Full Grown Russian Tortoise: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Russian tortoise is a popular pet reptile known for its gentle demeanor. But what is it really like when they reach full adult size? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about fully grown Russian tortoises, from their appearance and personality to care requirements and suitability as a long-term pet.

About the Russian Tortoise

Scientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii
Average Lifespan: 20-30 years
Average Size at Full Growth: 8-10 inches long

The Russian tortoise is a medium-sized species native to parts of Central Asia. As juveniles, they grow quickly but reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years old. Full adult size isn't achieved until around 8-10 years. They are commonly kept as pets but require spacious living arrangements and a specialized diet as adults.

Size at Full Growth

Mature male Russian tortoises average 8-10 inches in length from head to tail. Females tend to be slightly smaller at around 7-9 inches long. In terms of height, adults stand 3-4 inches tall from ground to highest point of the shell (carapace).

It's important to note that size can vary individually. A large adult male may measure up to 12 inches, while some females max out at 6 inches. In general, males will nearly double in size from hatchling to adult stage.

Weight at Full Growth

A fully developed male Russian tortoise typically weighs 4-6 pounds. Mature females are slightly lighter at 3-5 pounds on average. Newborn hatchlings weigh around 1/4 ounce but put on several grams per week as juveniles.

Appearance at Full Growth

Physically, adult Russian tortoises are stocky with well-developed limbs and a thickened domed shell. Their carapace is high-domed with prominent growth rings. The shell coloration is brown or gray with indistinct darker mottling or radiating streaks. The plastron (lower shell) is yellowish with dark seams.

Sexual dimorphism is apparent. Males have a longer, thicker tail than females as well as a more prominent, curved anal scoot. The concave plastron of males also permits closer contact during breeding.

Personality at Full Growth

In general, fully matured Russian tortoises remain calm, gentle pets. However, adult males in particular may become territorial or aggressive during breeding season. It's not uncommon for males to butt or chase other adult males. With females, mating can involve rowdy chasing and mounting behavior by the male.

Outside of breeding periods, adult Russians are fairly sedentary but may roam or graze for several hours daily if given adequate space. They tend to be friendly toward their owners provided gentle and gradual handling from an early age.

Price

Expect to pay $150-300 for an adult Russian tortoise, depending on sex, size and quality of breeder. Hatchlings and juveniles are more affordable at $50-150. Adopting a rehomed adult may cost $75-200.

Food/Feeding

Correct nutrition is important for the health of a full grown Russian tortoise. Their natural diet consists mainly of weeds, grasses, flowers and vegetable matter. A varied selection of leafy greens should make up the bulk of their captive diet.

Recommended adult foods include: dandelion, turnip, and mustard greens; collard, kale, endive and escarole; hibiscus, rose and blossom leaves. Fruits and vegetables like strawberries, green beans and squash can be offered 2-3 times weekly. Proper hydration is also key - fresh water should always be available.

Feed adults every day, offering 3-4 cups of mixed food per adult tortoise. Food quantity may vary based on individual's appetite, activity level and season.

Lifespan

With excellent care, Russian tortoises can live 20-30 years on average as pets. The oldest documented Russian tortoise survived 47 years in captivity. Good husbandry involving proper housing, diet, lighting and veterinary care helps maximize their lifespan potential.

Health at Full Growth

Overall, adult Russian tortoises are quite robust if maintained correctly. However, common health issues to watch for include: respiratory infections, shell abnormalities like pyramiding, metabolic bone disease from poor nutrition and lighting, gastrointestinal stasis or impaction from inadequate hydration or improper diet.

Establishing a relationship with an exotic animal vet is important for annual wellness exams, vaccinations and any necessary medical treatments as the tortoise ages. Routine monitoring and preventative care helps keep adults healthy in their senior years.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Growth

Housing: A 4x8 foot tortoise table/pen is recommended as an indoor enclosure for an adult. Outdoors, a 10x10 fenced yard is suitable. Substrate should allow for natural grazing/digging behavior.

