Russian Tortoise

For more picture, check Russian Tortoise Pictures 

• Agrionemys horsfieldii
• Formerly know as Testudo horsfieldii
  

• It also has the generic name of Russian Tortoise, Central Asian Tortoise,  Four-Toed Tortoise, Afghanistan Tortoise, Horsfield's Tortoise and Steppe Tortoise.
  
• Russian Tortoise or Afghanistan Tortoise is one of the most famous and popular tortoises in the world.
  

• These tortoises are mostly found in middle east countries such as Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and some area in North Western China.
  
• Naturally can be found near hillsides, rocky deserts, sandy or loamy steppes
  

• Mating is actively done during the summer season (mid of March to mid of June, naturally)
  

• 2 to 6 eggs per clutch
• Up to 3 clutches per season
• Incubation takes 80 to 110 days, at constant 30.5�C
  
• Hatchling happen in August or September in natural
• Russian babies are measured at around 32mm to 34mm in length

• Up to 6 - 8 inches in size
  

• Around 50 years old
  

• High fiber, low protein and calcium rich food is necessary
  
• Russian Tortoise loves leaves, grasses, weesds, vegetables and flowers
• Since the tortoise hibernate during winter, and tends to eat a lots during summer, you'll find out that if you keep them indoor, it'll eat lots all year long
• This will create improper growth for the tortoise
• The recommedation is to feed them 30 minutes a day as how much they can eat, and stop feeding them
• Please be reminded that the food much be variety, do not feed them the same food everyday
• mix up hoya plants and green plants (Endive, Romaine lettuce... ) Different mixing preferably everyday
• Try not to feed them with fruits, grains or animala protein food
• Mxing the food with vitamin D3 power or calcium supplement is highly recommended
  
• A dish of water should be provided all time
  

• This kind of tortoise prefers open dry lanscaping
• The tortoise is an expert burrow digger
  
• Naturally Russian Tortoise hibernate during winter or cold whether
  
• The active period of the time for this tortoise is from mid of March to mid of June (summer season)
  
• Estivation or aestivation do happen during the summer
• In summer, they forage.
• At temperature of 21�C to 31�C, the tortoise is found most active
• Hibernation is from October to March in Uzbekistan
• Dry and sparse bushes or grasses

• Inproper growth if diet is not controlled well
  

• Prevent damp if you keep them outdoor
• Indoor housing must be large enough for their movement, at least 3 feet by 4 feet enclosure
• Temperature should be controlled with basking spot at around 31�C and a cooler spot with a hide box