Hello everyone. I'm Charlotte and I just got a Russian tortoise only a few days ago. I bought her from Petco, she was a surrendered animal, and since I called beforehand they said they'd sell her to me for $35 if I picked her up that day. Yes, I realize she could be sick and whatnot, but to me every animal needs a home and I'm not going to leave a poor sick tortoise at Petco just to go pick up a healthy one because that's greedy in my opinion. Anyway. Apparently shes "around 1" but I think she looks older than that, and I could tell the lady at Petco didn't know crap about Russian tortoises.
I've done my research, and yes I realize my enclosure is not nearly what it should be. Before I picked her up I read that glass enclosures are not recommended because they can get hurt so I got a plastic one. This was the biggest one at Target, there was no 50 gallon. Well, I didn't think and got a clear plastic container. She was confused at first but she hasn't been going to the edges today and seems comfortable. Right now I'm just relieved because after I gave her a bath, she finally ate some lettuce for me (Romaine). She wasn't eating the first couple of days, but she did seem to enjoy the bath.
So basically what I want to know is, what are your suggestions for a good enclosure? I think it's ridiculous that the 50 gallon rubbermaid from target that I've seen in pictures apparently costs around $15 and then the prices shoot up to $100+ for the black plastic "terrariums" I've seen (which are the same thing! a piece of plastic). I don't think I could build a tort table, I don't have any tools and don't really know anyone who could do it for me. Do you guys think if I could find the 50 gallon that would be enough? Or does anyone know of a bigger option? Thanks.
PS. Yes that is a little piece of apple in there, I know you're not supposed to give them fruit very often but I was attempting to give her that when she would not eat anything.
Should I be worried if my tortoise is making little noises once in a while, could it be a sign of a respiratory infection? Like a breathing out noise.
I've done my research, and yes I realize my enclosure is not nearly what it should be. Before I picked her up I read that glass enclosures are not recommended because they can get hurt so I got a plastic one. This was the biggest one at Target, there was no 50 gallon. Well, I didn't think and got a clear plastic container. She was confused at first but she hasn't been going to the edges today and seems comfortable. Right now I'm just relieved because after I gave her a bath, she finally ate some lettuce for me (Romaine). She wasn't eating the first couple of days, but she did seem to enjoy the bath.
So basically what I want to know is, what are your suggestions for a good enclosure? I think it's ridiculous that the 50 gallon rubbermaid from target that I've seen in pictures apparently costs around $15 and then the prices shoot up to $100+ for the black plastic "terrariums" I've seen (which are the same thing! a piece of plastic). I don't think I could build a tort table, I don't have any tools and don't really know anyone who could do it for me. Do you guys think if I could find the 50 gallon that would be enough? Or does anyone know of a bigger option? Thanks.
PS. Yes that is a little piece of apple in there, I know you're not supposed to give them fruit very often but I was attempting to give her that when she would not eat anything.
Should I be worried if my tortoise is making little noises once in a while, could it be a sign of a respiratory infection? Like a breathing out noise.
