Guidance Needed Please

[Tom]

I need some guidance - I have had my Russian Tortoise for just under a year. He's gained a lot of weight and seems to be busting out of his shell. His shell is growing though I think. I believe we were giving him unhealthy food - zucchini, carrots, broccoli and lettuces. I've cut out the veggies and now he's eating lettuces. Ok - so my questions are:

1) What's an easy habitat I can build or buy for him. I'm embarrassed to say he's in the glass tank the pet store sold me. I want to get him out ASAP.

2) what's a good substrate? I'm using Zoo Med Repti Bark.

3) How do you keep substrate clean?

4) How much out of tank exercise is healthy for him?

Thanks so much!!!

1. Get a sheet of plywood, screw on some upright 2x12s, and put some legs on it. That's as easy as it gets.
2. The Reptibark is excellent, but very expensive from the pet store. You can get it in bulk from the hardware store or garden center. They might call it "Fir Bark" or "Pathway Bark" or something like that. Make sure its the fine grade. It also should be a little damp. Not wet, just not bone dry.
3. Regular soaks will keep your tortoise hydrated and your substrate clean since your tortoise will defecate in the water. I just remove any poop or leftover food when I see it.
4. Never let him roam on the floor. Its not safe. But do make and outdoor enclosure for him to run around and graze in. Its not all or nothing. Put him outside during nice weather, and bring him back inside on cold rainy days and at night.

Please read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Thanks. I was definitely worried about his shell. He mostly ate carrots, broccoli and zucchini during the first year. Just recently I've turned to different types of lettuces - endive, escarole, red leaf, collard greens and kale. Most recently I have gotten him dandelions. He loves them. Can I ask you a couple of questions - how do I keep his enclosure humid enough? do I spritz it? Also, I have had trouble finding plain organic dirt. The places I have gone have Miracle gro organic dirt or other types of plant food dirt.
Thanks so much. I really would like him to be as happy and comfortable as possible.

That sounds MUCH better!
I pout water in my coir and swirl it about... you don't coir, but just make sure the chips are damp feeling (very desrptive ) like moist.
I also mist daily, it helps keep my humidity hovering around 70% Is your yard fertilized? (if a yard is available!) Might be the best place for safe dirt. Unfortunately, I do not use potting dirt, but coco coir, so I can't help you on that one
I'm glad you're trying to make it great for him!!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Yep, Tom's is about as simple as it gets! Very easy AND cheap!
I'm sorry, I forget what kind of bulbs do you have?