Russian Tortoises

First reptile/terrarium post!
This time it's about the majestic Russian tortoise- about them in general and how to care for this lovely little reptile.

Russian tortoises are rather small tortoises, only growing to be about 8-10'' (females) and 6-8'' (males).
The ideal terrarium setup for this creature should be about 75 gallons. However, glass sided enclosures are not recommended, due to the fact that there is poor air circulation and tortoises don't understand the concept of glass and will try to go through it, which causes stress. If you do have to use an aquarium though, I recommend putting a paper covering on the sides so they aren't see through and the little guy won't get confused.
A more ideal setup for the tortoise is actually just a big Rubbermaid container. These are more lightweight than aquariums, and there is no need for making a paper covering because the sides are already not transparent. With some good substrate, hiding places, and lights, this setup makes a great home for your tortoise.
As far as substrate goes, it should be a half & half mix of sand and garden loam or peat moss. Be sure it's not too dry- though these reptiles are native to places with arid weather, their burrows are much more humid.

The diet of the Russian tortoise is pretty simple. In the wild, they normally eat different kinds of plants- making them herbivores. In captivity, some nice foods to feed them would be romain lettuce, red and green leaf lettuce, endive, escarole, chicory, turnip greens, mustard greens, kale, collards, and sometimes cabbage. Variety is the key to a good diet. With my own tortoise, I also mix in some tortoise chow/pellets, just to be sure he gets enough nutrients. I've found that if I just leave it out and don't mix it in with the greens, she won't eat it.
If the tortoise has leftover food that they won't eat (if it's been sitting there for a day or so) be sure to remove it. It can start molding and getting nasty, which is obviously not good for the tortoise.

Lights are also very important to the health of this animal. Be sure that they have a heat lamp, as you would have with any reptile, and also have a UV light if they aren't in an outdoor pen. The UV light helps with giving them vitamin D, which they would otherwise get from the sun.

Fun Fact: Russian tortoises are not only native to some parts of Russia, but also parts of the Middle East and some of China.

My Russian tortoise, Nuala.