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I recently adopted a russian tortoise, when I first saw him he seemed great, but it's been a month now, and his shell seems sort of dry? Also he won't go inside of his tree dome anymore, at first he would go in the trunk all the time, to sleep or rest but now he burrows himself underneath his water bowl to sleep, why is that?

I recently adopted a russian tortoise, when I first saw him he seemed great, but it's been a month now, and his shell seems sort of dry? Also he won't go inside of his tree dome anymore, at first he would go in the trunk all the time, to sleep or rest but now he burrows himself underneath his water bowl to sleep, why is that?

Updated On December 4th, 2017

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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You can soak him several times weekly in a warm 50/50 mix of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes. This will provide hydration and may warm him if he is cold. Check Temps and humidity in his enclosure. Low Temps can affect activity in reptiles. Since he is a "new" pet, consider an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. This species frequently burrows, so that aspect of his behavior is normal. You can read more about care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Russian-Tortoise/

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