RUSSIAN TORTOISE Care Sheet

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

RUSSIAN TORTOISE care sheet CAGING If you house your Russian Tortoise in a terrarium, a minimum size of 75 gallons is NEEDED required. Specifically made tortoise terrariums are a better option than your typical reptile terrarium as they maintain proper ventilation and humidity better. A visual barrier may be needed for the glass as tortoises generally do not grasp the concept of glass, and often they will keep trying to go through it. BEDDING & The ideal substrate is a 50/50 mixture of sand and coconut fiber. Russian Tortoises live in WATER NEEDS very arid conditions but their burrows can have up to 70% humidity. Alfalfa pellets are easy to clean but generally is consider a poor substrate as it dries out your tortoises and is too high of protein (tortoises love to eat it). LIGHTING & UVB Provide a basking lamp. UVB Lighting is essential. TEMPERATURES Temperature should range from 68 at night, 75 to 85F during the day. Provide a basking & HUMIDITY spot that is in the high 80sF. Humidity should be 60%. Mist 2 to 3x per day. DIET High Fiber low protein Diet. Zoo Med Grassland Tortoise is an excellent maintenance diet. grasses, kale, clover, hibiscus leaves and flowers, alfalfa, hay, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, rose petals, and sow thristle. MISC. Active at night (nocturnal). INFORMATION AVERAGE SIZE Adult females are 8-10”, Males 6-8” LIFE SPAN 50 - 75 years. SHOPPING LIST FOR NEEDED SUPPLIES Food Supplements Glass Aquarium (10 - 40 gal) Food & Water Dish Calcium & Mineral Supplements Hiding Box Incandescent Light or Ceramic Heater Misting Bottle Full Spectrum Fluorescent Light Undertank Heater Thermometer Humidity Gauge Book about Tortoises.

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Abstracts from the 1999 Symposium
UTAH I THE I DESERT TORTOISE COUNCIL ARIZONA NEVADA l I i I / + S v'LEI S % A|. w a CALIFORNIA PROCEEDINGS OF 1999 SYMPOSIUM DESERT TORTOISE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1999 SYMPOSIUM A compilation of reports and papers presented at the twenty-fourth annual symposium of the Desert Tortoise Council, March 5-8, 1999 St. George, Utah PUBLICATIONS OF THE DESERT TORTOISE COUNCIL, INC. Members Non-members Proceedings of the 1976 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1977 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1978 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1979 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1980 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1981 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1982 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1983 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1984 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1985 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1986 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1987-91 Desert Tortoise Council Symposia $20,00 $20.00 Proceedings of the 1992 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1993 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1994 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1995 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1996 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium $10.00 $15.00 Proceedings of the 1997-98 Desert Tortoise Council Symposia $10.00 $15.00 Annotated Bibliog raphy of the Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii $10.00 $15.00 Note: Please add $1.00 per copy to cover postage and handling.
[Show full text]
Serum Biochemical Parameters of Asian Tortoise (Agrionemys Horsfieldi)
International Journal of Veterinary Research Serum biochemical parameters of Asian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldi) Pourkabir, M.1 *; Rostami, A. 2 ; Mansour, H. 1 and Tohid-Kia, M.R.1 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Key Words: Abstract Asian tortoise; serum; biochemistry. At present, a great deal of attention is being focused on the tortoise as a domestic pet. Knowledge of the blood biochemical parameters in captivity Correspondence of this animal would be helpful for evaluations of their health. In this regard, Pourkabir, M., the serum biochemical values were measured in 12 Asian tortoises (6 males Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of and 6 females) before hibernation. Serum values of total protein (TOP) Tehran, P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, 63.19 ± 7.57 g/L, Albumin (Alb) 47.24 ± 10.66 g/L, creatinine (Crea) 57.4 ± Iran. 4.68 µmmol/L, glucose (Glc) 81.46 ± 21.88 mmol/L, urea 7.52 ± 2.74 Tel: +98(21) 61117147 mmol/L, uric acid (UA) 0.11 ± 0.028 mmol/L, aspartate transaminase Fax: +98(21) 66933222 (AST) 0.46 ± 0.017 µkal/L, alanine transaminase (ALT) 0.44 ± 0.053 Email: [email protected] µkal/L, amylase 1,157 ± 33.96 µkal/L, calcium (Ca) 2.74 ± 0.65 mmol/L, magnesium (Mg) 1.98 ± 0.24 mmol/L, and inorganic phosphorus (P) 1.26 ± Received 03 December 2009, 0.101 mmol/L were determined respectively. There were no significant Accepted 18 May 2010 differences in TOP, Alb, Glc, Crea, urea, UA, AST, ALT, amylase, Ca and P, and also Mg levels between males and females.
