Coconut fibre for russian tortoise?

[Donatello]

Brought my little guy home and i am using coconut fibre. He had bark in his enclosure at the pet store. Just wanted to make sure this was ok?. He seems to like it so far. Hes digging away

 

[tortoisetime565]

I use it also. The only thing I absolutely hate about it is that it gets on everything. I always spray my torts head to get the dirt to come off as well as make sure their plate is large enough for them to get on to keep the dirt from sticking to their food to avoid impaction.

 

[Donatello]

Soon as i brought him home he went right in his water dish and substrate was everywhere lol. He is currently in a 40 gallon tote but my friend and i are going next saturday to lowes for tortoise table wood . Super excited. Ive been reading about u.v.b bulbs do you think this one is o.k just for his temporary enclosrue.

 

[tortoisetime565]

I would say yes.. I use that bulb to grow plants. There are many a post about the uvb bulbs. I don't wanna give any bad advice on the bulbs..

 

[Donatello]

Ok thanks

 

[Donatello]

The only thing i am having a issue with is he is covering his water dish in the substrate like crazy. I just had to dump it out.

 

[tortoise5643]

Re: RE: Coconut fibre for russian tortoise?

Soon as i brought him home he went right in his water dish and substrate was everywhere lol. He is currently in a 40 gallon tote but my friend and i are going next saturday to lowes for tortoise table wood . Super excited. Ive been reading about u.v.b bulbs do you think this one is o.k just for his temporary enclosrue.

Those bulbs(coil) have been known to burn tortoise's eyes. Honestly I would just try to get him some natural sun until u can get a new bulb and bring that bulb back.

 

[sam1989]

I heard about the spiral bulbs burning eyes but which is the best UVB to buy?

 

[Donatello]

Oh no..well i just got it today so ill return it tomorrow. Which would be better? It is 15 degrees here so he cant be outside right now. Also the pet store told me to buy a red bulb its only 100 watts. I am gonna be returning that aswell due to it only being about 77 degrees in their and i heard his basking spot needs to be 90. So bumping it up to 150. Is the red bulb ok?

 

[tortoisetime565]

Colored bulbs have been involved in tortoises eating their substrate. I would not use a red bulb..

 

[Donatello]

I know lights are suppose to go off at night. But due to it being only that temp and the store being closed i am leaving it on the rest of the night.

 

[tortoisetime565]

Okay, you could look into a head emitting bulb. Or a repti heating pad..

 

[Tom]

Pease go to the top of the Russian page and read the care sheet. All of these questions and many more are answered there. Also click the top link in my signature and give that a read through. It will help you.

It needs to be near 100 directly under the basking light. Coco coir is fine. They need it cool and dark at night, so no need to leave the bulb on unless your house gets less than 50 degrees.

 

[Donatello]

Oh goodness the pet store was not much help.. thank goodness for you guys. I will return both bulbs tomorrow. Any idea what kind of bulbs are best? I know the tube uvb lights are awesome but i dont have a lid for the tote. So nothing for it to sit on. I am using the black domes with the clips. This enclosure is temporary and he will be in the wooden tortoise table probably by next tuesday. Thanks

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Didnt see your comment Tom i will do that right now thanks.

 

[TortsNTurtles]

Congrats on your new tortoise !

 

[Donatello]

Thank you i am so glad he is finally home with me. .