My Russian runs into the tank. How Can I stop it

[Seahawks12]

Help Please

 

[Eduardo Hernandez]

How big is your tort and how big is the tank? It could be too hot, or just trying to tell you it needs a bigger enclosure. Tanks tend to be way too small for anything other than hatchling torts, especially for such an active species like Russians.

 

[Big Charlie]

It's worse when they can see out. They don't understand the concept of transparent glass. They need a large enclosure with sight barriers.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
Some people put tape around the outside of the glass so they can't see out.
But i agree with the above it probably needs a larger enclosure with objects of interest.
Check out http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Seahawks12]

Alright thanks everyone I had this tortoise for 3 years

 

[Seahawks12]

How big is your tort and how big is the tank? It could be too hot, or just trying to tell you it needs a bigger enclosure. Tanks tend to be way too small for anything other than hatchling torts, especially for such an active species like Russians.

 

[Seahawks12]

How big is your tort and how big is the tank? It could be too hot, or just trying to tell you it needs a bigger enclosure. Tanks tend to be way too small for anything other than hatchling torts, especially for such an active species like Russians.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

This is possibly why it is not happy in its tank.
If you give a tortoise a run of the house or floor, it isn't satisfied with the space restrictions of its enclosure as it is aware there is more to the world.
The floor is also a hazard as temps are hard to monitor and regulate, there can be draughts and a dust bunny or other tiny object could be consumed and cause impaction.

 

[Eduardo Hernandez]

I agree with Tidgy's Dad. Between the smallish enclosure and running around in the house, he probably now realized there is a bigger world out there apart from his tank.

 

[Seahawks12]

This is possibly why it is not happy in its tank.
If you give a tortoise a run of the house or floor, it isn't satisfied with the space restrictions of its enclosure as it is aware there is more to the world.
The floor is also a hazard as temps are hard to monitor and regulate, there can be draughts and a dust bunny or other tiny object could be consumed and cause impaction.

Oh okay it make sense I usually let him walk around the house I cant let him go outside because I'm in a apartment with no space almost no grass and the one that has grass dogs pee on it

 

[Pearly]

How about putting some plants in there? I raised mine in 40 gal breeder, which I had heavily planted with live plants, had couple hides, made some hills and caves in the substrate and never had the "running-into the glass" issue

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Oh okay it make sense I usually let him walk around the house I cant let him go outside because I'm in a apartment with no space almost no grass and the one that has grass dogs pee on it

So we make the best of what we have.
That tank is quite high, there may be the option of adding to one end a second level with a ramp up and rails to prevent falling.
What UVB are you using and is it outside or inside the tank ? Sorry I can't make it out in the photo.

 

[Seahawks12]

So we make the best of what we have.
That tank is quite high, there may be the option of adding to one end a second level with a ramp up and rails to prevent falling.
What UVB are you using and is it outside or inside the tank ? Sorry I can't make it out in the photo.

Its outside of the tank but I dont know what kind the uv is because my grandma got it for me so yeah. Also Do you mean like a second story?

 

[Seahawks12]

How about putting some plants in there? I raised mine in 40 gal breeder, which I had heavily planted with live plants, had couple hides, made some hills and caves in the substrate and never had the "running-into the glass" issue

What kind if plants do you reccomed and also should I change the bedding it is some pellets and wood chips my dad says it is fine for him but I dont know though

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Its outside of the tank but I dont know what kind the uv is because my grandma got it for me so yeah. Also Do you mean like a second story?

Yes, a second story.
The UVB light your tortoise needs will not penetrate the glass. It has to be fitted inside the tank. Is it a tube or a bulb ?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

What kind if plants do you reccomed and also should I change the bedding it is some pellets and wood chips my dad says it is fine for him but I dont know though

I use spider plants, but don't get anything from a garden centre as it will be full of, pesticides etc. You can also use plastic plants, but careful he doesn't eat them.
Please read the care sheets I linked for you very carefully. They give most of the information you need and are now asking.
You need coco coir, fine grade orchid bark (from a garden centre, this time, cheaper than a pet store) or cypress mulch. Something he can dig into and retains humidity.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Pellets are too dry and some wood chips are toxic to tortoises. What type are the chips ?

 

[Seahawks12]

Pellets are too dry and some wood chips are toxic to tortoises. What type are the chips ?

 

[Seahawks12]

Pellets are too dry and some wood chips are toxic to tortoises. What type are the chips ?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Those look like ordinary light bulbs.
Your tortoise needs a UVB source so it can synthesize vitamin D3 in its skin to help with calcium absorption. If it doesn't get UVB it will sicken and die.
You probably need a UVB tube and a basking light inside that tank.
I don't know what chips those are from a photo, i'm afraid. If they are pine or cedar, for example they are toxic to tortoises.