What happens if a Russian tortoise eats a lot of brassicae?
Russian tortoises fed large amounts can develop kidney disease. Goitrogens:This compound is implicated in the development of enlarged thyroid glands (Goiters). They interfere with the uptake of iodine. Some eperts believe that all the Brassicae family should be avoided like the plague due to this.
What kind of substrate do you use for a Russian tortoise?
The best choice of substrate to use for a Russian tortoise is a mix of 50/50 between play sand and topsoil or a mix of 50/50 coir and play sand. These two substrate mixtures allow for your tortoise to burrow easily and allow for humidity levels to increase.
What kind of food do Russian tortoises eat?
Russian tortoises are leaf eaters, but don’t try feeding the leaves you find outside in your backyard to your tortoise unless you know for sure that they are edible and free of any pesticides. Their main diet will be made up of kale, collared greens, turnip greens, and dandelions. STAY AWAY from iceberg lettuce.
What kind of shell does a Russian tortoise have?
Russian tortoises are beautiful reptiles with all the hallmark features you’d expect from a land-roving tortoise. This includes the large domed shell, rough skin, and thick stubby legs. The carapace, which is the upper part of the shell, is usually covered in shades of olive green, tan, brown, and black.
Can you get salmonella from a Russian tortoise?
Salmonella bacteria is transmittable to people but does not typically cause problems in the tortoises. Thus, anyone handling a Russian Tortoise, or anything in its enclosure, should be sure to wash their hands thoroughly.
What kind of bacteria does a Russian tortoise have?
Finally, all reptiles, including Russian Tortoises, may carry Salmonella bacteria in their GI tracts. Salmonella bacteria is transmittable to people but does not typically cause problems in the tortoises.
Is it OK to have a Russian tortoise as a pet?
Russian Tortoises are excellent pets, silent and independent companions that bring a sense of calm to your home. They require a moderate level of daily maintenance, yet cause no real problems. Now, let’s look more closely at the realities of keeping a tort as a pet.
What to do if your Russian tortoise has diarrhea?
Certainly, if your Russian Tortoise is lethargic, has diarrhea or is not eating, has discharge from its eyes or nose, or has difficulty breathing, it should be examined immediately. Reptiles get sick slowly and get better slowly, so the key to good reptile health is preventive care to avert disease and rapid intervention when illness does occur.
