Geographical Region

Russian and Mediterranean tortoises whose habitats extend from Greece and Turkey into the Russian steppes

Habitat

Rocky outcrops, semi arid areas and forest edges

Colour

Dark brown and light tan on the shell

Size

8 – 12 inches on total length

Captive Environment

Bigger is better, 36l x 15d x 15h inches minimum for a single tortoise

Dry substrate such as aspen bedding or reptile hemp bedding

Provide hides at both ends of the vivarium, a large shallow water dish and feed bowl

This enclosure should be used at night time or when the weather is cold or damp, or if the tortoise is not at hibernation weight in the winter (if the tortoise lives outside). This species of tortoises does very well in an enclosed garden. Provide a shelter with straw in for the tortoise to retreat to (Rabbit hutches with a ramp for easy access/egress are ideal).

Heating

Basking areas of 82 - 85°F are needed, with an overall ambient temp of around 75°F. An Exo-Terra sunglo or tight beam can be used to provide a basking area. The UVA rays given off will help enhance the tortoises metabolism.

Lighting

Ultraviolet light is essential for this species, as it is needed to help metabolise calcium from its diet. Without this the tortoise will develop metabolic bone disease, a deformed shell, ‘rubberneck’ (unable to hold its head up off the ground) and will eventually die. A UVB tube half the length of the vivarium is required to allow multiple basking areas. Use a minimum 5.0% UVB tube, or ideally an Arcadia 6% UVB bulb with a reflector.  Ensure the bulb is no more than 6 inches away from the tortoises shell for it to get full effects. Even on an overcast day your tortoise will get UV radiation outside in the garden

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 10 hours light – 14 hours darkness – or hibernate

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours darkness

Feeding

100% herbivorous – Mixed salad leaves (we use Italian, Jardin or Florette bagged salads), mixed herb salad (parsley, coriander), British watercress, wild rocket and dandelion leaves (keep all leaves whole).  Clover, plantains and milk thistle are also readily accepted. Keep fruit to a minimum and add some sliced cucumber, tomato or green beans to their diet. No spinach, cabbage, citrus fruits or anything grown from a bulb such as onions.

Use a supplement like repton or reptivite at least twice weekly, also use cuttlefish for calcium and to help keep the beak trimmed.

Sexing

Male – thicker longer tail, with a concave plastron (only as tortoise matures), V-shaped indent in shell where tail is

Female – smaller  tail, flat plastron and rounded indent where the tail protrudes