Tortoise-world Forum

Hi All,

I've been asked by an experienced breeder to help find homes for 5 of her russian/horsfield hatchlings, because of a large number of hatchlings they have become dominant of one and other and as a result a number of them (5) have had their eyes damaged as a result.

The breeder is obviously very upset by this and is looking for a new home for 5 of them. 4 of the tortoises have damaged one eye, and 1 has got damage to both eyes.

They are all eating well and a few recently opened their damaged eye. The breeder has sought vet advice and has been treating the eyes accordingly.

As these are 'special' tortoises, I will be passing the applications onto the breeder for them to make the overall decision. Obviously we would prefer for these to go to a slightly more experienced owner. If you aren't a current keeper of Russians then please have a look at http://www.tortsmad.com to see the differences between keeping Russians to other species of tortoises.

The regular rules and procedures apply for these tortoises. You can read our re-homing guidelines below;
http://forum.tortoise-world.com/showthread.php?tid=297

To apply, download a form from here:
http://forum.tortoise-world.com/showthread.php?tid=299

If you have any questions, please e-mail me on: tortoise_dude@yahoo.com

Josh

The breeder is sending me pictures tomorrow for me to post.

(03-20-2010 07:34 PM)tortoise_dude Wrote: [ -> ]The breeder is sending me pictures tomorrow for me to post.

Oh how sad. Did she give any indication of what temps they were incubated at, just for an idea for people. I'm afraid I have no more room for russians or I would help out, no problem.

I will ask the breeder Sue. It's really a very sad thing to happen- but I've never heard of hatchlings being so dominant- I wouldn't have thought twice about keeping them all together prior to hearing this. It's certainly a very sad case but one that could not be for seen unfortunately.

They where incubated for females.

I have never had a problem with my russians but i have seen things on the web about baby russians fighting each other. The only time that i can say that they get nasty with each other is when they are being fed. So i put piles of food around their enclosure. This way they eat on there own. My problem is my male he is trying to hump everything in sight. Hes got his tennis ball back. He won't leave it alone. Makes my visitors laugh. He sounds like a squeeky toy.

Here are the pics. Most of the torts are showing their good eye. For the time being they are kept on towels to stop the soil aggravating their eyes.

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(03-21-2010 05:00 AM)TICKANDTOCK Wrote: [ -> ]I have never had a problem with my russians but i have seen things on the web about baby russians fighting each other. The only time that i can say that they get nasty with each other is when they are being fed. So i put piles of food around their enclosure. This way they eat on there own. My problem is my male he is trying to hump everything in sight. Hes got his tennis ball back. He won't leave it alone. Makes my visitors laugh. He sounds like a squeeky toy.

I have only had problems when they are crowded. They are very territorial from a small age but I do scatter food for all my torts so I am sure this is a contributing factor to aggression in russians.
LOL at the squeaky toy, my granddaughter (5) thinks it is hilarious and wanted to know why the males are always trying to climb over the females when it is much easier to walk round - I've not told her yet lol

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(03-21-2010 06:33 PM)tortoise_dude Wrote: [ -> ]Here are the pics. Most of the torts are showing their good eye. For the time being they are kept on towels to stop the soil aggravating their eyes.

I can't open the pics Josh the files are too large

LOL Sue. I agree with the food most likely being the answer. I have seen Rosie push Terry right out of the way where food is concerned. She is a third his size. Plus they alway seem to want what the other is eating even if there is loads of food around.

I've found a fantastic home for 2-3 of these tortoises.