How Long Do Russian Tortoises Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care
By Kit Copson
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The Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)—also known as Horsefield’s tortoise, the Afghan tortoise, the Central Asian tortoise, the Steppe tortoise, and the Four-toed tortoise—is a much-loved family companion in many homes. With proper care, these sociable, outgoing tortoises can live for a pretty long time. Though there are no verified reports about their lifespan, it is thought that the average lifespan of a Russian tortoise is around 40 years or so.
Read on to find out more about factors that contribute to your Russian tortoise living a long, happy life.
Russian Tortoise Average Lifespan
There are no confirmed reports on the lifespan of Russian tortoises, both in the wild and in captivity. General estimates place their expected lifespan at around 40 to 50 years in captivity. It is thought that their lifespan in the wild would be considerably shorter than in captivity, as wild animals face certain dangers that pets may not necessarily have to deal with, such as competition for resources, predators, and unexpected weather.
Why Do Some Russian Tortoises Live Longer Than Others?
The Russian tortoise is considered to be vulnerable; therefore, it is important to ensure that it is legal to own this tortoise where you reside before deciding to adopt them. The Russian tortoise is a prolific digger and burrower and can construct burrows up to 2 meters (over 6 feet) deep. They’re also quite social and, therefore, it might be necessary to adopt multiple individuals.
Though all reptiles pose a risk with regards to Salmonella, the Russian tortoise is considered a significant reservoir of various strains of Salmonella and may be a considerable risk for children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Hygiene is of utmost importance when housing these tortoises.
The Russian tortoise is far from low-maintenance, which is why it’s so important to be prepared before adopting them. Here are some of the factors that contribute to a longer lifespan:
1. Feeding & Diet
It’s important to offer your Russian tortoise an herbivorous diet, most of which should be made up of grasses and fresh greens. They also appreciate lamb’s lettuce, plantains, dark, leafy greens, flowers, twigs, and some fruits. Their diet should be as varied as possible to avoid the potential for imbalanced nutrition.
Furthermore, supplementation of their diet with commercial mixes might be necessary. We recommend speaking to an exotic vet about which supplements to offer and in what quantities.
2. Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation enriches your tortoise’s life. Interact with them regularly, offer toys, and let them dig for foods and objects they like. Another idea is to create an obstacle course or maze with a reward at the end.
3, Environment
It’s ideal for Russian tortoises to live outdoors (climate permitting) in a secure pen with access to a shaded area. The outdoor area for your Russian tortoises should be as large as possible and equipped with easy-to-access drinking water, flat rocks, and hiding boxes. Your tortoises should be soaked in a lukewarm water bath (no deeper than their elbows) one to two times a week. Many tortoises instinctively evacuate their bowels when in a water bath.
It’s also important to note that tortoises are prolific escape artists and can easily burrow out of gardens, so look out for potential problem areas.
If your tortoise can’t live outdoors, they can be housed in an indoor enclosure measuring 8’L x 4’W x 2.5’H (2.44m x 1.22m x 0.76m). Alternatively, you should offer them 32 square feet (3.0 m2) of floor space, with another 10 square feet per additional tortoise.
Indoors, specialized equipment is required to maintain moderate temperatures and moderate humidity, with UVB light available at an appropriate strength.
4. Health Care
If you plan to share your life with Russian tortoises, you’ll need to get them signed up with a vet who has experience with tortoises. Just like other animals, tortoises should be checked by a vet at least once per year to make sure they’re ticking along as they should be.
Watch out for signs that your tortoise is sick, like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, swellings, runny eyes, runny nose, droopy head, droopy limbs, failure to eat post-hibernation, and breathing issues. Contact your vet if something doesn’t seem right.
This species must be allowed to brumate (hibernate) every year for normal hormone production and regulation once they are mature. They can undergo brumation from a period of 8 weeks to 5 months.
The Life Stages of a Russian Tortoise
Your Russian Tortoise goes through three life stages, which are:
- Hatchling: Hatchling tortoises are those that have just broken out of their eggs. They have very soft shells and are approximately the same size as a silver dollar.
- Juvenile: Sub-adult tortoises are still in the process of growing and aren’t sexually mature yet.
- Adult: A Russian tortoise is an adult when they’ve fully sexually matured, though the age at which this happens can vary.
How to Tell Your Russian Tortoise’s Age
It can be tricky even for vets and tortoise experts to accurately estimate a tortoise’s age unless there are records of it. One thing a veterinarian may check for is the softness of the shell—before the age of 6 months, tortoises have softer shells that harden later on. Do not attempt to press onto your tortoise’s shell on your own, as this can cause harm.
You can also check the tortoise’s size. An adult Russian tortoise will typically be between 5 to 10 inches long (females are larger). It’s best to ask your vet for the best estimate.
Conclusion
Though Russian tortoises, like other tortoise breeds, are notoriously long-lived, they still need very specific and committed care to enhance their lifespan and quality of life. Providing a safe and enriching environment, a healthy diet, veterinary attention, and plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation is essential.
See also:
- How to Tell If a Tortoise Is Dead: 9 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For
- Best Substrates for Russian Tortoises – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Karen Dole, Shutterstock
