Russian tortoises are herbivorous reptiles that can live up to 120–140 years! They are named for their long, plume-like tail which they use to move around.
They are often celebrities in the pet community, as they are beautiful and highly sought after. In the wild, Russian tortoises live in coastal regions near rocky beaches and shallow waters.
They were once considered a luxury item, but now can be found in many top-rated reptile captivity centers. They cost around $25–$30 per catch!
In the wild, Russian tortoises lived on coastal regions near rocks where they could find water, buried shells that they could dig into, and sunny locations with plenty of sun exposure. Unfortunately, none of these things exist in a home setting.
So, this article will talk about factors that can affect the lifespan of a Russian tortoise, and what you can do to increase its lifespan.
Contents:
Handling
Handling is one of the most important things you can do for your reptile. You can pet yours for hours on end, and it will love you for it.
To get a handle, you need to be careful how you hold him or her. He or she should be warm to the touch, and held cautiously, it will stay that way. If you handle him or her carefully, it will last a long time.
It is best to begin with small hands to learn how to hold him or her safely. If you have a larger hand size, then use smaller hands to get a better handle!
Another good way to get a handle is to stand up on your feet with your back flat and then gently place your hand down on the bottom of the foot to stand up.
Temperature
Being able to tolerate heat is one of the biggest factors that can affect the lifespan of a tortoise. While not every tortoise needs heat same way humans do, many prefer it.
Tortoises are no exception! Keeping your tortoise in a heated environment is a great way to reduce its need for water, as it will be hydration through osmoregonic dehydration.
It is also an effective form of temperature regulation. By keeping your tortoise warm, it will conserve metabolisms and fluids, which can help increase the longevity of your pet.
You can create a safety factor by having two or more Tortoises in a heated environment. Doing this will reduce stress-response and potential damage caused by environmental elements.
Humidity
Being a nonverbal species, it is difficult to determine how much moisture your tortoise needs. Some species seem to require more than others. There are many resources to determine this for you!
Some species of tortoise require more humidity than others. A dry, dehydrated environment will reduce the lifespan of a tortoise. This may be due to the fact that a dehydrated environment can reduce localised heat loss.
A Note: It is extremely important to pay attention to your tortoise’s condition. If it appears to be in poor condition, increase the humidity or add water to try and rehydrate it. Make sure you check it daily!
Also, do not use measures such as water or food unless specifically directed by the owner.
Shelter
An important thing to consider when trying to care for a Russian tortoise is how long it should be outdoors. Russian tortoises are not recommended outdoors due to their short lifespan and risk of injury.
As mentioned before, this reptile’s lifespan is only about 6–8 years. During its young age, it survives by buried up to its chin in leaves and packing as much food as possible. After that, it must find a new safe place to hibernate until the next winter.
Most places cannot survive this reptile due to overheating, freezing, or loss of an animal. Since they do not have enough insulation, these things happen often.
Outdoor habitat
A relatively unknown fact about Russian tortoises is that they can live in captivity! While not recommended, you can introduce a new unto yourself Russian tortoise into your home as a pet.
However, due to the fact that these reptiles are fairly active for their size, they should have a large, well-constructed habitat. A large constructed habitat would have to have solid surfaces that it could climb on, like rocks or root beds.
It should also be kept warm and cooled with appropriate temperatures, like blankets or blankets of some kind. These environments must be created and maintained by the individual who owns the turtle!
Lastly, the tank must be filled with water! Russian tortoises need water to stay moist, so these settings are absolutely crucial.
Hygiene
Keeping your tortoise clean is one of the most important ways to increase its lifespan. Tortsies are noted for their poor hygiene.
Because they are carnivores, tortoises need to be kept away from meat. Unless you buy a at-mastock or high-quality meat product, your tortoise will not stay healthy.
There are a few things that you can do to improve the hygiene of your tortoise. One way is to use a specific type of greens that is very fresh. Another is to give it an apple a day for five days in a row. This can help with mild skin problems or dryness of the skin.
Dip your stone in vegetable oil and place it on the floor so that it can easily be walked over.
Medical care
If your toto is sick, you should let a professional look at it. A Russian tortoise may have a medical condition that requires more attention than just treating its illness.
There are several conditions that can impair the health of a Russian tortoise. These include diabetes, kidney failure, malnutrition, and cancer. Depending on the stage of cancer, it can be beneficial or detrimental to the life span of a tortoise.
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions that impacts the health of a Russian tortoise. This occurs when the animal does not get enough sugar or does not absorb enough sugar in the diet. Nutrient deficiencies occur when an individual does not eat enough food for an extended period of time.
Gangrene is when tissue around an area becomes so affected by illness or injury that it cannot be kept alive.
Stress and boredom
Both are factors that can affect the lifespan of a wild Russian tortoise. Stress can come from predators, non-native plants, and other tortoises in the same enclosure.
Non-native plants can also stress out native plants, which can in turn affect the environment and other tortoises.
Predators such as birds are very sensitive to change. If a predator is present, then it may choose a different location every few days to hold its position. This can make a big difference on how long your tortoise stays healthy.
If you have a male Russian Tortoise that is around six years old, consider having him moved to another enclosure to reduce stress. It is also recommended to have him out of his shell every few days to increase his circulation.