[Show full text]
Russian Tortoise (Testudo Horsfieldii) Care Compiled by Dayna Willems, DVM
Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) Care Compiled by Dayna Willems, DVM Brief Description The Russian Tortoise is a popular pet due to its small size and interactive personality. Native to central Asia, almost all available Russian Tortoises are wild caught as young adults (10-20 years old) and then imported for sale in the US. Unfortunately after being taken from the wild tortoises often have trouble adapting to captivity and die premature deaths from inadequate care. When scared tortoises will withdraw their body into their shell and their armored front legs will protect their head. The shell is living tissue and should never be pierced or painted. Adult size is 6-10" on average. Sexing The males will have longer tails the females and once mature the plastron (bottom part of the shell) will be concave and a longer, more pointed tail with a longer distance between vent and tail tip than the stubby tail of females where the vent is closer to the shell. Lifespan With proper care the average expected lifespan is 40-80 years on average. Caging Tortoises need large enclosures and should be in a 40 gallon tank or larger. An outdoor enclosure safe from predators or escape attempts is very beneficial when weather permits. Large containers such as Rubbermaid storage boxes or livestock troughs can also be used for enclosures successfully and inexpensively. There should be one or two things for your tortoise to hide under - half log, half buried clay pot, etc. Outdoor pens will need to be secure to keep tortoises in and predators (especially dogs) out.
[Show full text]
Year of the Turtle News No
Year of the Turtle News No. 9 September 2011 Basking in the Wonder of Turtles www.YearoftheTurtle.org Taking Action for Turtles: Year of the Turtle Federal Partners Work to Protect Turtles Across the U.S. Last month, we presented a look at the current efforts being undertaken by many state agencies across the U.S. in an effort to protect turtles nationwide. Federal efforts have been equally important. With hundreds of millions of acres of herpetofaunal habitats under their stewardship, and their many biologists and resource managers, federal agencies play a key role in managing turtle populations in the wild, including land management, supporting and conducting scientific studies, and in regulating and protecting rare and threatened turtles and tortoises. What follows is a collection of work being done by federal agency partners to discover new scientific information and to manage turtles and tortoises across the U.S. – Terry Riley, National Park Service, PARC Federal Agencies Coordinator Alligator Snapping Turtles at common and distributed throughout habitat use, distribution, home Sequoyah National Wildlife all of the area’s major river systems. range, and age structure. Currently, Refuge*, Oklahoma Current populations have declined the refuge collaborates with Alligator The appearance of an Alligator dramatically and now are restricted Snapping Turtle researchers from Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys to a few remote or protected Oklahoma State University, Missouri temminckii) is nearly unforgettable locations. Habitat alterations and More Federal Turtle Projects on p. 8 – the spiked shell, the beak-like jaw, overharvest have likely contributed the thick, scaled tail, not to mention to their declines. Sequoyah National the unique worm-like appendage that Wildlife Refuge boasts one of the lures their prey just close enough to healthiest populations in the state.
