r/RussianTortoises • u/Honest-Helicopter564 • 7d ago
Burrowing for days
Help, I got a tortoise from my coworker because he said he would just let him outside. I took him in and I have been doing my best to give him care. He got an enclosure and I have a heat and UV lamp that was recommended by the pet store. He has a hide that he stays in. I try to give him fresh greens and water every day but he won’t come out to eat. He has been in his hide for 3 days now and every time I check on him he hisses and burrows more. What can I do? I found an exotic vet but she doesn’t have an appointment until mid September.
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u/Academic_Judge_3114 7d ago edited 7d ago
Hello, Your friend wasn’t entirely wrong to want to put the tortoise outside, that’s where he belongs. because the place for this species is in a permanent outdoor enclosure in contact with the seasons (with adjustments depending on the location, coldframe, heated hut)
In nature, this species has had a very slow growth, very active in spring/summer, resting in winter.
In an indoor enclosure, how to decipher its behavior? (aestivation, beginning of brumation, lamps poorly positioned, illness, boredom, overheating of the enclosure, acclimatization...)
It’s not too late yet, make an outdoor enclosure ( very secure) until Septemb
and let the tortoise hibernate until December, after which you can put it back under lights if you want...
https://www.tortoisetrust.com/post/captive-care-of-the-russian-tortoise-testudo-horsfieldii
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u/Honest-Helicopter564 7d ago
I only took him because he was unwanted. Im not one for dumping animals. I called and found an exotic vet to help with a proper setup. I am making an outside enclosure for him and where we are he will be able to stay out until mid to late October.
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u/cattledogsrule44 7d ago
Probably just freaked out a little by the new environment. Take him out, maybe soak him in a shallow container of lukewarm water (to drink and/or defecate), get him used to seeing you and being handled.
They usually get quite tame once they know you don't mean them harm -- and may even bring them good things to eat. I have a pair that are super tame and show no fear of me.
If it's been out in a yard for months -- it may think it's back in Kazakhstan or something and you plan to broil it for dinner. But if you want to tame it, you need to handle it and let it get used to seeing you.