I just got him yesterday.

I have a 34x24 concrete mixing bin for the enclosure with cypress bedding (approxiamtly and inch deep) and a water bowl that is shallow and perfect for him to fit in, a basking light,and a uvb light. The basking tempreture is 90 to 95 Degrees F.

The hummity level is at 60%

I have a small heating pad that i turn on during night after i turn his lights out so he can stay warm if he wants to, especially because i sleep with a box fan on during night, the temp in the enclouse is around 70 degrees at this time.

I have a hiding spot for him which is the perfect size for him. Its made out of a cardboard box, i will soon up grade to a log from the pet store.

Ive been feeding him collald greens,carrots,and kale.

for some reason he won't go near his water bowl, does any one know why?

Another thing, he constanly tries to climb up one of the corners of the enclosure he even trys to do this when he is in his hiding place!

Also for some reason he tends to kick the substrate (cypress) back so he can just lay on the bare plastic tub.

is my set up good? and also do any of you know if these things are normal? thanks alot guys!


One more thing i was told by someone is that i should buy a cuttle bone, so i did and he never trys to bite it or anything, the most he does to it is walk over it. Do i really need one? thanks again!

It would really help if you could post a pic of his enclosure. Heating pads are not good for torts the heat should come from above. How big is your Russian? A cuttle bone will give him the oportunity to get additional calcium if he needs it. If he is not useing his water he may be hydrated enough Try reading up on him here
(diet) http://www.russiantortoise.org/russiantortoisediet.htm
(Care) http://www.russiantortoise.org/care_sheet.htm
Also try this link
http://forums.shelledwarriors.co.uk/view...php?t=6800

I will have pics up ASAP when ever my friend gets over here with his camera. I understand that heating pads are bad for them but how would i keep him warm during night if he got too cold? what does the heating pad to to them?

My tortoise is about 3-3.5 inches long.

So what about those temps are they good?

heating pads can easily burn tortoises, also naturally tortoises take in their heat from above (via sun, etc)

temps can drop as low as 60 degrees F at nighttime. if it falls below that, you can buy a heat emitter that does not put out any light, just heat, to warm it up a bit. But it's good for them to have the cool down time during the night, so you wouldn't want him warmer than 68 or 70, tops, 65ish is more ideal

your basking temps are good, 85 - 100 is fine, but mine prefer around 95

ok thanks!!!