Meet Max!
Name: Max
Breed: Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi)
Likes: Digging in his soil, basking under his mock sun lamp, taking long baths, and hiding anywhere he can fit! He loves to eat dandelion, romaine, most types of lettuce, and cactus fruit. He occasionally gets strawberries and crushed apples as a sweet treat. And he loves listening to music on the radio.
Dislikes: He hates spinach, kale, and collards, but his mom sneaks them in his diet for better nutrition by breaking them into small pieces and hiding them in his romaine. He does not like to move apartments as frequently as his mom has, but he adjusts well. He does not like to be held, particularly by strangers.
About Max: His mom adopted him in September of 1999 from a pet store in NYC. Since he was grown when he was adopted, it is almost impossible to tell his age. He is probably between 7 and 10 years old, and is expected to live to be around 75 years old. He has lived in NYC, NJ, and 3 different places in Washington, DC. When he is frightened or unsure of his new surroundings, he is quite fast and can hide in the most unusual places! It is a myth that tortoises are slow movers if all are like Max. He likes to be pet, but only if he knows you. Max is hoping this exposure on the website will land him the center spread in Reptile Digest.