Here we go!

[abclements]

Hey everybody!!!!

So I've finally decided that I'm going to get a Russian. I am going to get one from Petco (I went in there the other day and they just looked so cramped and sad that I knew I had to take one home!) So my question is... what do I look for in choosing one so that I know it is healthy?

Also, here is what I plan on using for a habitat for now. (He's going to be indoors most of the time due to really cold weather, but I already have an enclosure created for his time outside... I won't be getting one till early August but I want to have his enclosure all set up/tested/perfected before I go get him...

Enclosure:
http://www.homedepot.com/Storage-Or...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Obviously, a house big enough for him to fit in, some rocks, a basking rock, a water pond, maybe some sticks??

Lighting:

http://www.petco.com/product/111479...Bulb.aspx?CoreCat=MM_ReptileSupplies_Lighting
(Petco suggests this one for Russians)

http://www.petco.com/product/111473...ulbs.aspx?CoreCat=MM_ReptileSupplies_Lighting
(For full lighted enclosure, adjusting height to find correct heat)

Heating:

http://www.petco.com/product/5003/Z...Repticare Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitters-5003
(For basking spot along with both lights)

Substrate:
I am planning on using a 50% topsoil/50% Coconut Fiber
http://www.petco.com/product/104906...ber-Substrate.aspx?CoreCat=TurtleHPSubstrates

Food:
I'm planning on potting some weeds and letting them grow... But which ones are best?? What kind of veggies are best? And should I get that calcium sprinkle stuff??

Anyways, it's going to be a 2 level kinda deal... So I attached 2 crude Microsoft Paint drawings to help you get the idea. One is a top view and the other is a side view.



If you guys could look this over and let me know what you think. If you have any other suggestions/changes/things I need to fix, with anything I have laid out above, please, please, please let me know. I just want to make sure everything is perfect for my first Tortoise ever

Thanks so much!!

-Drew

 

[dmmj]

Pick a healthy eater with clear bright eyes. Active is good.

 

[alben909]

Always look for one with clear eyes, and make sure the nose is not running. He should be active. He will probably have parasites so take him to the vet soon after getting him.

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OH BTW, CHECK WITH TFO BEFORE TAKING ADVICE FROM PETCO. THEY ARE KNOWN FOR GIVING WRONG ADVICE.

 

[wellington]

Always look for one with clear eyes, and make sure the nose is not running. He should be active. He will probably have parasites so take him to the vet soon after getting him.

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OH BTW, CHECK WITH TFO BEFORE TAKING ADVICE FROM PETCO. THEY ARE KNOWN FOR GIVING WRONG ADVICE.

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GREAT BIG DITTO

 

[alben909]

LOL, you are always on the same posts as me Wellington.