and edible plants such as clover and hibiscus
Bushes for shade

Keep the enclosure dry, as damp and humid environments negatively affect their health.

Diet

Russian tortoises require a:

High-fiber diet
Low-protein diet
Calcium-rich diet

Do not feed cat or dog food.

Fruit may be offered only in moderation because excess sugar can cause digestive upset, bacterial overgrowth, and diarrhea.

Packaged spring mix provides a good variety of dark leafy greens, although tortoises generally prefer plants with leaves and roots attached.

Always provide dietary variety.

Use a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus supplement two to three times weekly while growing.

Do not use calcium supplements containing Vitamin D.

Avoid excessive vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Foods That Can Be Fed

Banana
Melon
Sweet corn
Dark leafy greens
Kale
Endive
Escarole
Hay (small amounts)
Mixed vegetables
Dandelions
Lawn grasses free of pesticides
Roses
Clover
Mulberry leaves
Hibiscus
Bok choy (small amounts)
Berries
Squash
Apples (without seeds)
Romaine lettuce
Red leaf lettuce
Green leaf lettuce
Radicchio
Turnip greens
Mustard greens (small amounts)
Collards (small amounts)
Spring mix
Hosta
Sedum
Prickly pear flowers, fruit, and pads (spines removed)
Mallow
Chrysanthemum flowers
Cornflowers
Dayflower
Californian poppy

Foods Not to Feed

Avoid:

Spinach
Rhubarb
Cabbage
Peas
Potatoes
Beet greens

These foods contain oxalic acid, which binds calcium.

Legumes and cereal grains contain phytic acid.

Cabbage, kale, and mustard greens interfere with iodine absorption and should only be fed sparingly.

Hibernation

Russian tortoises naturally hibernate during winter.

Veterinary examination is recommended before hibernation.

During hibernation, body temperature decreases and immune function is suppressed.

Tortoises entering hibernation while ill may deteriorate and may not survive the hibernation period.

Common Diseases

Calcium Deficiency / Metabolic Bone Disease

Usually caused by:

Inadequate dietary calcium
Lack of UVB exposure

Signs include:

Weak limbs
Muscle tremors
Soft shell
Abnormal shell growth

Untreated disease may lead to:

Broken bones
Heart complications
Kidney failure

Bacterial Infection (Shell Rot)

Usually caused by poor husbandry.

Shell rot may also develop secondary to systemic disease.

Herpes Virus

Russian tortoises may carry herpes virus without obvious signs.

The virus can spread to other tortoises and reptiles when housed together.

Hexamita parva

A parasite similar to Giardia that may affect:

Kidneys
Urinary tract
Gastrointestinal tract
Other organs