Down to these turtles "and torts"?

Question

for those who have been responding to my questions, you probably know I've been trying to look for the right turtle "or tortoise" for me "and occasionally I've asked a few questions for my friend" but anyway, I really need your help, I know a ton of stuff on turtles and torts and I need answers from expirienced owners, I am thinking of a either getting a musk turtle, a hermans tortoise, or a russian tortoise. I am also wondering if a musk turtle can live in a 35 gallon tank for it's whole life, "they dont get very big" and if it needs a heat lamp over it's basking spot all day "they dont bask much either" just give me any info on any of these animals that you know of to help me deicide. thank you!!!!!!

Answer 1

I own a russian tortoise and it's very low maintance. I don't use a tank, I use a tortoise table ( www.russiantortoise.org ) which is like a wooden bookcase on it's back with no shelves.

A russian tortoise's diet consists of leafy greens and small ammounts of fruit. (Dandelion is a favorite)

A typical day for me is I wake up ( around 11 since it's the summer) and I look over his cage, he looks up at me and walks toward me. I pick him up; and let him graze my backyard for 10-20 minutes under careful supervison that he doesn't get attacked by a bird or eat a cadapillar. and I take him back in. Every 2 hours I check on him because I just got him and he tries to get out. Every once in a while he falls on his back.

when he is outside he eats most leaves around him, ( feed him as much as you can for 20 minutes a day)

He goes to sleep at 8 and then I repeat the next day. sometimes when i check on him he's on his back and I put him back up.

For dicipline, if he is trying to get out, pick him up face him away from the place he was trying to get out of, and put him in his shelter. Then tap him twice on his shell. after a week he'll get the picture.

He might do it again when he wants to mate.

Change the water every day.

Wash him twice a week.

,and thats it. I'm only 13 and I think I have enough responibility to take care of one, You definately can.

Answer 2

For musks:  A 35 gallon is fine.  Yes, they need a basking spot available, though many don't bask much.  Mine never does but he needs the availability should he need to get out of the water.  They are dirty so you need a good filter and change the water every week at least.  Good site:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/

Answer 3

A russian tortiose isn't that hard to take care of. As long as they have a big enough pen, access to uva and uvb lighting( or just sunlight) and lots of veggies and some fruit.

Answer 4

That sounds fine. You will need a basking spot. I just keep mine on during the day for my florida red belly. Musk turltles spend a lot of time on the bottom, so if you have a tall tank with very little space at the bottom its a no go. If its a rectangular tank, then it should be fine. Like I said it will need a UV/heat bulb over its basking area because thats how they absorb vitamin d which lets them absorb calcium. If theres no UV they they will get brittle bones. A russian tortoise is also a good choice for that size tank, but it will need ventilation. You will also need to hibernate it in your fridge/freezer every winter to insure optimal health. They will also need a basking light for the same reason. If youre trying to pinch pennies, the russian tortoise will cost more to begin with, but will save you water and electricity as you will only need the basking lights.