Russian Tortoise

Russian Tortoise Care Guide

Russian tortoises are small, hardy reptiles that make great pets for experienced keepers. They typically grow between 5-10 inches long and have an oval, slightly flattened shell with olive or yellow-brown coloring. Males are usually smaller than females.

Natural Habitat

Russian tortoises are found in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and parts of Iran. They prefer dry, rocky deserts and steppe environments with sandy soil and sparse vegetation. They often live near water sources where plants are more abundant.

Lifespan & Commitment

With proper care, Russian tortoises can live up to 50 years or more. This makes them a long-term commitment, so be sure you're prepared before bringing one home.

Setting Up a Russian Tortoise Enclosure

Minimum Enclosure Size

Tortoises need plenty of space to move, explore, and bask. Use this formula to determine the right enclosure size:

• Length = 8x the adult tortoise's length

• Width = 4x the adult tortoise's length

• Height = 2x the adult tortoise's length

Since Russian tortoises can grow up to 10 inches, a 7’L x 3.5’W x 2’H enclosure (24.5 sq ft) is recommended for adults. Hatchlings and young tortoises can start in a smaller 4’L x 2’W x 2’H setup.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing

• Outdoor enclosures are best if your climate allows. Ensure the pen has:

  • Well-draining soil

  • Both sunny and shaded areas

  • A smooth, non-climbable wall buried at least 12 inches deep to prevent escapes

  • A mesh cover to protect from predators

• Indoor enclosures are necessary if outdoor housing isn't an option year-round. Consider a custom-built enclosure to meet the size requirements.

Can You Keep More Than One Tortoise?

You can, but avoid housing multiple males together, as they may fight. Each additional tortoise needs at least 10 extra square feet of space.

Lighting & Heating

Russian tortoises are diurnal (active during the day) and need proper lighting and temperatures to stay healthy.

UVB Lighting (Indoor Enclosures)

• Use a T5 HO 12% Arcadia or T5 HO 10.0 Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB bulb

• Place the UVB bulb over the basking area:

  • With mesh: 14-16 inches above the tortoise

  • Without mesh: 17-20 inches above

• Keep lights on for 14 hours in summer and 10 hours in winter

Heat & Temperature

• Basking area: 95°F (35°C)

• Cool side: 75-85°F (24-29°C)

• Nighttime: 70-75°F (21-23°C)

Use a 75W halogen heat lamp for warmth, and adjust with a dimmer if needed.

Humidity & Hydration

• Adults need moderate humidity with a humid hide.

• Juveniles need 40-75% humidity to prevent dehydration.

• Provide a shallow water dish (no deeper than the tortoise's knees) and change the water daily.

• Soak juveniles twice a week for 10-15 minutes to keep them hydrated.

Substrate (Bedding)

Tortoises love to dig, so they need a deep, naturalistic substrate:

• DIY mix: 40% organic topsoil, 40% play sand, 20% Zoo Med Excavator Clay

• Depth: 4 inches for juveniles, 6 inches for adults

Clean daily by removing waste and replace the substrate every 3-6 months.

Enclosure Decor

Decor makes the habitat more engaging and natural for your tortoise:

• Hollow logs & cork flats for hiding spots

• Flat stones & dirt mounds for climbing

• Edible, drought-resistant plants

• Tortoise-safe seed mixes for fresh food

Diet & Nutrition

Russian tortoises are herbivores and need a high-fiber, low-protein, low-sugar diet. Feed juveniles daily and adults a portion the size of their shell per day.

Safe Foods:

• Leafy Greens: Dandelion, endive, romaine, chicory, hibiscus leaves

• Grasses & Weeds: Bermuda grass, plantain leaves, clover

• Flowers (as treats): Daisy, hibiscus, petunia, nasturtium

Limit spinach, kale, collards, and broccoli.

Avoid fruits and store-bought veggies—they have too much sugar and protein.

Supplements

• Repashy Superveggie sprinkled on food

• Cuttlebone for calcium and beak maintenance

Handling & Interaction

• Tortoises prefer not to be handled, but they may enjoy gentle shell rubs.

• Always pick up your tortoise from below, not from above, to avoid startling them.

• Wash hands before and after handling to prevent disease transmission.