Common Name: Russians Tortoise
Scientific Name: Agrionemys Horsfieldii (also testudo horsfieldii)
Current Size: 4-5" range
Average Adult Size: 6-8" (females larger)
Area of Origin: Several countries between Eastern Europe and Western China

Description: Light brown and olive color with dark brown bands around each scute of the shell. These tortoises are probably the most "different" of the Testudo type tortoises. They are almost completely rounded when viewed from above, which probably is to help them spin around when underground in burrows. They tend to be somewhat flattened on top, without much of a "dome." These are a fun, active species that is commonly kept and enjoyed as pets.

Natural Habitat: Mediterranean tortoises, these animals live in meadows and scrubland where they come and go from their hides in order to maintain the ideal temperatures. They do brumate/hibernate naturally, and will brumate in captivity if those proper conditions are given. As adults, they can safely handle body temperatures as low as 35 degrees during hibernation, and on cold spring or fall days, they will retreat underground to maintain some warmth. Summer highs up to 110 degrees can be tolerated as long as there is a cooler, underground, or damp retreat the tortoise can get into. In hot climates, they will spend much of the summer days in hide areas or simply buried under an inch or two of earth aestivating to conserve energy and resources.

Natural Diet: This tortoise is naturally a browser, eating broadleaf weeds and low leaves from bushes and shrubs. Their natural diet is very high in fiber and low in proteins and sugars. Some individuals will eat grass while others prefer not to.

Adult Behavior: Adult tortoises are active, busy tortoises when the temperatures are in their ideal ranges (60-85 degrees). They can be somewhat aggressive towards each other particularly during breeding season (spring), but usually can be kept in small groups without any major problems, particularly animals that have been raised in groups. Most will eagerly come to their keepers looking for food once they are comfortable in their environments. They can be good climbers and will make attempts to escape, so perimeter fences should be buried at least 6-12" underground, and sidewalls 12-16" above ground will normally contain them. Constant attempts to escape can sometimes be corrected by enlarging the enclosure and adding visual barriers within it (logs, boulders, more plants, etc).

*These tortoises were originally imported to the United States. They are pretty and eating well and active, but should be quarantined from other collections for some time just to be safe.

26 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

5
Quick to settle in

Posted by Ash on 21st Sep 2023

Mymyamo was packaged really nicely for his trip. He was groggy at first but I'm happy to say he's already gotten comfortable enough to eat. He's dig around a bit and it seems like he's enjoying his new home. I'm very, very happy with everything and Mymyamo.
5
great company

Posted by Joseph on 6th Jun 2022

I bought my fiancee an adult male. Her 1st reptile. She has been in love ever since.
5
Im obsessed with my little guy!

Posted by Janique Gray on 4th Jul 2021

Once I made the decision I wanted to get a Russian tortoise I got his enclosure, inside and out set up and I needed to find a good seller. There were other websites but their reviews were terrible and so I stumbled across this place. I ordered him and the next day he was here! He was shy but in great condition and ate lettuce right away. I cried cause he is so perfect! If I ever want other tortoises or my friends want one ill tell them to only buy from Tortoise supply!
5
Great

Posted by Dylan Malesich on 16th Oct 2020

Great shipping and packaging, had lots of questions and answered all of them quickly. Overall Very good experience and as a new owner very easy process. His name is Tony and he is living a great life.
5
SO PLEASED!

Posted by Robin on 23rd Jun 2020

Our RT arrived today an in great health and spirits--even as I was removing him carefully from the packaging he was peering out and moving around in my hand! He was only somewhat shy and did not seem fazed at all by the journey. We are so excited to watch him exploring his new home and enjoying the sunshine! Thank you!
5
Very happy!

Posted by Emily on 27th May 2020

Tyler and Sarah were very helpful and quick to respond in answering questions while I was researching/preparing for my tortoise. Tank arrived at 9am the morning I scheduled his delivery in great shape. He was awake and ate a little before hiding away in his cave for awhile. I left him be for the most part while he adjusted. I've had him about two weeks now and he seems to have warmed up to his new home very well. He walks around his enclosure, has a favorite digging area, and will come right up to me for food - including climbing onto my hand looking for more. He's not shy about climbing right over my foot if he decides I'm standing in his way. He is adorable and I've been very happy to have him as a new family member :)
5
Got my little buddy today

Posted by Chase Brown on 13th May 2020

Just built a 3 foot by 5 foot tortoise table, and my tortoise arrived in great condition! Very happy with purchase, will buy more from this website in the future.
5
best place to buy a tortoise

Posted by janecia carter on 24th Apr 2020

Got Lilly a few days ago and I love love love her she’s so active and sweet . Shipping was fast and she’s very healthy . I gave her a nice soak and some fresh greens and she was happy . Thank you guys so much
5
best place ever

Posted by Kristina pullino on 14th Feb 2020

I'm so pleased with this place .. I ordered 2 they where at my door 14 hours later , alert and happy , went right to eating.. I plan on ordering more great prices ..
5
Fantastic place to buy a tortoise!

Posted by Luiz Quiroz on 15th Aug 2019

I love my new Russian tortoise! He arrived yesterday happy and healthy. I gave him a little soak and he started to explore his new enclosure. He loves cucumber so I decided his name should be Mr. Pickle. Thank you Tortoise Supply for the outstanding service.
5
Wonderful art.

Posted by Ninakae from Oregon on 20th Jul 2017

Our RT arrived today at 4pm in perfect health. First think he did was drink lots of water while I had him soaking. In fact I thought he was going to drink all his soak water up. Afterwards I put him on the ground where there was a huge mass of dandelions he ate right away. So obviously the shipping trip wasn't bothering him. He is beautiful with a few old scrapes on his shell which I expected but very healthy and friendly. Ty so very much.
5
AWESOME TORTOISE

Posted by Marco Mandujano on 2nd Oct 2016

Its been 5 months since i have gotten my male tortoise and hes doing great, he arrived quickly, healthy and immediately started eating. He was shy at first but he's definitely improving. When i get another tortoise it will definitely be from here!