Yao
New Member
I'm thinking about getting a Russian Tortoise. Could any one recommend an enclosure that I can order online?
It's my first tortoise. I guess it's safer to get an adult?For a hatchling or adult?
An adult needs a Minimum of 4x8 foot. Best to build.
For a hatchling, you want a closed chamber.
@Markw84 and or @Kapidolo Farms sell the best.
Thanks. Is there a bookcase link that you share?I built mine out of a bookcase. Really cheap and easy.
Any sturdy bookcase will do. Mine is 6x3 and it perfect for my youngster. Will go bigger in a few years. Just take the shelves out and apply a backing. I cut down a sheet of plywood and nailed to the back of the book case. Then put down a shower curtain liner on the bottom with a staple gun. I have 2 heat lamps since it's an open enclosure, a 150 watt and a 100 watt. Then a UVB lamp and a ceramic heater for night time.Thanks. Is there a bookcase link that you share?
2x6 is too short for the walls. With three or four inches of substrate that only leaves 1.5 - 2 inches of wall. 2x12 is the minimum wall height, and I usually recommend 16-18 inches for adult females.Not hard. Plywood comes in 4x8 sheets. That's the minimum size enclosure you need.
Buy 3 2x6x8 boards. Cut one in half to use on the ends. Then attach the 4 boards together to make a rectangle and attach the 4x8 plywood to the frame you made. Either treat the wood with a water proof sealant or water proof paint. Let air out then add substrate
Or you can line the wood with plastic.
For an outside enclosure, do the same thing but instead of plywood, staple chicken wire to the one side of the frame and lay that on the grass/weeds/dirt. This prevents him from digging out and grass/weeds can still grow thru. You can staple chicken wire on both sides so you have a wired top and bottom
Ah yes, I kinda forgot about the substrate. I was having this in my head for inside and outside. Outside not needing substrate so i guess i forgot about the inside.2x6 is too short for the walls. With three or four inches of substrate that only leaves 1.5 - 2 inches of wall. 2x12 is the minimum wall height, and I usually recommend 16-18 inches for adult females.
4x8 feet seems massive.. does 2x4 work?Ah yes, I kinda forgot about the substrate. I was having this in my head for inside and outside. Outside not needing substrate so i guess i forgot about the inside.
Thanks for catching that
Actually I found the answer, to buy it from a member hereAnother question I have is, can I buy a russian tortoise from PetSmart? They said it's wild caught and it's 4-6 years old. I live in Missouri and can't find a breeder to buy one. If you know some resources, that would be highly appreciated.
No! 2x4 is way too small. They come from the wild. Even if captive bred and hatched they are still wired wild. They roam many miles in their territory. Imagine living in your bathroom and never seeing any place outside those 4 tight walls.4x8 feet seems massive.. does 2x4 work?
Thank you! I've left @Carol S a message.No! 2x4 is way too small. They come from the wild. Even if captive bred and hatched they are still wired wild. They roam many miles in their territory. Imagine living in your bathroom and never seeing any place outside those 4 tight walls.
2x4 for hatchling
4x8 for adult Russian and they should also have an indoor and outdoor enclosure.
Search Craigslist or buy from a breeder on here. @Carol S
I would look at thrift stores, since you're pretty much just using the pre-built box of it. Just make sure to lysol it down and let it air for 24-48 hrs after. The shelving peg holes would also give you options for dividing it as needed, tooThanks. Is there a bookcase link that you share?