Reptile · Tortoise
Russian tortoise care guide
Testudo horsfieldii
The russian tortoise is a beginner-level tortoise from Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran. Adults reach 13–20 cm shell and live 40–60 years in captivity. Solitary (or two females with plenty of space). Use edible plants only and give an outdoor pen in summer where possible.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35–38°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a russian tortoise cost in Canada?
Russian tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 13–20 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 40–60 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 in, ≈ 86 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–38°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Russian tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a russian tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers. Offer a pile of greens and weeds daily, dusted with calcium several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Tolerates gentle handling but prefers staying on the ground; a strong digger and climber.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections from cold or damp, shell pyramiding and parasites in imported animals.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a russian tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Russian tortoise FAQ
Is the russian tortoise good for beginners?
Yes – the russian tortoise is a good choice for beginners. Tolerates gentle handling but prefers staying on the ground; a strong digger and climber.
What size enclosure does a russian tortoise need?
At least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (about 47 × 24 × 18 inches, roughly 86 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a russian tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $250–450 CAD to buy, about $870–1530 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a russian tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a russian tortoise eat?
Herbivore – weeds, dandelion, plantain, leafy greens, flowers. Offer a pile of greens and weeds daily, dusted with calcium several times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.