[Show full text]
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Advance Publication The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Accepted Date: 11 January 2021 J-STAGE Advance Published Date: 21 January 2021 ©2021 The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science Author manuscripts have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet been edited. Wildlife Science Full paper Survey of tortoises with urolithiasis in Japan Yoshinori Takami1)*, Hitoshi Koieyama2), Nobuo Sasaki3), Takumi Iwai4), Youki Takaki1), Takehiro Watanabe1), Yasutugu Miwa3)4) 1) Verts Animal Hospital, 4-3-1, Morooka, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-0894, Japan 2) Reptile Clinic, 2F, Morisima Building, 3-2-3, Hongo, Bunkyou-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan 3) VISION VETS GROUP Lab, #201 NAESHIRO Bldg., 1-24-6, Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0003, Japan 4) Miwa Exotic Animal Hospital, 1-25-5, Komagome, Tosima-Ku, Tokyo, 170-0003, Japan *Correspondence to: Takami, Y. Verts Animal Hospital, 4-3-1, Morooka, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-0894, Japan Tel: 092-707-8947 Fax: 092-707-8948 E-mail: [email protected] Running Head: UROLITHIASIS PREVALENCE IN TORTOISES 1 ABSTRACT Urolithiasis is a disease often seen in tortoises at veterinary hospitals, however there have been no comprehensive research reports of tortoises with urolithiasis in Japan. In this study, we analyzed tortoises diagnosed with urolithiasis at three domestic veterinary hospitals. Based on medical records, we assessed the diagnostic method, species, sex, body weight, dietary history, husbandry, clinical signs, clinical examination, treatment for urolithiasis, and clinical outcome. The total number of cases in the 3 facilities was 101. As for species of tortoises, the most common was the African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) with 42 cases (41.6%), followed by the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) with 30 cases (29.7%).
[Show full text]
Cryptosporidium Testudinis Sp. N., Cryptosporidium Ducismarci Traversa, 2010 and Cryptosporidium Tortoise Genotype III (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in Tortoises
Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS Folia Parasitologica 2016, 63: 035 doi: 10.14411/fp.2016.035 http://folia.paru.cas.cz Research Article Cryptosporidium testudinis sp. n., Cryptosporidium ducismarci Traversa, 2010 and Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype III (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in tortoises Jana Ježková1,2, Michaela Horčičková1,3, Lenka Hlásková1, Bohumil Sak1, Dana Květoňová1, Jan Novák4, Lada Hofmannová5, John McEvoy6 and Martin Kváč1,3 1 Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; 2 Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic; 3 Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic; 4 Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Centre of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Institute of Complex Systems, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic; 5 Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; 6 Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA Abstract: Understanding of the diversity of species of Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 in tortoises remains incomplete due to the limited number of studies on these hosts. The aim of the present study was to characterise the genetic diversity and biology of cryptosporidia in tortoises of the family Testudinidae Batsch. Faecal samples were individually collected immediately after defecation and were screened for presence of cryptosporidia by microscopy using aniline-carbol-methyl violet staining, and by PCR amplification and sequence analysis targeting the small subunit rRNA (SSU), Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and actin genes. Out of 387 faecal samples from 16 tortoise species belonging to 11 genera, 10 and 46 were positive for cryptosporidia by microscopy and PCR, respec- tively.
[Show full text]
Wildlife Center Classroom Series: All About Turtles
Wildlife Classroom Series: Turtles: an early celebration of World Turtle Day! Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Comment: Who is taking attendance? Mark me present. Raina Krasner, WCV: Just a few minutes until class starts! Who's ready besides Guest? Comment: That is me that is present, not guest :) Raina Krasner, WCV: Well, hello! Comment: Hmmm, Guest is present. Fancy that! Comment: First ever class for me. Usually have lunch date on Wed. Comment: Present and waiting patiently. Think GN's job today is to take attendance. Comment: Might be a little distracted from learning about turtles if the little bearlings don't stop being so cute! Comment: Our 19 kids all snuggled up for class! HI RAINA! Comment: Since GN's being a cranky teacher's assistant, he should write the questions for the missing students to answer--just to make sure HE's paying attention ;-) Comment: present! front row, center Comment: I just told you I was here for the webinar Raina. LOL Wildlife Classroom Series: Turtles Page 1 Raina Krasner, WCV: Oh, yes you did :) Comment: Ready for turtle class! Comment: i love turtles i am ready i used to have 2 Comment: I'm here and ready (until someone comes around the corner for work) Comment: @ GN, add Shirley Bristol to the list of people who must turn in reports Comment: (Hand up) PRESENT and ready for class! At least for the next half hour of my lunch. Hi Raina. Comment: I'm here. Just trying to find a distraction from the squirrelly 7th graders that are in my class right now.
