Enclosure top - moisture and cats

Spikedatortoise

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I’ve had my russian tortoise for about a year now. She has lived without a cover on her enclosure because she’s never needed it.
I’ve noticed that her soils gets dry quickly (cocoa coke). Even with a spray bottle it goes dry. I have to pour water in and mix it to keep it most for up to 3 days. I was thinking of getting a plexiglass top to trap moisture and to see inside.
I also will be moving in with my boyfriend and our two cats. Does anyone have thoughts on this?
Will the plexiglass top keep moisture? Should I worry about that with my Russian tortoise? Will the cats be an issue?
 

Yvonne G

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If you've had your Russian for about a year, that means it's not a baby, and doesn't need its enclosure to be covered. Any chance you can set up the tortoise outside? They do much better living in a safe and secure outdoor area.
 

Spikedatortoise

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If you've had your Russian for about a year, that means it's not a baby, and doesn't need its enclosure to be covered. Any chance you can set up the tortoise outside? They do much better living in a safe and secure outdoor area.
Hi! Unfortunately, I cannot have her outdoors. I live in a 2nd story apartment with minimal light on the porch.
What other ways do you recommend I keep in moisture?
 

wellington

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Is this a hatchling that is now 1 year old or an older one you bought?
Hatchlings to about a year or so need higher humidity. Adults only need 30-50% so pouring the water in and mixing up the substrate would be enough.
As for the cats. Most won't hurt a tortoise but some have. It's also dangerous for them to ne able to get into or near the lights as they could get burned or start a fire.
 

Spikedatortoise

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Is this a hatchling that is now 1 year old or an older one you bought?
Hatchlings to about a year or so need higher humidity. Adults only need 30-50% so pouring the water in and mixing up the substrate would be enough.
As for the cats. Most won't hurt a tortoise but some have. It's also dangerous for them to ne able to get into or near the lights as they could get burned or start a fire.
Okay yes, thank you! She was already about the size of my palm when I got her. They said she was 6 months old but not sure how true that is.
I will be sure to block the light in some way.
I’ve noticed that she’s been less active lately and only wakes around to eat and sunbathe for about 2 hours a day. Nothing has changed since getting her. Could she potentially be in a form of hibernation? All other aspects are exactly the way everyone has told me.
The only thing that is slightly off is her heat temp. At about 5 degrees below recommended. I am not sure if the light fixture is the cause, as I’ve changed the bulb to all kinds
 

wellington

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Okay yes, thank you! She was already about the size of my palm when I got her. They said she was 6 months old but not sure how true that is.
I will be sure to block the light in some way.
I’ve noticed that she’s been less active lately and only wakes around to eat and sunbathe for about 2 hours a day. Nothing has changed since getting her. Could she potentially be in a form of hibernation? All other aspects are exactly the way everyone has told me.
The only thing that is slightly off is her heat temp. At about 5 degrees below recommended. I am not sure if the light fixture is the cause, as I’ve changed the bulb to all kinds
A lot of them have been slowing down the last few weeks. Not sure why. Possibly the heat even though they are in a controlled environment, they still know what goes on in the world weather wise. As long as everything is where its suppose to be I wouldn't worry. Maybe up her soaking adding at least one more or so.
 

Spikedatortoise

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A lot of them have been slowing down the last few weeks. Not sure why. Possibly the heat even though they are in a controlled environment, they still know what goes on in the world weather wise. As long as everything is where its suppose to be I wouldn't worry. Maybe up her soaking adding at least one more or so.
Thanks so much!
A lot of them have been slowing down the last few weeks. Not sure why. Possibly the heat even though they are in a controlled environment, they still know what goes on in the world weather wise. As long as everything is where its suppose to be I wouldn't worry. Maybe up her soaking adding at least one more or so.
 

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