Russian Tortise!

Question
We have a Russian Tortoise named Stormy he is six years old.  His diet consists mostly of greens, peppers and strawberries.  We usually put him in the tub once a week.  He is in my son's bedroom in a 25 gal. tank, his heat lamp and heating pad (on the bottom of the tank) are on all of the time.  In the past few weeks his shell has started to turn a yellowish green color and is starting to get some black dots, his activity has almost come to a complete stop and he is not eating very well @ all.  His shell is also getting a little soft.  What is wrong?  Can -U- help?

Answer
Hi Lisa, There are couple key components to keeping tortoises healthy in captivity, vitamin and mineral supplementation (especially calcium) and proper lighting. In addition to heating, tortoise should have access to UV lighting, either naturally through unfiltered sunlight or through the use of specialized reptile bulbs. This exposure is critical to the metabolic process that allows them to absorb and use calcium from their diet. If both the light exposure and the additional calcium have been missing from Stormy's diet then that may certainly account for his softening shell and and lack of activity. If the shell is growing soft then the rest of his skeletal structure is being affected as well making it difficult for him to move.
It is somewhat normal for Russians to slow down and eat less this time of year as they are a hibernating species but the softening shell indicates a serious problem. I would really encourage you to see a vet for a proper diagnosis. If your vet also suspects a calcium deficiency he may need to give him an injection especially as he is not eating well.

Tortoises are a long lived species, with proper care and diet your son's children can someday be enjoying Stormy!

I have included a good link that will give you diet recommendations and easy housing suggestions. He really should be in a bigger enclosure as well. Good luck.

http://www.russiantortoise.org/care_sheet.htm