[Show full text]
Cryptosporidium Ducismarci
Traversa Parasites & Vectors 2010, 3:21 http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/3/1/21 SHORT REPORT Open Access EvidenceShort report for a new species of Cryptosporidium infecting tortoises: Cryptosporidium ducismarci Donato Traversa Abstract Cryptosporidiosis affects the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract of humans as well as of a wide range of companion, farm, laboratory and wild animals. In the past few years, three independent studies have provided strong evidence for the existence of a distinct Cryptosporidium species affecting tortoises and likely circulating in other reptile species as well. A new Cryptosporidium genotype was firstly detected and genetically characterized in a marginated tortoise in Italy in 2007 and named Cryptosporidium sp. ex Testudo marginata CrIT-20. The phylogenetic analysis of this isolate indicated that this Cryptosporidium was unique and belonged to the intestinal clade. These findings were later on confirmed by the detection of genetic homologies of isolates from a python and a chameleon from Spain and by recent research in the United States. The latter study presented both the occurrence of intestinal lesions in a pancake tortoise and a Russian tortoise and the genetic characterization of the isolates, together with the first pictures of the endogenous stages of Cryptosporidium CrIT-20. Phylogenetic inference based on the sequences representing small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (SSU) of these isolates confirmed the pathological findings because this Cryptosporidium was related to the intestinal group and supported previous results in T. marginata from Italy. The present scientific data on the Cryptosporidium CrIT-20 support its classification as a new species of Cryptosporidium causing intestinal diseases in tortoises.
[Show full text]
Viruses Infecting Reptiles
Viruses 2011, 3, 2087-2126; doi:10.3390/v3112087 OPEN ACCESS viruses ISSN 1999-4915 www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses Review Viruses Infecting Reptiles Rachel E. Marschang Institut für Umwelt und Tierhygiene, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-711-459-22468; Fax: +49-711-459-22431 Received: 2 September 2011; in revised form: 19 October 2011 / Accepted: 21 October 2011 / Published: 1 November 2011 Abstract: A large number of viruses have been described in many different reptiles. These viruses include arboviruses that primarily infect mammals or birds as well as viruses that are specific for reptiles. Interest in arboviruses infecting reptiles has mainly focused on the role reptiles may play in the epidemiology of these viruses, especially over winter. Interest in reptile specific viruses has concentrated on both their importance for reptile medicine as well as virus taxonomy and evolution. The impact of many viral infections on reptile health is not known. Koch’s postulates have only been fulfilled for a limited number of reptilian viruses. As diagnostic testing becomes more sensitive, multiple infections with various viruses and other infectious agents are also being detected. In most cases the interactions between these different agents are not known. This review provides an update on viruses described in reptiles, the animal species in which they have been detected, and what is known about their taxonomic positions. Keywords: reptile; taxonomy; iridovirus; herpesvirus; adenovirus; paramyxovirus 1. Introduction Reptile virology is a relatively young field that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades.
