Russian Tortoise Diet

Among the popular pet tortoise species, this one is known as the Russian tortoise. Known by names such as 'Horsfield's Tortoise' or 'Central Asian Tortoise 'and the scientific name 'Testudo horsfieldii', this amphibian is known to be adaptable to different types of conditions, including cold winters. The size of this reptile, averagely, comes to about 4 to 8" (10 - 20 cm). However, there are some species which have been known to grow as large as 9" (23 cm). The upper shell of this creature bears a color greenish to olive brown, with darker patches. This tortoise belongs to the genus Testudo and the only member to have four toes, unlike other members who have three.

What Does the Russian Tortoise Diet Comprise?

A pure vegetarian it is, the Russian tortoise. Here is a table listing the foods which are enjoyed by this Russian reptile.

Diet

Cabbage

Californian Poppy

Chia

Chicory

Chrysanthemum flowers

Collards

Cornflowers

Dandelion

Dayflower

Endive

Escarole

Forsythia

Henbit

Hibiscus flowers and leaves

Hosta

Kale

Mallow

Mixed salad greens

Mulberry leaves

Mustard greens

Plantain

Radicchio

Red and green leaf lettuce

Romaine lettuce

Rose

Sedum

Turnip greens

Facts about the Russian Tortoise

Rocky or hilly terrain which is abundant in grass and vegetation are common places which serve as the habitat of this reptile. Areas with hot, dry summers and cold winters are also the habitats of some of these creatures. In most places, the tortoise may be found dwelling in burrows. These burrows may be dug by themselves or may be the ones which have been abandoned by other animals.

Rubbermaid storage containers are considered ideal for housing the tortoise. Most people start off with a 50 gallon container. Unlike an aquarium, such containers are opaque. This rules out the possibility of the tortoise trying to go through the glass and hurt itself. Moreover, such containers are light and easy to clean. What is to be kept in mind is to not let the substrate dry out and get dusty. So, it is important to keep adding water at regular intervals. This creature can live up to an age of 50 years.

As a pet owner, you must not only be concerned with the diet of the Russian tortoise, but also with any ailments which might affect it. The animal requires a basking spot of 90º F (32º C) in its pen. Keeping it in a cool or damp spot for a prolonged period of time, may cause the animal certain respiratory problems. So, watch out for signs like puffy eyes, runny noses, etc. The imported specimens of the animal is known to suffer from many health related issues. While, those which are captive-hatched, prove better pets than others. Note that a wild caught Russian tortoise must be gotten evaluated by a vet, lest it might be suffering from a number of ailments or may be a host to parasites.

The period considered ideal for the Russian tortoise breeding is the time of hot days which is followed by its hibernation in the winter. During this time, the male tortoise tends to be extremely active in looking out for mates. The heightened activity is also seen in the female, who tends to become more restless and develop a reduced appetite. 6 - 8 weeks post the hibernation, is when the first nesting will take place. 2 clutches of 1 to 5 eggs each season is what is the usual reproduction count, depending upon the size of the female.

Before you get one of these cute creatures home, do some more research about its requirements regarding its housing, lighting, water and of course, and its feeding.