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Russian Tortoise

$169.00 - $395.00
(15) Write a Review

Product Description

Russian Tortoises (Testudo horsfieldi) are the smallest tortoise species commonly available to keepers. This makes them one of the most sought after...They are found in the green areas along the edges of rocky hillsides and deserts of south eastern Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Because Russian Tortoises do best at the same temperatures and humidity levels that people prefer, they make ideal indoor, even small apartment tortoises for keepers. They have relentless, yet outgoing and friendly personalities. They learn to recognize their keepers, and stay quite small (males reach about 6 inches, and females just over 7 inches -after many years).

Juvenile Russian Tortoises do need extra moisture; we soak ours 3 times each week in warm shallow water for about 8 minutes . We also keep their substrate moist. Russian Tortoises are a desert species and should never have a water bowl. Constant access to greens and short, shallow soakings (3 times a week for hatchlings, twice a week for yearlings and two year olds, and once each week for adults) is their source of hydration. In the wild, Russian Tortoises eat grasses and leaves, flowers and some fruit. Ours are given tortoise diet, mixed with cut veggies and calcium supplement. Romaine, cactus pads, other greens and some fruit is also given. Russian Tortoises do not often drink, the get their moisture from the metabolic moisture produced from their food. Ours bask in the low to mid 90s, with a UVB source also provided.

Our adult Russian Tortoises are 4 -5 inch, 360 -420 gram young adults with nice coloration. Originally from Uzbekistan, these long term captives are doing very well on a diet of dark leafy greens, cactus pads, mixed veggies and Tortoise diet. We add a calcium supplement to their food, give natural sun or UVB; and soak them weekly. These are excellent tortoises for air conditioned homes and for outdoor pens in cooler and drier climates. Fantastic diggers, Russian tortoises will make burrows very quickly. With a little set up planning, this size makes excellent pets; and are old enough to add to existing breeding projects.

A great species for keepers just starting out, Russian Tortoises are one the easiest to care for, and quickly win the favor of their keepers.

Pictured are a few typicaly colored Russian Tortoises - they can also be lighter or darker. We will be hatching and starting more Russian Tortoises soon.

Other Details

Common Name:
Russian Tortoise
Scientific Name:
Testudo horsfeldi
Level:
Starter Tortoise
Care Sheet:
View Russian Tortoises - Adults Care Sheet
Tortoise Category:
General
Restricted States:
OR, WA, HI

Warranty Information

We offer a 7 day health guarantee on our captive bred animals only provided all conditions are met as listed in our Terms and Conditions page.

Reviews

  • 5
    Russian Tortoise Hatchling

    Posted by Nicole S. on Feb 26th 2024

    Our newest edition to the family arrived healthy and is doing great! Even came with a bag of food for her. While there was a delay in receiving her, that was beyond the sellers control. Due to very cold temperatures in our area at the time we had to wait about a week or so after order date. But that was for the safety of the tortoise so it was completely understandable. The representative kept in contact with me to arrange for her safe arrival. I also called several times both before and after ordering and I spoke with Amy. She is wonderful. Amy has lots of tortoise/turtle knowledge and exemplary customer service! Will definitely do business with this company again. Rest assured they are reputable and your new friend will arrive safe and healthy as promised.

  • 5
    Russian tortoise

    Posted by Mark Ferris on Dec 22nd 2023

    Simply put, simply superb!

  • 5
    Very energetic and spunky great addition to the family

    Posted by I have two Boris and Natasha on Nov 10th 2023

    Glad to have added them to my family

  • 5
    My new Russian!

    Posted by Sarah Monk on Jul 24th 2023

    Outstanding experience! Wonderful customer support, staff were so great about answering questions. 'Peek' arrived on time and in great health. I would recommend The Turtle Source to anyone looking for a new tortie friend.

  • 5
    So cute I love the color and the way she looks in my eyes

    Posted by Naomi on Jan 15th 2023

    I’m so glad I was willing to help her by giving her a home and a place that would make her comfortable for her growing.

  • 5
    He's great!

    Posted by Matthew on Dec 1st 2022

    He got to me fast and he seems healthy as can be!

  • 5
    Does it drink vodka

    Posted by Bentley on Nov 21st 2022

    I need to know

  • 5
    Russian tortoise

    Posted by Marieclaire f on Oct 8th 2022

    I love my Russian tortoise. He's very healthy still getting use to his new home. But we love him.

  • 5
    4-inch Russian male tortoise

    Posted by Sarah OHara on Sep 15th 2022

    Very happy with cute healthy tortoise! Customer service great too..packed well,& receiving timely emails of arrival times & safety for animal put first.