Heating: Basking area of 90-95°F maintained with a Ceramic Heat Emitter bulb or radiant heat panel. Access to both heated and ambient temperature areas is important.

Lighting: 10-12 hours of UVB lighting daily from a compact fluorescent bulb or tube positioned 14-18 inches above the basking area.

Hydration: Fresh water available at all times in a shallow bowl deep enough for full submersion. Mist enclosure 1-2 times weekly for humidity.

Enrichment: Varied browse like weeds, flowering plants as natural foraging. Hiding spots, clutter and obstacles provide mental stimulation.

Costing

Beyond the initial purchase price, plan to budget around $1,000 total for the first 5 years of owning a full grown Russian tortoise. This accounts for expenses like suitable enclosure/furnishings, annual heating/lighting setup costs, quality food supplies, routine veterinary care and medical needs as they arise.

Ongoing maintenance costs average $150-300 per year depending on enclosure size, number of tortoises and any veterinary treatments required.

Possible Behavioral Changes

Some noticeable changes that typically occur after sexual maturity around 4-5 years:

• Increased ranging - Adults may become more active exploring over a wider area if space allows.
• Breeding behaviors - As described, males can become territorial/aggressive toward same sex conspecifics during mating periods.
• Defense mechanisms - Adults may become less docile and more prone to musk/urine spraying or nipping if harassed or mishandled.

Notable Characteristics

Besides their large size, other distinguishing features of fully matured Russian tortoises include:

• Prominently domed, high black/brown carapace with distinct growth rings
• Stocky build with thick limbs and base of shell
• Male's long, thick tail often longer than shell length
• Concave plastron allows for closer mating contact
• Cryptic coloration helps camouflage in native steppe habitat

When is it Really Fully Grown?

Most Russian tortoises reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age when secondary sex characteristics become apparent. However, maximum adult dimensions are not achieved until 7-10 years on average. Shell growth may continue in female tortoises up to 15 years old.

For health purposes, veterinarians generally consider Russian tortoises "adult" after age 8 when growth has stabilized. However, they continue developing strong bone density and musculature into their late teen years.

Suitability as a Pet

While rewarding companions suited for gentle handling, Russian tortoises can be challenging pets for some owners. Their large adult size means dedication to providing top-standard housing, diet and healthcare long-term. Their lifespan also surpasses other typical "starter" pets.

Russian tortoises do best with attentive, experienced keepers willing to commit 20+ years to their needs. Daily care, a semi-annual wellness exam budget and suitable space requirements are only a few considerations. Those unsure they can meet these requirements over decades should explore easier pet alternatives.

Interacting positively with a hatchling often promotes docility in adults. However, a wild-caught adult may never fully adjust to handling due to early life trauma. Temperament can also vary individually.

For suitable homes, Russian tortoises make calm, engaging pets. Their gradual growth allows children to bond gradually as they mature. However, adult males in particular require a strong commitment to prevent stress or injury from roughness.

With dedication to excellent lifelong care, a Russian tortoise stands to enrich its home with decades of mild-mannered company. Their pleasing personalities and dependence on responsible care requires the right long-term match between owner and pet.

Summary

Reaching full size takes several patient years but results in a medium-sized tortoise with unique personality traits. As adults, Russian tortoises show increased behaviors like patrolling large territories or breeding season aggression. Their specialized longevous needs also intensify at maturity.

While more demanding pets compared to smaller reptiles, Russian tortoises bond affectionately with experienced owners able to meet their sizable space, nutritional and healthcare requirements decades into the future. With such a long natural lifespan, prospective guardians need preparedness matching this specialized companion's needs both now and as they continue aging gracefully.

With diligent pre-adoption research and a strong commitment to providing excellent lifelong care, a Russian tortoise stands to share its mild-mannered company and enrich its household for many joyful decades to come.