Thinking about baby Russian Tort?

[pssh]

So my local pet store has two adorable CB baby Russian tortoises! My mother said that we can probably get one so I'm starting all the research. I have a nice little wooden cage built and everything! However, I haven't been able to find out how reliable it would be for me to (attempt to) sex the babies. I really want a male, but they aren't 5 inches yet.

Also, what strength UVB should I buy? I am probably going to house outdoors, but just in case I have to bring it inside I thought I would ask! Thanks!

 

[PantherVeileD]

check out tortoiseforum.org to get some ideas and info. Theres a guy on craigslist selling male russians because he has way too many.
He is from San Jose.

I recently got redfoots and a burmese black mountain.

 

[bridgofaith]

Site sponsor:

http://www.tortoisesupply.com/pages/Russian-Tortoise-Caresheet.html

 

[jwhite]

Hi pssh I currently keep 6 russians and can tell you that they really are a great tortoise with lots of personallity. They are relatively easy to care for. do check tortoiseforum.org they have lots of great info. and also look at russiantortoise.org the web site is set really good with easy to find info. also I don't know what your pet store is charging but you can probably get them for cheaper from a breeder and they will probably be in better health. If you have any questions feel free to pm me I have been keeping mine for aboput ten years and can answer any questions or find them for you.

Jon

 

[pssh]

I haven't seen any CB for cheaper online. They're only $114. They look in great health to me (from what I've read I should be looking for anyways!) The carapace on them is only 2-2.5". They just got them in about two weeks ago.

If I attempt to sex them, do you think it would be at all acurate?

 

[jwhite]

you are right $114 is a good price the lowest I have seen is $125 with out shipping. For health look and make sure their eyes are nice and clear with no drainage listen to breathing there shouldn't be any rasping noises,there shoudn't be any drainage from their noses either, check the shell it should be hard without any cracks. As far as sexing them I would say they are to small you would have to wait till they are 3-4 years old to be accurate.

Jon