New Russian owner in Virginia (Blue Ridge Mountains)

Got my girl Kiah (Ky- yah) about a month ago and fell into the pet store trap, so I'm so glad I found this forum. I look forward to learning all I can to make her, the happiest tortoise I can. She seems happy and healthy so far but I've already learned some mistakes I was making and am fixing them as I can. Added a basking rock today and have never seen her so active. Keep having to go in the room to see what the noises are she making in there running around and apparently does not like where her hide is as she's playing moving man in there. Letting her settle things herself so I know her preferences. lol P.S. I know the substrate in the new pic with the rock is BAD now, it will be fixed ASAP.

Hello and Welcome. Glad your finding your way around the forum for the info you need. Your tort will be very happy that your learning the right ways and making changes.

wellington said:

Glad your finding your way around the forum for the info you need. Your tort will be very happy that your learning the right ways and making changes.

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Ditto.

Welcome!

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
You have probably seen these by now, but just in case.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Welcome!

cypres mulch, if thats what it is - is a pretty good substrate.
I have an enclosure half coco coir and the other half cypres mulch. My herman seems to prefer the mulch and burrows there more often than not.

Welcome to TFO!! I'm in VA too, and I have a Russian They're lots of fun!!!

Careym13 said:

Welcome to TFO!! I'm in VA too, and I have a Russian They're lots of fun!!!

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I did a lot of breed research b4 buying her and wanted one for so long. I adore her although I think she's plotting my demise if I keep messing with her tank lol. She will have to deal with it until I get it right though. I was so misinformed on how to care for her, I'm basically starting over.

Momagn36 said:

I did a lot of breed research b4 buying her and wanted one for so long. I adore her although I think she's plotting my demise if I keep messing with her tank lol. She will have to deal with it until I get it right though. I was so misinformed on how to care for her, I'm basically starting over.

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I went through that with my Leopards. I probably went through 3 or 4 different enclosures before I finally figured it all out. You will get there. Just keep at it and if you're not sure about something just ask, everyone here is really helpful.

Momagn36 said:

I did a lot of breed research b4 buying her and wanted one for so long. I adore her although I think she's plotting my demise if I keep messing with her tank lol. She will have to deal with it until I get it right though. I was so misinformed on how to care for her, I'm basically starting over.

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It's great That you came here and took the advice you were offered.
So many don't listen, often with catastrophic results.
It's a pain for both of you, but you'll have many, many happy years together once you've got it sorted.

Welcome, fellow Virginian!