The Russian tortoise is also known as Afghan, steppe, central Asian, four-toed and Horsfield's tortoise. They fall under the Mediterranean category, which includes four other species.

 The range of the Russian tortoise is from southeastern Russia , through eastern Iran , northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan . Its habitat is often dry dessert area at high elevations, where they can be found near springs and brooks.

 The Russian tortoise has a rounded-oval carapace which is flattened along the vertebral scutes. The average length is 6-8 inches, and its color can range from light tan to yellow-green to olive, usually with brown or black markings on the larger scutes. The plastron is usually blotched with brown or black on each scute. Unlike the other tortoises known as Mediterranean tortoises, the Russian tortoise does not have a plastral hinge between the abdominal and femoral scutes. The rear marginal scutes, on either side of the tail, are enlarged and often slightly serrated, especially in the male. The tail of the male is larger than the female and the tip is hard and bony. The skin is usually yellowish-tan. The Russian tortoise is the only Testudo with four claws on each foot.

 The Russian tortoise is primarily a burrow-dweller. In the wild they are only active for about three months out of the year, emerging from hibernation in early spring (March-May). Once they emerge, they immediately begin reproducing. In May or June the female lays 2-6 eggs, and may lay two or three additional clutches during the same season. In the wild the eggs incubate for 80-110 days and hatchlings emerge in August or September. In captivity, eggs are incubated at 87 degrees F for 60-75 days. Hatchlings are usually 1.25-1.33 inches (32-34mm) long. They do not reach sexual maturity until they are 10 years old, and are not considered to be full-grown until they reach 20-30 years of age.

 The Russian tortoise remains active until June or July, then its activity slows and it only emerges from its burrow at dawn or dusk when the temperatures are cooler. Most food plants are gone by this time and it begins feeding on dried grasses and twigs prior to hibernation. Hibernation occurs at surface air and soil temperatures of 32 F or less, with the below surface soil temperature at 59 F. The ideal body temperature during hibernation is 39 to 41 F. When body temperature rises to 46 to 50 F, the tortoise emerges from hibernation.

 While hibernation is important for long-term health of the Russian tortoise, it should not be attempted with newly acquired tortoises, or any tortoise that is not healthy. Every effort should be made to diagnose and treat injuries and any disease or parasite problems prior to hibernation. During hibernation the tortoise's immune system is depressed and any heath issues it may have can progress and possibly lead to death. Temperature maintenance is very important during hibernation. At 39 F and below, most disease organisms will stop multiplying, but at 45 F they can continue to multiply, causing any disease process that may be present to progress rapidly.

 DIET

 In the wild the diet of the Russian tortoise consists entirely of herbaceous and succulent vegetation, including grasses (dried and green), twigs, flowers, fruits and the flesh leaves and stems of native and cultivated plants. During rainstorms, the tortoise will drink from puddles and will usually pass urine. During the dry season it relies on metabolic water supplies.

 In captivity, the Russian tortoise's diet should be high in fiber and low in protein and consist of dark, leafy greens, grasses, common backyard "weeds" such as dandelion, leaves and flowers of non-poisonous trees and shrubs such as Morus (Mulberry) and Abutilon (Chinese Lantern). Foods offered should be from uncontaminated areas not treated with pesticides. Fruit should be offered sparingly to avoid an excess of sugar in the diet. Both calcium and multivitamin supplements are recommended.

 HABITAT

 The captive environment for the Russian tortoise can consist of a dry, escape-proof enclosure (using underground wire mesh) in the summer and hibernation during the winter. The enclosure should be secured with fencing over the top to prevent possible predators from injuring the tortoise. Day temperature should be 80-90 F and night time temperature should not go below 75 F.  Direct sunlight or UVB lighting is essential to their health. Humidity should be maintained at 40-75%, and a shaded area and a soaking area should be provided. Shell rot can occur if the tortoise is kept in a moist climate on a moist substrate, so the tortoise must be able to dry out completely most of the time. Russian tortoises can be maintained singly or in groups, however excessive male courtship can cause stress to females. It is not recommended that different species of tortoises be housed together.

 SIGNS OF A SICK TORTOISE

 Tortoises are especially susceptible to respiratory ailments and nutritional deficiencies. Signs to watch for include lethargy, bubbling from the nose, wheezing, swollen or closed eyes, lack of appetite for more than 2-3 days, loose stools, soft shell or abnormal shell growth or beak growth. Pictured below is a Russian with multiple problems related to husbandry and nutrition.

Thank you from Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital .  Please call if you have any questions 847-329-8709.