If the tortoise is impacted, then his soaks will show little or no excrement. For a tort that is not eating a long soak in a big flat container will help the tort get exercise and stimulate the bowel movement. Some will use a kiddie pool or a bath tub. Sanitize container after use. It is...
Many of the keepers on this forum advise both a warm and humid closed enclosure and soaking twice a day to give them the best start. See some of Tom's threads for examples.
Good luck.
I find that the vinyl floor covering last quite long and can be run up the sides to provide a sealed basin like design for holding moisture. To make your corners you may need to soften the vinyl by heating it with a hair dryer when installing it.
I like the idea of having a tube light and the...
Nice work. I do worry about your water "bowl" being you mentioned he flipped over. While the entrance seems sloped properly the sides seem steep enough to be a flipping hazard.
Good luck, and very good looking enclosure and tort.
I would try watering along the wall that was shady when your tort went missing. During the heat of the day they will seek shade first and dig in where ever they can find soft dirt. And they like to dig under a rock or tree root in order to protect their lair.
You have already received some great advice. At such a young age it's difficult to determine the sex of a Russian tortoise. So, don't be surprised if she turns out to be a he.
From looking at your pictures I'm guessing your tort may be a little dehydrated. The younger torts grow heathy when...
My Russians seem to be most active when their evening temperatures drop into the 60's and then they warm up under their lights during the fall and winter months. So, you probably don't have to use a CHE for Russians; but it's a good idea to have one in case you have a heat failure or a sickly...
My Russians would be over that fence the first time my back was turned. All of my Russians are from the Houdini sub species. :) They climb, dig, squeeze and levitate! And once out they have a cloak of invisibility!
Your tort needs a deep substrate and tall smooth walls. And a wire grid over...
Perhaps some water therapy will help. If some one can help you get the tort into a warm shallow pool, the lift provided by the water should allow your tort some exercise without having to bear it's full weight.
Probably easier said then done.
Good luck.
I've had to move my water dish every few days to prevent the splash effect from making the substrate too wet and causing mold.
Try getting a glass that hold the correct amount of water for your water dish. By using that glass to fill your water dish you can avoid overfilling. You can also make...