Male RT
New Member
I just got my russian tortoise 5 days ago from Petco. I know they suck, but it was my only way of getting one unless I ordered one online, and I was afraid of that. I did all my research. I didn't want to do the rubbermaid tote because I wasn't sure how to do the heating with it etc... So I have a 55 gallon tank. I cleaned it with 3% bleach and rinsed thoroughly. No smell. Repti bark substrate. alfalfa hay in hiding spot and basking area for bed (new today). He was use to being in a terrarium so I don't see how that could be the problem. For the first 2 days he wouldn't eat or drink and only laid under the basking light. Barely moved. After I found out he doesn't like kale, he'll eat romaine lettuce and I through pieces of kale in there because I know it's good for him. Now that he's eating and drinking finally, the past two days he's been climbing over EVERYTHING and trying to dig his way to freedom. I had to take out most of the stuff I had in there because he almost flipped himself over a few times. He doesn't hiss at my when I pick him up, but if i move too quickly towards his face he does (understandable). He can't see out of the enclosure. He has a large hiding spot he barely uses. He literally just hates everything. Only drinks when he's dehydrated. I soak him and he'll just try to escape. Peed once since I've had him. I know he could just be stressed... BUT IT'S STRESSING ME. I just want him to realize this is home now. )))):