My Russian is SUCH the coolest thing!

[eyespy]

I'm so glad I spoke with tortoise owners for a few months before deciding which type of tortoise to get, because Tonka the Russian fits into my life so beautifully.

His diet is very easy for me to provide, a little bit of the greens that are good for my beardies and iguanas plus grasses and flowers that I can grow in windowboxes all year round. His preferred temperature range is easy to maintain in my house and he's never shown a bit of stress when in his cage. Tonka is active and interesting and I think he's also interested in me because I catch him watching me sometimes.

So far the only thing I know he doesn't like is me picking him up and I've only done that a couple of times to soak him after the big cross-country journey he made to make sure he's hydrated. Now he happily soaks himself in his water dish, then potties in it so I don't have to scoop his substrate.

He's the greatest tortoise! Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer all my stupid questions. You've really helped both Tonka and me.

[Bearded AL]

Congrats Eyespy on your new fella sounds like you just found a new friend ,and after all the help you have given me in the past I wish I could have helped you here but maybe someday I will be able to help you hehe AL

[eyespy]

I was happy to help, Bearded Al. If you ever are in the market for a tortoise just let me know and I'll bend your ear with the praises of the Russian tortoise.

[Tim and Julie B]

Great news Eyespy. I am glad both you and Tonka are happy. Russians are very cool but not one I have added to my collection yet. Maybe someday. Some tortoises just seem happy go lucky and adjust very easily. Good to hear it is working out so well!

[ThEmAdHaTtEr]

Awesome! Im glad you got something thats so great for you and your lifestyle! Good luck with it. I hope to see pics soon. ;-)

[eyespy]

So far I've only taken one picture that's turned out, the others were too dark, but here it is:

<img src="http://www.repticzone.net/images/96/Dcp_1128.jpg">

[ThEmAdHaTtEr]

!!! Woah thats awesome! I like it!

[eyespy]

Hee hee, that's how he'd look all the time if I'd let him! That boy has such an appetite. If I'm not careful he'll overeat like crazy so I make him fill up some on timothy hay and dole out the tastier stuff in smaller quantity.

[Lisa]

I want a tortoise too, haven't decided what kind yet though... if i had the space, time and money and the species i wanted was available, it would be a galapagos tortoise.

[eyespy]

A sweet little Russian tortoise might not be your bliss then, Lisa. The really huge females get to be 8 inches straight carapace length. They are sort of pocket torts.

[Lisa]

Actually the idea of a free roaming house tortoise appeals to me, it would have to be big enough to let the cats know it wasn't to be bothered... Not worried about the dog, he's a big wimp. Though if it was a really big one I could see the cats in for a surprise when they curled up on this "rock" to sun them selves and the rock started moving.

Right now we don't have the space or time for a tortoise, maybe in the future.

[eyespy]

Free roaming torts can be a real challenge from what I've read. They love to rearrange their environment and can be fairly destructive. Plus it's tough to ensure that they get enough UVB exposure. Unlike free-roaming iguanas they don't tend to climb to one nice high perch where you can hang lighting and know they will spend a few hours there every day.

I was seeking just the opposite. Since I already have a free-roaming ig and a cat, I was looking for a dryland tortoise that didn't need a really huge cage. Tonka will probably not get bigger than 6 inches and will be happy all his life in the 65 gallon Reptarium I have for him. A 100 watt mercury vapor bulb is all he needs to maintain comfortable temps and a good quality UVB source. It's not hard to keep him dry and comfortable and so far he seems to be pretty happy with his new home.