Russian Tortoise facts

Russian tortoises are small, hardy land tortoises that make popular pets due to their manageable size and simple care needs.

Russian tortoises are herbivores:

• Mostly grasses, weeds, leafy greens, and flowers
• Avoid high-protein foods like dog/cat food — it can damage their kidneys
• Favorite foods include: dandelions, collard greens, endive, and clover
  Adults only grow to 6–10 inches, so they don’t need huge enclosures.
• Easier to house than larger tortoise species like sulcatas or leopards.

• They thrive in indoor enclosures with UVB and heat lamps
• Or in secure outdoor pens in warm, dry climates 
• Open-topped wooden enclosures designed specifically for tortoises
• Lots of floor space, excellent ventilation
• Easy to customize (add lamps, hides, soil, etc.)
• Best size: At least 2x4 feet (bigger is better)

• You can build one using plywood, plastic liners, or storage bins
• Much more affordable than reptile tanks and better for airflow
• Can be expanded as your tortoise grows

• Not ideal for adults — usually too small, poor airflow, and can trap humidity
• Russian tortoises don’t understand glass walls and may constantly scratch
• OK only for babies or temporary housing with careful heat and airflow control

• Large under-bed storage bins can work as temporary homes
• Drill holes for airflow, add lighting and substrate
• Easy to clean and inexpensive

• UVB bulb (T5 HO or T8) to help absorb calcium and prevent Metabolic Bone Disease
  
• On for 10–12 hours/day
• Replace every 6–12 months depending on brand
• Basking bulb (heat lamp)
  
• Basking area temp: 90–95°F
• Cool side: 70–75°F
• No heat at night unless your home drops below 65°F
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• Flat rock or slate under the heat lamp
• Should be big enough for the tortoise to fully sit on and absorb heat
• At least one hide box on the cool side of the enclosure
• You can use:
  
• Half logs
• Flowerpots turned on their side
• Homemade wood shelters
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• Small rocks, logs, or platforms to explore
• Russian tortoises are active and curious, so giving them stuff to crawl over is great for their health

• Shallow water dish:
  
  • Easy to climb in/out
  • Clean and refill daily
• Food dish (optional — you can also place food directly on the substrate)
  Calcium powder with D3 (sprinkle on food 3x per week)
• Multivitamin (once a week)
• Spot-clean daily (remove poop, leftover food)
• Deep clean substrate and dishes weekly or as needed

• Always dust supplements lightly — too much powder can make food unappetizing
• Rotate greens and weeds to give a natural range of nutrients
• Avoid “all-in-one” pellets — fresh greens + dusting is better for long-term health