Ask Susan Anything: Tortoise Care & Turtle Buds

Hello, turtle lovers! 🐢 Welcome to our first edition of "Ask Susan Anything," where I answer your burning questions about turtles and tortoises. Whether you're a seasoned turtle parent or new to this world, I've pretty much seen it ALL over the decades at American Tortoise Rescue and I'm here to help. (Got a question? Email us [email protected] or message us on IG @tortoiserescue)

Question: We have a Russian tortoise named Ivan. We’ve had him since 2008, and he’s moved with us from Texas to Alaska and Arizona. We take great care of him, but does he need a companion? Does he need to hibernate? Sometimes I feel like he would be better off at a sanctuary than in captivity at our house.

Susan says: 
You clearly love Ivan and are providing him with a wonderful life. 

1. Companionship: Russian tortoises are generally solitary creatures and don’t necessarily need a companion to be happy. If Ivan seems content and healthy, he’s likely fine on his own. However, if you notice signs of loneliness or distress, consider consulting a vet or a reptile expert to explore options.
2. Hibernation: Russian tortoises definitely need to hibernate. Later this year, when he starts to slow down, you can prepare him for hibernation. Here’s how:
3. Indoor Hibernation: Place him in a box filled with newspaper or hay in a garage or barn where animals cannot reach him. Check on him monthly without disturbing him.
4. Indoor Free Roam: Alternatively, you can let him hibernate inside your house, where he might sleep under your bed or in an unused shower. When spring arrives and he becomes more active, return him to his usual spot. 
   
   

For vitamin D, I recommend natural sunlight through windows or screens instead of heat lamps. You can also use Fluker’s reptile vitamins, sprinkling a tiny amount every few days. This ensures they get all the nutrients they need.

Good luck!

Question: Which animals make good friends for little turtles?

Susan says: Little turtles typically do not need additional companions since they have each other for company. Turtles and tortoises are generally quite independent creatures. 


Have more questions? Send us a message! Until next time, keep loving those turtles!
🐢💚 - Susan