What to do if a tortoise eats a plant?

If you know what your tortoise or turtle has eaten, take the plant or any packaging with you to the vet, as this will help him/her decide what the poison is and the type of treatment that your tortoise will need.

Are there any poisonings of tortoises in Chelonia?

Very little research has been carried out into poisonings in Chelonia, compared with that done on poisonings in humans, other mammals, fish and birds.

What are the symptoms of tortoise food poisoning?

With cumulative poisoning, the symptoms may include the tortoise showing signs of muscular weakness, the tortoise unable to lift itself to walk or unable to walk, and gastro-intestinal upset including diarrhoea. Do not attempt to diagnose a case of poisoning yourself: specialist veterinary help should be sought as a matter of urgency.

Are there any plants that are toxic to tortoises?

Different plant lists may give varying opinions as to the safety of certain plants for reptiles, but the view taken by The Tortoise Table is that we should always err on the side of caution where our beloved tortoises and turtles are concerned. It is, therefore, our responsibility to learn which plants are toxic and may poison our animals.

Where can I find a Russian tortoise breed?

The Russian Tortoise can be found all over Russia, the Middle East and Western Asia. They love to dig, climb and eat leafy greens. This species is also known as the Horsfield’s Tortoise. Russian Tortoises are one of the most popular pet tortoise breeds because of their small size, unique personalities, and ease of care in captivity.

What kind of food does a Russian tortoise eat?

The Russian Tortoise is easy to care for and doesn’t have the complicated husbandry requirements of many snakes, turtles, and lizards. Their diet is pretty simple and is strictly herbivorous. In the wild, they graze on a variety of grasses and other plants. In captivity, their diet can consist of many different types of leafy greens and vegetables.

Why do we need to take care of Russian tortoise?

Like many other tortoise species, these reptiles have a long life expectancy. To reach that milestone, these reptiles need optimal care. Without the right environment, a high-quality diet, and overall superior husbandry, these tortoises can experience stress and disease that shortens their lifespan.

What kind of shell does a Russian tortoise have?

A quick way to identify this species is by their toes – they only have four toes on their front legs. The Russian tortoise has a tan to olive colored upper shell with dark brown and black splotches. The bottom of its shell is usually much darker and can even be solid black.