Enclosure advice

CosDave · Oct 22, 2018

Hi! This is my first time posting so bear with me. I just finished building a new enclosure for our beloved tort Dave using a train table as a base. I’m looking for some advice/suggestions as how it is set up as this is my first time. I apologize for the pic quality, the sun was shining! Also, we’re planning on creating a ramp in the corner to make a second level on top of the shelves. Do you think I should build a fence of some sort? Very new to this so any and all input is appreciated!

Minority2 · Oct 22, 2018

1. Where was the Russian purchased from?

2. Do you the age of the tortoise?

It looks like an adult to me.

3. What are the dimensions of your current enclosure?

An adult Russian tortoise will require at least an 8 x 4 ft enclosure.

4. Your current water dish is known to be a drowning and flipping hazard. A heavy clay or plastic plant saucer is highly recommended. They are cheaper and much safer than what you're currently using.

5. The temperature/humidity analog gauge you have in the enclosure is known to be very inaccurate. A infrared temperature gun and digital food/weather branded thermometer hygrometer reader with probe will be more accurate. Accurate temperature and humidity readings are important.

6. Are you using a mercury vapor bulb?

If so, the mesh screen you're currently using for your lighting fixture is too fine. A large portion of the UV(B) rays (40-50% or more for mesh that size) will be completely blocked by the mesh grating.

Here are some helpful links on Russian tortoise care and beginner tips. There are a lot of inaccurate information about tortoises in the pet trade industry as well as around the web in general. Tortoise forum is a very good place to get your questions answered:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

CosDave · Oct 25, 2018

1. Pet store...we considered this a rescue
2. No clue as to the age, we’re guessing 9-10?
3. 4’ x 3.5’ This is the best we can do for the space (we do take him out to roam around the house) and we have plans to build a second level to increase his living space.
4. I’ve been aware of this just didn’t have his new dish at the time of the photo. He’s been navigating this quite well however we have since given him something safer
5. Good to know! He knocks it down and plays with it most the time anyway.
6. Yes, mercury vapor. I had no idea that the screen would interfere! The light is now clamped onto the side.

Thank you so much for your input. My 10 year old son bought Dave with his Christmas money. He takes great care of him but it is obviously up to me to provide the more detailed aspects of his habitat. I really appreciate your help. Btw, any input on whether or not I should provide a fence/border for the second level?

Minority2 · Oct 25, 2018

CosDave said:
1. Pet store...we considered this a rescue
2. No clue as to the age, we’re guessing 9-10?
3. 4’ x 3.5’ This is the best we can do for the space (we do take him out to roam around the house) and we have plans to build a second level to increase his living space.
4. I’ve been aware of this just didn’t have his new dish at the time of the photo. He’s been navigating this quite well however we have since given him something safer
5. Good to know! He knocks it down and plays with it most the time anyway.
6. Yes, mercury vapor. I had no idea that the screen would interfere! The light is now clamped onto the side.

Thank you so much for your input. My 10 year old son bought Dave with his Christmas money. He takes great care of him but it is obviously up to me to provide the more detailed aspects of his habitat. I really appreciate your help. Btw, any input on whether or not I should provide a fence/border for the second level?

3. Tortoises should not be roaming around the house. There are too many uncontrollable factors involved. Taking tortoises away from their heating source is generally not recommended.

I personally am not a fan of 2 story enclosures. In my experience, tortoises will mainly stay in one general level of a 2 story enclosure even if it has two heating basking sources on both levels. Sure the tortoise will occasionally visit the other level to explore and or search for food but the frequency of doing so is usually much lower than a tortoise in a single story enclosure. To me, it just seems one of the levels become underutilized. All the added lighting fixtures and cable management would be all for nothing. Converting the entire 2 story setup into a closed chamber style enclosure will also make it less accessible for maintenance and care. Some people claim to have success with 2 story enclosures. I haven't.

Hopefully someone else can help you on this subject.

CosDave · Nov 13, 2018

Minority2 said:
3. Tortoises should not be roaming around the house. There are too many uncontrollable factors involved. Taking tortoises away from their heating source is generally not recommended.

We only let him roam around for 10-15 minutes or so with constant supervision so I’m sure that he’s safe. Thank you for your input, we decided to not build the second story as he seems quite content with a single level!

Yvonne G · Nov 13, 2018

If that euphorbia plant in the front left corner is real, it's toxic.

Nice-looking little Russian tortoise - welcome to the Forum!

CosDave · Nov 13, 2018

Yvonne G said:
If that euphorbia plant in the front left corner is real, it's toxic.

Nice-looking little Russian tortoise - welcome to the Forum!

Geez, all these comments make me feel like such a noob (which I am) but I really appreciate the feedback! I’m trying my hardest to get this right, there is just so much to learn. We absolutely love that little guy, cactus is gone!

T Smart · Nov 13, 2018

CosDave said:
Geez, all these comments make me feel like such a noob (which I am) but I really appreciate the feedback! I’m trying my hardest to get this right, there is just so much to learn. We absolutely love that little guy, cactus is gone!

Hi, welcome.

You've come to the right place! Lots of experienced members here.

Enclosure advice

CosDave

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Minority2

Well-Known Member

CosDave

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Minority2

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CosDave

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Yvonne G

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CosDave

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T Smart

Well-Known Member

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