[Show full text]
Jejak Global Dari Perdagangan Kura-Kura Darat Dan Air Tawar Di Jakarta
Perlahan tapi Pasti: Jejak Global dari Perdagangan Kura-kura Darat dan Air Tawar di Jakarta John Morgan SINGKATAN DAN AKRONIM BKSDA Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Konvensi Internasional Perdagangan Spesies Flora dan Fauna Liar yang Terancam Punah) Lampiran I mencakup spesies yang terancam kepunahan. Perdagangan spesimen dari spesies yang tercantum dalam Lampiran ini hanya diperbolehkan dalam keadaan khusus (Pasal II, paragraf 1 dari Konvensi) Lampiran II mencakup spesies yang belum tentu terancam kepunahan, dan perdagangannya harus dikendalikan untuk menghindari pemanfaatan yang tidak sesuai dan mengancam kesintasan spesies yang tercantum dalam Lampiran ini (Pasal II, paragraf 2 dari Konvensi) Lampiran III mencakup spesies yang pengeksporannya diatur di setidaknya satu negara, yang meminta pihak CITES lainnya untuk memberikan bantuan dalam mengatur perdagangan spesies tersebut. (Pasal II, paragraf 3 dari konvensi). Suatu spesies tidak harus dilindungi secara nasional oleh sebuah negara untuk dicantumkan dalam Lampiran III Rp. Rupiah (mata uang Indonesia) IUCN - SSC International Union for the Conservation of Nature – Species Survival Commission (Persatuan Internasional untuk Konservasi Alam – Komisi Kesintasan Spesies) Status Daftar Merah (Red List) IUCN SSC; singkatan yang digunakan dalam Lampiran 1 Kritis Terancam Punah (Critically Endangered) CR Terancam Punah (Endangered) EN Rentan (Vulnerable) VU Hampir Terancam (Near Threatened) NT Risiko Rendah
[Show full text]
Tortoise Vivarium Tests
The Tortoise Trust BM Tortoise, London, WC1N 3XX A comparative analysis of indoor housing systems for terrestrial tortoises PART ONE Glass tank type vivarium habitat The Jon Coote Tortoise Starter Kit www.tortoisetrust.org 1 Tortoise Vivarium Test Series Introduction: There has been much discussion on the comparative merits (and disadvantages) of various types of indoor accommodation for tortoises. Three kinds of unit are in common use today: 1) Enclosed or semi-enclosed glass vivarium 2) Open-topped tortoise vivarium (also known as a ʻTortoise Tableʼ) 3) Enclosed wooden vivarium In view of the conflicting claims made for each type of unit, the Tortoise Trust decided to conduct a series of in-depth tests to establish how the units performed by measuring a number of important parameters that are widely accepted as being of considerable importance to chelonian health: a) Peak basking temperature achievable b) Substrate temperatures achieved c) Temperature gradients available within the unit d) Relative humidity range within the unit e) Provision of UV-B f) Provision of suitable substrate and micro-climates In the case of ready packaged vivaria, we also assessed the quality of the accessories and instructions provided. The test was conducted in three stages. The first tests analysed a popular enclosed glass tank-type vivarium. The second series of tests added comparative data from a typical wooden terrarium with sliding glass doors. The final series of tests contributed data from the open-topped ʻTortoise Tableʻ type installation now popular with many advanced level keepers. All three habitats are frequently promoted as being suitable for use with Mediterranean, Leopard and Russian tortoises.
[Show full text]
Taking Care of Pet Tortoises
www.tortoisetrust.org Conservation | Captive breeding | Education | Research TortoiseTrust Taking Care of Pet Tortoises Tortoise Trust The Jill Martin Fund for Tortoise Welfare and BM Tortoise Conservation London www.jillmartintortoise.org WC1N 3XX Registered Charity No. 1123430 www.tortoisetrust.org Introduction Tortoises make very interesting pets, and by keeping them you may be inspired to learn more about their conservation and welfare. They are not, however, particularly easy or low-maintenance animals to keep outside of their natural climatic range. Many tortoises that are bought as pets by inexperienced keepers suffer avoidable health problems and premature mortality. Two of the most frequent problem areas are inadequate housing and diet. This short booklet has been produced by (Testudo marginata ). Although it is not a the Tortoise Trust and the Jill Martin Fund Mediterranean tortoise (it originates in Asia), the for Tortoise Welfare and Conservation to help Russian or Afghan tortoise ( Testudo horsfieldii ) you to avoid some of these common problems has virtually identical husbandry requirements A well-planted outdoor pen complete with and to help you keep your new pet healthy and and therefore the information presented here is mini-greenhouseto provide extra warmth. safe. still relevant. The Tortoise Trust is one of the most If you keep Leopard ( Geochelone pardalis ), respected tortoise organisations in the world, African Spurred tortoises ( Geochelone sulcata ), with three decades of achievement in the Redfoot ( Geochelone carbonaria ), Hingeback field of tortoise research. It has pioneered tortoises ( Kinixys species) or any other tropical many important husbandry and captive species you should consult our separate breeding techniques. The Jill Martin Fund for publications and online resources for guidance.
[Show full text]