blackTITAN Wrote:

I put the temperature gauge at the far end of the shady side, and put it on the ground like a rock. I re-checked it this morning and it stays for the most part at 70deg. So do you think I need another light that maybe keeps it around 75deg?

I´d say 70ºF is just fine for the cool end.

blackTITAN Wrote:

The move was last week, and I have been changing his plants out probably more frequently then I should and then I just took them out altogether because I'm going to put seeds in them instaed of keep repotting fresh herbs, etc... That probably caused him some stress, like you mentioned.

As for shyness, yesterday I woke him up after work and gave him a bath. He usually hiccups so much (last bath was about 4 days ago), but I was able to brush his shell and put some water on his head while he walked around the dish without him hiccuping or hiding in his shell. yey! I'm hoping that means he is relaxing a lot more Also while he was drying off, I held him for the second time in about a week, and he was calm and even munched on kale and carrots; he seemed really relaxed. When he got back in his cage he was crusing around- munching on more food and then sat on his sunny rock for a bit. When I checked back on him a few hours later he was back sleeping under his log lol. >_<

Sounds like your care is just fine. Try to change the diet to what Danny suggested and see what happens.

Thanks! I will do just that I'm sure Titan will approve taste testing everything lol

How do you get a ceramic heater with a thermostat?

Actually this one I got from a friend who has a company that imports Pet supplies, but I've seen them for sale in reptile-specialized Pet Shops.

I have a thermastat rated at 500 watts with a double outlet. I think it is a exo-terra. I'm running a total oy three emitters totalling 250 watts. I dropped the senser prode in the enclosurer most likely to lose heat and it works like a charm. As I said it is a seperate unit.

What size totes are you using?

Do you not need UV on both ends? Sorry if that's a dumb question, lol. I'm new to tortoises; none of my current reptiles require UV lighting. I'm trying to get an indoor Russian Tortoise pen set-up a.s.a.p, and you've given me some great ideas.

Do you mist the enclosure?

Last question, heh. How old is that little fellow?

Hello Jamberry, welcome to TFO.

I do have UVB at both ends right now, but just because I had 1 spare UVB bulb (I upgraded from a 5 to a 10). That's not a dumb question at all. In my case, and since it's cold right now, the tort only comes to the cold side to eat. It generaly stays under the spot light or in the vicinity of it.

I do not mist the enclosure, but I do water the plants I have in there, so that boosts the humidity. Russians are not really humidity-needing torts, so you don't need to woory to much about that. just make sure to soak your tort in warm water (at least) once a week. Also, keep a shallow dish with fresh water.

The totes are something like 45cmx30 each I think. So the enclosure is 45x60 more or less (if you want I'll take exact measures).

My hermann's is 7 months old.

Feels free to ask all the questions you want.

Here are updated pics, of what I now have (1/2 top soil 1/2 Aspen)

TestudoGeek, I love your enclosure. it is simple and to the point. If I was your tort I would feel Like I was walking through a forest of tasty goodies there just for me to sample. Rocks to step on and wipe my feet to keep the aspen out of my watering hole and I believe that is a small container of powdered calcium? I Just love it.

Thanks Robyn!
Yep, that's powdered calcium (the tort munched on it intensily the first week I put it in there)

Looking through these pics, I certainly dupilcate all that was said.Nice job!! and what an inspiration!!!
The calicum free choise?? I would have never thought to do that. It is recommended for all? I have Russians, A RF, an Ornate box and a Leopard??
Then they could get it as they need it?
Always always stuff to learn, thanks
Na