PetSmart employee here! I can confirm they DO sell russian tortoises. In fact, I just adopted a pair (male and female) from my store, where they have been pretty much neglected. Because tortoises don't sell very often, they can sit on the floor for 8-10 months, sometimes longer. They'd only been fed rehydrated veggies (carrots, peas, green beans, kale), tortoise pellets (first ingredients are wheat and corn), and spinach, MAYBE, once every two weeks. They are sold as a beginner pet and claim they are "communal", doing great in pairs. Now, I'm not writing this to demonize PetSmart, they are one of the better pet stores in my opinion (all pet stores need to clean up their act). I just think there is a massive amount of misinformation out there that no one is regulating, and most pet stores are susceptible to it unfortunately. I'm trying to do as much research as possible to make sure these tortoises are happy and healthy. It's a struggle though, being that there is just so much conflicting information out there. I've been sifting through the amateur advice in search of people like you, who have truly dedicated their lives to these animals. Thank you for your help, and if you read all the way through this I sincerely appreciate it 🐢
Just adopted 2 adult russian torts (kept in separate enclosures!), they're my first reptiles so I've been researching like crazy to make sure I'm doing the best things for them, and your videos have been super helpful. Thank you! 💕🐢
I got a Russian tort from a breeder and it was being held in a huge glass tank with tons of of other torts walking all over each other. I think it was extremely stressed out and it died shortly after I brought it home. I then went to my local PetSmart and they had 2 torts in one glass tank. I brought one home and it's 10 months on and he's going strong! Great appetite, lots of energy, just a real delight to have in my home ❤
I got mine from Acks exotic pets and they’re cheap for a reptile such as them and I use coco husk as a substrate because it’s easier for them to dig and mine eats Lots of lettuce
I've seen a lot of mixed opinions on cohabitation and was really on the fence about it myself. I think erring on the side of caution is generally going to be the best route, especially for those who are just starting to get some tortoise-keeping experience.
many Russian Tort owners state how Russians especially get very "violent" towards each other. Much more than other tort species. I think a large enough space you could possibly, but I would not.
@@ProfessorHerp I've kept my two female Russian Tortoise together for 4 years and had zero issues, however all of the sudden I am seeing some territorial aggression, mounting and two cases of biting, I think they are becoming sexually mature, I upgraded them into an 8ft enclosure but I am looking at possible options to separate or bring in a male for temporary breeding(all the evidence shows they were in rut, they have been behaving now that Russian Tortoise breeding season is over) That being said I wouldn't recommend putting Russian Tortoises together unless you have three or more as that can offset some of the aggression
Very important points! I personally soaked our Russian daily for the first 18 months. Now I do it every second day unless I see evidence that he soaked on his own. Once he's two maybe I'll go with weekly soaks. On the cohabing point, I would suggest more than double the standard size enclosure and multiple basking spots. If someone is thinking Kenan does it, look at the space he provides. Do your research before you cause yourself or more importantly your tortoise any issues!
@@Carnidoom I use a shallow dish 1/2" of water, he drinks and leaves when he's ready. Some days he stays for a while others he leaves quicker. It's not a forced 30min soaking scenario.
i am so excited to get a russian tortoise one day when i have the space for their enclosure. when i do get the space, where do you recommend getting a russian tortoise, preferably a young one. thank you for the amazing and informative content!
I’m struggling to find a good/large enclosure for my Russian tortoise. I’m thinking of buying a galvanized tub, which is 6 ft wide, 2 ft tall, and 6 ft long. With proper bedding and lighting in the tub, do you think this would be good for my tortoise?
Tortoise are long lived. I want some kind of Tortoise. I am in my 40s and no children to will it to. Maybe if found a adult who need new home and not a baby. But than I nervous about that because not know what the care was like. Have it be sick.
If you do your research and take them to the vet when need be, you should be fine! Also, remember we cannot control everything! We can just do our best.
100% best Russian tortoise content! Love these videos!
Thanks man! Sorry for the delay!
@@ProfessorHerp haha It's easy to miss comments! Have a great day! :)
PetSmart employee here! I can confirm they DO sell russian tortoises. In fact, I just adopted a pair (male and female) from my store, where they have been pretty much neglected. Because tortoises don't sell very often, they can sit on the floor for 8-10 months, sometimes longer. They'd only been fed rehydrated veggies (carrots, peas, green beans, kale), tortoise pellets (first ingredients are wheat and corn), and spinach, MAYBE, once every two weeks. They are sold as a beginner pet and claim they are "communal", doing great in pairs. Now, I'm not writing this to demonize PetSmart, they are one of the better pet stores in my opinion (all pet stores need to clean up their act). I just think there is a massive amount of misinformation out there that no one is regulating, and most pet stores are susceptible to it unfortunately. I'm trying to do as much research as possible to make sure these tortoises are happy and healthy. It's a struggle though, being that there is just so much conflicting information out there. I've been sifting through the amateur advice in search of people like you, who have truly dedicated their lives to these animals. Thank you for your help, and if you read all the way through this I sincerely appreciate it 🐢
Just adopted 2 adult russian torts (kept in separate enclosures!), they're my first reptiles so I've been researching like crazy to make sure I'm doing the best things for them, and your videos have been super helpful. Thank you! 💕🐢
Where did you buy from?
