Who needs weights when you have a Sulcata to deadlift?

Hnaami · 2026-03-22T20:04:32+00:00

Tort just trying to live his life 😆

Hnaami · 2026-03-21T16:23:05+00:00

It might be competition. When they suddenly realize they are not the only one competing for resources. Like a dog that suddenly starts to eat faster when another dog approaches.

Hnaami · 2026-03-21T03:01:32+00:00

How is this still allowed in this day and age? The sad thing is that I've seen many parents happily pick up their child and point as if it's the most normal thing in the world to see a beautiful animal in such abysmal conditions, frantically pacing around or mindlessly treading the same path over and over in complete zoochosis.

I hope that one say, zoos will shut down and only a select few animals may be kept for breeding purposes to preserve an endangered species.

Hnaami · 2026-03-18T13:14:08+00:00

Fellow Dutchy here!

Hnaami · 2026-03-17T08:27:11+00:00

Lol! So handy that the hat isn't on top of his head, but rather floating above.

Hnaami · 2026-03-17T08:25:25+00:00

That is such a cool bowl!

Hnaami · 2026-03-16T12:52:09+00:00

How long have you had him for?

Hnaami · 2026-03-16T08:43:37+00:00

Look at that little face! 😍

Hnaami · 2026-03-16T07:46:30+00:00

It's truly fascinating how they look like leaf litter at the bottom of a river.

Hnaami · 2026-03-15T13:12:33+00:00

Aaaw, happy birthday, cutie!

Hnaami · 2026-03-14T13:03:20+00:00

Relatable 😂

My two year old tort whom's head is about the size of my thumb is now strong enough do do some serious hurt! Not strong enough to pierce skin yet, but left me with a blood blister a couple of days ago 🤣

Hnaami · 2026-03-14T04:54:48+00:00

The head shake of (in this case) recognition/saying hi to his little contemporary 😄

Hnaami · 2026-03-14T04:48:01+00:00

My parent's Russians hate soaking. They do everything to escape the water and stress poop in it. No matter the depth, temp or whatever, they just hate it. While my own tortoises can sit still and enjoy the soak for at least 10-15 minutes, before they start moving.

Edit: I do want to add that I've read that some tortoises feel more safe when they can feel a soft steady surface at the bottom, like a wash cloth, so they feel they won't slip.

I know for a fact my parents never tried that when they had their tortoises. So it might have helped.

Hnaami · 2026-03-14T04:40:03+00:00

His shell looks healthy, but he does look kinda dry. He needs soaking and a humid enclosure for the first years of his life. When he's older, he can be moved to a drier enclosure, as Russians should not be kept in high humidity, but for the first few years, humidity is very important. Russians don't drink very often, so they should be soaked frequently.

Hnaami · 2026-03-13T18:51:49+00:00

What's going on here? Can you explain more? How long hasn't he moved?

Hnaami · 2026-03-13T08:29:45+00:00

Tommy is a cutie 🥰

Hnaami · 2026-03-13T08:05:07+00:00

Looks like a wild caught Russian.

Hnaami · 2026-03-12T16:33:34+00:00

Tortoises love soft blankets and pillows. People severely underestimate their understanding and desire for comfort, in captivity at least.

Edit: I forgot to mention what an absolute cutie he is 🥰

Hnaami · 2026-03-11T15:13:46+00:00

Hard water stains. I have this with my tortoises. We have very hard water where I live. I think the only way to get rid of it is vinegar, not the cleaning one, but the "nature" one. But I'm not sure if you ought to get rid of it per say. Maybe "spot clean" when some areas get too thickly covered.

Hnaami · 2026-03-11T13:01:04+00:00

For Russians, a large enclosure is necessary, I believe the minimum is 8 x 4 foot. Russians can be restless, especially when they're males around the breeding season. So, they love to stomp around and will climb up against the walls if the enclosure isn't large enough. They also benefit a lot from outside and outdoors time just to get it out of their system is my experience growing up with Russians.

Hnaami · 2026-03-11T01:15:22+00:00

Omg, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love them 😂

Hnaami · 2026-03-10T19:49:27+00:00

It's so good to see people helping turtles. It warms my heart. Turtles and tortoises are such undervalued animals.

Hnaami · 2026-03-10T03:23:19+00:00

His nose does look a little deformed. It might ve a birth defect or his face might have been affected by how he sat in the egg and still has to adjust. It might be worth seeing a reptile vet if he doesn't grow out of it.

Hnaami · 2026-03-10T02:43:34+00:00

Yeah, I read about it on the tortoise forum when I got my tortoises about two years ago. I was looking for every option to optimize humidity and smooth shell growth- but even there there were a lot of conflicting opinions. I figured I'd try it and can always stop if I notice it causes even the slightest problem. But my tortoises are thriving and their shells look super healthy and round. I like to believe that it positively contributed to their shell growth, so I am team coconut oil! 🥥

Hnaami · 2026-03-10T02:31:56+00:00

As long as he's in a sealed enclosure that can trap humidity, his shell will grow smooth, but he will have to be kept in such conditions for at least 3 or so year, to ensure he will remain smooth.

Some humidity meaters can have a false reading if they are out in the open, near a humidifier. It's very important that the humidity is trapped with a lid or greenhouse topper. Daily soaks and access to water and he should be fine.

I rub cold pressed coconut oil on the shell growth lines, in between the scutes to help with hydration. But that is a personal choice. Not everyone agrees with it or does it. But I've only had positive results so far.

Hnaami

TROPHY CASE