Pet Care for a Russian Tortoise

Choose a cage. The tortoise's native habitat is dry, open landscape. The tortoise prefers sandy locations with sparse wild grass and bushes. Seldom are they found in grassy fields or thick shrubbery. A plastic tote layered with sand and brick can work well as a habitat for the tortoise. A reptarium, which is similar to a fish tank, but shallower and has ventilation holes, is common for tortoises during hibernation or for short periods of time. Wide-open pens, such as a dog run, are the best type of housing for a captive tortoise. The Russian tortoise is a wonderful digger, therefore an 8-inch deep barrier must be put under any kind of fencing, and a lid should be secured over the play area because they can climb up and over most structures.

Provide humidity. Moisture is an important aspect to the tortoise. Providing the tortoise constant low levels of humidity is ideal for its survival. The tortoise lives in dry, arid climates; although they can live when humidity levels reach 70 percent, they can develop complications if exposed to high levels for long periods of time.

Install lights. Lighting for the tortoise is essential to help regulate body temperature. Keep a 100-watt light on for 12 to 14 hours per day, usually during normal daylight hours. Having the tortoise under UVB light ensures the tortoise will have proper vitamins needed for proper shell growth. This light can provide heat, as well. Ensure the tortoise does not become too hot in the tank by keeping a thermostat in the tank so you can see the exact temperature.

Take the tortoise outside. In the wild, the Russian tortoise hibernates from October through March and throughout the hottest times of the summer. The tortoise roams the land and mates from March until mid-June, when it goes into summer hibernation. Let the tortoise have several hours of time outside each day. Be sure to offer it shaded areas, food and water while outside to avoid the tortoise becoming too hot or hungry. Ideal temperatures for the tortoise are lows in the 70s and basking in the mid 90s.

Feed the tortoise. The tortoise eats broad-leaf vegetation and weeds. Dandelions are a preferred snack for the tortoise. Yarrow, hollyhock, aloe, celeriac and flowering maple are good edible plants for the Russian tortoise. Plants such as boxwood, lily, wisteria, tobacco and sweet peas are toxic and should not be available for the tortoise to consume. A variety of plants give the tortoise the diverse nutrients and minerals it needs to stay healthy.

Give the tortoise water. The Russian tortoise can survive with minimal amounts of water. Although depriving the tortoise of water can lead to complications, they have adapted to save all water from food and to eliminate uric acid. Uric acid is secreted using significantly less water allowing the tortoise to preserve water.

Take the tortoise for a check-up regularly. Russian tortoises are usually trapped in the wild and then sold as pets. Take the tortoise to the veterinarian as soon as possible to guarantee it is well. Have the veterinarian check the stool for parasites and to check the mass of the tortoise.