FYI: I changed his hide.

[RainsOn]

I recently read that a plastic shoe box would make a great hide for my Russian, Digger. He had "gone through" a couple small cardboard boxes I cut opening in and adapted to his indoor habitat. He was using them.
Summer this year (2025) has been quite rainy with temps about 20 degrees lower in Oklahoma. He has spent more time inside. Matter of fact, I find myself watching the thermostat and weather to get him outside for a couple hours in the warm afternoons.
After reading the note about a plastic shoe box, I thought that it would be more permanent and water proof - I frequently mist. So, I got a plastic shoe box and cut a hole in the end big enough for Digger to get in - I thought. Turns out, he just barely fit through the opening and once inside, could not turn around. He didn't use it more than twice. It was abandoned for a dark corner where he would burrow under the substrate (bark).
The shoe box, that had been for brumation, is now discarded in favor of a cardboard box. Will have to replace the shoe box before winter.
Just FYI

 

[zovick]

I recently read that a plastic shoe box would make a great hide for my Russian, Digger. He had "gone through" a couple small cardboard boxes I cut opening in and adapted to his indoor habitat. He was using them.
Summer this year (2025) has been quite rainy with temps about 20 degrees lower in Oklahoma. He has spent more time inside. Matter of fact, I find myself watching the thermostat and weather to get him outside for a couple hours in the warm afternoons.
After reading the note about a plastic shoe box, I thought that it would be more permanent and water proof - I frequently mist. So, I got a plastic shoe box and cut a hole in the end big enough for Digger to get in - I thought. Turns out, he just barely fit through the opening and once inside, could not turn around. He didn't use it more than twice. It was abandoned for a dark corner where he would burrow under the substrate (bark).
The shoe box, that had been for brumation, is now discarded in favor of a cardboard box. Will have to replace the shoe box before winter.
Just FYI

You could do as I have done at various times: buy a plastic tub (larger than the shoebox was), turn it over, and cut an appropriate sized hole in one end or side. Your tortoise could use that as a hide. Or just resign yourself to using cardboard boxes which will need periodic replacement, which I have also done many times.

Note: Tomato boxes used to be made of very heavy walled cardboard and were extremely good for this purpose. I used to get them from a local produce market.

 

[RainsOn]

Zovick, That's a great idea. I've pretty much had it with the plastic. A cardboard box can hold up a long time with a Russian. Another issue: I'm looking for a way to give him more floor space in this indoor habitat.
Summer has been short and a lot cooler this year.
Just like Digger: I found a sturdy box, cut the door and placed it in a dark corner of the habitat, filled it with new substrate and slightly dampened. I added a ramp so he could even access the top that is covered with felt. He dug in under the ramp and spent the night there.
I think I'm on to an idea for a second story. Will post when finished with construction.