Baby Russian enclosure

[Ellie:)]

Hi all,

I have my 9 month old Russian in a tortoise table with coco coir as his substrate. At first I was worried it was too damp but then it dried out and now I'm worried it's too dry () and so I do mist it everyday.

Now I thought I had done a lot of research and knew what I was doing but I have done even more and have now read that my baby should be in a warmer and more humid enclosure until he is either 2-3 years or 4", whichever is first.

So I went on a mad-panic buying spree and ordered a plastic container, more coco coir to keep in a bit more moisture, sphagnum moss and a lid to cover half of the container to keep the heat and moisture in. I told someone I know (who has tortoises) about my plans to change his enclosure but he said that the enclosure I currently have is perfect and if I change it he will get respiratory problems, even if it's only whilst he's a baby.

I have read the care sheets but I am now more confused than ever.

It would be really, greatly appreciated if someone could help me out on this matter and let me know what they used/use for their baby Russians as I just want the best for him.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Have you read the care sheet on here for Russian babies? I would start there. The more experienced breeders will chim in. They will want to know temps , substrate, and pictures of your enclosure. This is the best forum. Many knowledgable people. I too have Russians and don't know what I would have done without there help. Post your pictures and info, someone with much more knowledge then me will be along to answer.

 

[Tom]

The last few years has seen a revolution in the advancement of tortoise care. In years past almost all species were treated like desert animals. They were kept on sand or other dry substrates, we were warned of respiratory infections and shell rot associated with any moisture, and we were told that they get all the water they need from their food. For decades, this was the status quo, and few people questioned it, or bucked the system despite obvious failings.

Many tortoise keepers sought answers to personal observations, results, and experiments that demonstrated excellent outcomes from things that were contrary to the "wisdom" of the day. For example: If sulcatas need it so dry and hot, why do they thrive so much better in Florida and Louisiana (very rainy, humid, damp areas…) than they do in the Southern CA desert basin? Well, we've answered questions like this, and the answer is that all species benefit from at least moderate humidity and good hydration. Some species that were previously kept bone dry benefit and thrive with HIGH humidity. There has been years of trial and error and experimentation to learn what we've learned, but basically bone dry enclosure with desiccating heat lamps over them are not "natural" or good for tortoises in any way.

So for your question: As you've seen, misting does almost nothing. You have to continually dump water into the substrate of an open topped enclosure to keep moderate humidity going. Your russian does not need high humidity, like a sulcata, but moderate humidity and the option of a humid hide will benefit him greatly. Regular soaks and eating dampened food will also serve to keep your tortoise well hydrated in our artificially dry indoor captive environments.

Rather than go by internet rantings and old outdated info, take a look at the results of any given system of care.

Here are two care sheets from people who have been successfully raising russians for years:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

And one more thread with some useful tips.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Ellie:)]

Thank you!

 

[Tom]

Thank you!

My pleasure. Please ask for more clarification and feel free to discuss any inconsistencies or contradictory info you find out there. We are all here to talk tortoises, and your questions will fuel the discussion!