Many years ago my husband took me to a specialty pet store for my birthday. Assuring me all of the animals were captive bred locally he instructed me to pick out anything I wanted. I chose a Russian Tortoise that I named Ily. Ily was our first tortoise and our introduction into reptiles. Before we knew it were were pet parents to several different types of tortoises and were running a very small turtle and toroise resuce and rehabilitation center. Russian Tortoises are one of the easier to care for tortoises and a great introduction into the world of terrapins.

Before purchasing a Russian Tortoise, or any tortoise, it's important to remember one important face, they have a very long lifespan. The typical Russian Tortoise can be expected to live thirty years, though fifty is not unheard of. This is not a pet to purchase as a gift for a child, children grow up and move out of the house. Tortoises should always be purchased by the person who will be responsible for it and is willing to make a long-term commitment and make arrangements for it's future care should the owner become unable to care for it.

When looking for a Russian Tortoise you should look for one that is alert and eating well when food is offered. Buying in the summer will ensure they are not in hibernation mode. Your tortoise should be able to move it's head and legs freely, it's shell should be smooth. Young tortoises should have a dark shell without knicks or marks. Older tortoises may have a dull shell. If an older tortoise has knicks or marks in their shell ask about it's current health and vet records.

Russian tortoises need a larger enclosure. A ten gallon aqurium tank should only be used as a temporary shelter when the animal is sick or being introduced into the home. An acceptable size for an indoor enclosure is 36" x 12". Do not place your enclosure over carpet as tortoises are champion hole diggers and will eat the carpet.

Tortoises will eat whatever you put in their enclosure, always use an edible substrate. Rabbit food is very popular with owners and breeders and can be purchased inexpensively at feed stores. Your tortoise needs to burrow into the substrate, ensure you have enough to allow for this behavior. Using hard materials such as stone will scratch your animals sensitive underbelly and shell. Your tortoise needs a hiding spot as well, such as a large reptile or rodent box.

It's preferable to keep tortoises outside when the weather cooperates. An outdoor pen should be large enough for the tortoise to dig and roam a bit, 48" x 48" is considered standard. Having a shady spot is essential. Never allow your tortoise to roam over an area that has been sprayed with any kind of poison. It is possible to keep your tortoise outside in the summer and indoors in cooler weather, and to rotate your animal between inside and out during the week. A mesh roof over the enclosure will help protect animals from predatory birds and dogs, this is especially important for smaller tortoises.

Especially important for indoor animals, provide a full spectrum UVB lamp 12 hours a day. Your tortoise is cold-blooded, they will need something to keep them warm, such as a heat rock.

Place a shallow pan of water in your pet's enclosure. A round cake pan works well as it's shallow enough for the animal to soak in and drink from, bury it in the substrate until it just peeks above it.

Tortoises require a simple diet. Feed clean vegetables daily, chopping as necessary. Squash slices, heads of dark lettuce and carrot peels work nicely. Fruits and fruit peels are acceptable as occassional treats only, and in small amounts as they can cause intestinal issues in some tortoises. Purchase a bottle of calcium dust and sprinkle over all food, this will help keep your tortoise's shell healthy. You can also purchase a shell salve that contains calcium.

Every week or so your tortoise will need a soaking in water. Fill a container with a few inches of water, enough to cover halfway up the shell. Leave your tortoise in for a short while, long enough to clean their cage.

A common problem in tortoises is the presence of ticks or mites. These parasites are very dangerous to your animal and can infest your home and other pets. If you notice any small bugs on your animal (check their belly frequently) you must immediately call an exotic pet vetrinarian. Mites and ticks can lead to animal death very quickly.

As always, wash your hands well before and after handling your tortoise. It is possible for tortoises to carry salmonella. If you allow your tortoise free roam in a room in your house it's advisable not to allow children into that room. Never allow a crawling baby to be in a room where your tortoise has been on the floor. Reptiles should not be present in homes with small children unless very good hygeine is practiced.