Enclosure and setup for Russian hatchling questions

[KassyO]

OK, I have made the decision to get a baby Russian and I want to price out everything and make sure that I am getting fantastic products and have all the correct info to get my indoor enclosure ready before I get the little guy. I am sure that the basic guidelines for a RT enclosure have to be tweaked if you are getting a hatching so here are my main questions/concerns

• I have a glass enclosure that is 4' long 2' wide and 2' tall that opens with a magnetic latch in the front available to me. Is this ok for a small RT and does the fact that it is glass make any difference? If this is not ideal please let me know what is.

• I live in southern Alabama on the coast and it is very humid here so will Aspen bedding be ok or should I go with another bedding even though the average humidity yearly is between 87% 62%?

• When I set up the temps will the baby need the same temp as adults in the basking area day temp and night temp as an adult?

• Are there are any products you would recommend or keep away from?

Also any other advice for getting everything set up and a list of things I will need would be GREATLY appreciated.

I just want to make sure that the little guy is super happy and healthy and most of all I want to set him up to grow into the best tort he could possible be =D

 

[ascott]

Enclosure sounds great for a baby...
I personally would not use the aspen, however I would use a mix that includes coco coir and cypress mulch (coco coir 30% and mulch 70%) I normally would not suggest mulch but in this case I would due to the constant humidity.
The baby will need the same temps, but hydration should be at the top of the checklist especially for a baby....I would be sure to provide alot of hiding/shade spots in the enclosure...

Now, my post here will give your thread a bump ....where I am sure the UBER EXPERIENCED RT caregivers will give you their first hand advise....

Oh, once you get your baby...we LOVE PICS

 

[KassyO]

Thanks for the info, I tried to read around before I posted a bunch of questions, but everything I was getting seemed to be for adults and I know so much of the details vary from species to species. I know that it will not stay that humid inside my house but overall this is a damp swampy part of the country and I don't want the little guy to stay soggy (like I feel all the time)

Thanks for the input it will be a huge help when I start getting things set up. Also I am an editor for a photography company so there will be floods of cute photos.

I am so excited I could burst

I also have not made the final decision on what breeder to buy from so if anyone has recommendations that would be awesome.

 

[ascott]

I am so excited I could burst

LOL....we all can understand 100%, have fun in the process....

 

[lynnedit]

Same temps, same humidity (air humidity doesn't need to be as high as other torts, but substrate should be moist to touch underneath), same substrate as adults: cypress mulch and/or organic topsoil and/or coir. A mix is nice. Access to a shallow water dish. Some plants and hides.

Hatchlings like to hide a lot (so they don't get eaten), so be prepared for that.

It is awfully exciting to get a new friend who will last your entire life!

 

[KassyO]

Thanks a bunch! I think I am going with a Mario theme, I'll make the hides green pipes and bowsers castle,make the food table look like a star, basking spot a mushroom maybe. I made these ornaments for Christmas this year so I think I can find good materials that are safe but still keep the theme I'll make sure to take tons of photos



also I'm still looking for a good reputable breeder

 

[Lindsey123]

A Mario theme would be amazing!!! Be sure to post pics if you do!!!!