I got a Russian tort from a breeder and it was being held in a huge glass tank with tons of of other torts walking all over each other. I think it was extremely stressed out and it died shortly after I brought it home.
I then went to my local PetSmart and they had 2 torts in one glass tank. I brought one home and it's 10 months on and he's going strong! Great appetite, lots of energy, just a real delight to have in my home ❤
okay your editor needs a raise!! so good
wish I could pay myself more hahaha
What temperature & humid range should a Russian tortoise have
Also how often & how much do you recommend feeding and what type of food I’m a new Russian tortoise owner
My friend had a huge yard and had one and would let him just walk around and explore
This channel is soo good. Glad I found it.
Glad you enjoy it!
I got mine from Acks exotic pets and they’re cheap for a reptile such as them and I use coco husk as a substrate because it’s easier for them to dig and mine eats Lots of lettuce
I've seen a lot of mixed opinions on cohabitation and was really on the fence about it myself. I think erring on the side of caution is generally going to be the best route, especially for those who are just starting to get some tortoise-keeping experience.
many Russian Tort owners state how Russians especially get very "violent" towards each other. Much more than other tort species. I think a large enough space you could possibly, but I would not.
@@ProfessorHerp I've kept my two female Russian Tortoise together for 4 years and had zero issues, however all of the sudden I am seeing some territorial aggression, mounting and two cases of biting, I think they are becoming sexually mature, I upgraded them into an 8ft enclosure but I am looking at possible options to separate or bring in a male for temporary breeding(all the evidence shows they were in rut, they have been behaving now that Russian Tortoise breeding season is over) That being said I wouldn't recommend putting Russian Tortoises together unless you have three or more as that can offset some of the aggression
Very important points!
I personally soaked our Russian daily for the first 18 months. Now I do it every second day unless I see evidence that he soaked on his own. Once he's two maybe I'll go with weekly soaks.
On the cohabing point, I would suggest more than double the standard size enclosure and multiple basking spots. If someone is thinking Kenan does it, look at the space he provides. Do your research before you cause yourself or more importantly your tortoise any issues!
didnt he say soaking them daily could give respiratory problems?
@@Carnidoom I use a shallow dish 1/2" of water, he drinks and leaves when he's ready. Some days he stays for a while others he leaves quicker. It's not a forced 30min soaking scenario.
Russians are a special case when cohabbing. Much more aggressive than other torts!
@@ProfessorHerp yet theey are the easist to have cuz i also seen greek tortoise too idk whats their diffrenc eare tbh
Thanks for the info on baby russians! Great video
Pls make more
i am so excited to get a russian tortoise one day when i have the space for their enclosure. when i do get the space, where do you recommend getting a russian tortoise, preferably a young one. thank you for the amazing and informative content!
you can check online websites like morphmarket.com, local reptile shops, reptile expos, or sometimes even craigslist!
I have no recommendations for breeders so unsure. Thanks for watching!
Where should I get Russian tortoise
I’m struggling to find a good/large enclosure for my Russian tortoise. I’m thinking of buying a galvanized tub, which is 6 ft wide, 2 ft tall, and 6 ft long. With proper bedding and lighting in the tub, do you think this would be good for my tortoise?
Definitely could work. I am getting a 300g stock tank when I move!
Btw, in your description when you list the herps you have you dont mention your boyds forest dragon :)
thanks for letting me know!
Wait wait can we talk about what you tort was eating from? What is that? How do I use it?
timestamp? :)
Tortoise are long lived. I want some kind of Tortoise. I am in my 40s and no children to will it to. Maybe if found a adult who need new home and not a baby. But than I nervous about that because not know what the care was like. Have it be sick.
If you do your research and take them to the vet when need be, you should be fine! Also, remember we cannot control everything! We can just do our best.
Where would be a good place to get a Russian! I am having trouble finding them
try finding a local reptile shop or online I got mine from my local reptile shop for a little over $100 captive bred
@@alanm5911 yeah I looked but they are out of stock gonna go to a reptile expo soon hopefully I can find one there! Thanks for the advice
@@ethank5951 no problem, good luck!
not sure myself!
What is your tortoise eating from at 2:23
Endive
Huh, i made none of those mistakes