I didn't know that, and am VERY glad you told me, lol. I'll definitely be looking for both UVA and UVB sources. Will UVA effect the tortoise at all, since they use UVB? I'm guessing no, but don't really want to go on a whim.

Yeah, dandelions and weeds are definitely not an issue. We also have tons of green houses and a botanical garden I can look at to try and find some flowers that are safe from toxins for her.

Have you ever grown any weeds indoors by chance, with limited light, like a bulb in the pen? It's something I'd like to do, but I don't know if I can get them to grow from seeds in a pen like the one I'm planning to make.

But thank you, I certainly hope to make the little miss happy!

Yhe uvA is just daylight to animals. I have never grown "weeds" indoors but have grown my share of herbs and salad greens under growlights. Remember the defination of a weed is a plant growing out of place. Where I grow up black susans and coneflowers were considered weeds and now you pay high buck for the plants my mom had me pulling from the garden. No I don't think you'll have any problems growing inside.

Be careful with the flowers that they haven't been dusted with toxins to kill bugs. Also, the soil/sand mix...use washed play sand...I get mine from Home Depot, and be sure there are no fertilizers in the soil. I use one labeled organic. Another suggestion...don't keep the tote on the floor...it would be colder than if it was on a desk or dresser or whatever. To keep the humidity down and have better ventilation, you might want to drill some large holes about 4" above your soil line.

Off topic...the girl who can't take care of a turtle who then wants an iguana should be reminded it takes a lot more care...and a huge cage which means huge lights & heaters and lots worse smells! And lots more time to tame. It is a daily process to keep them tame.

Good luck with your new girl.
Patsy

I grow weeds, and other seeds inside, I just keep them by a window for the sunshine. If you can get the previously mentioned substrate you could always use Aspen. Also there are a few sites you can by seeds from they have russian blends, clover, dandelions, etc... turtlecafe.com , carolinapetsupply, you could also try reptileeats they ship food design specifically for the torts diet all you have to do is rinse and serve. I am not sure if anyone stated before but you need to get calcium powder to sprinkle on the food, I use repcal with a pink label, and you can put cuttlebone in there for her to chomp on. When my russians are inside, they are either in a rabbit cage or a rubbermaid tub, but you can go to http://www.reptilechannel.com and in there april issue they have a spread on tortoise tables - they look cool, or you can get the reptiles magazine. Everyday that it is over 60 deg and sunny my indoor torts go outside and play if that helps. Good Luck with your new tort.

Hi there, and welcome!

Just wanted to chime in with the advice above and mention to try to give her at least 5" of depth in the substrate to burrow into, as the Russians love to dig!

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, because the people on this forum are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They got us through our first, somewhat bumpy, couple months with our little Farishta, who adopted us in early December.

By the way, Farishta enjoys very frequent, long (30-minute or so) warm water afternoon soaks, after which she gets to go outside to the tiny bit of yard we have access to at our central L.A. apartment, and mow down the portulacas planted there.

-Brenda K

P.S. Farishta is doing great these days - update coming soon!