New owner of baby Russian tortoise

[loloheilman]

Hi there, my name is Laura and I live east of Portland Oregon. We have had our baby tortoise for 2 days. It came from Tortoise Supply and we are very pleased with the service they have provided. I am a nervous new owner btw. The first day the tortoise was active, ate a bunch and played outside for a bit. It is being kept inside in a Tortoise house. We have hides and a Mercury vapor bulb for day (12 hours). I am a bit concerned about night time although it will not dip below 70 probably. Both nights the tortoise has burrowed down for night as soon as light is off. I am considering a heat source at night. Makes me nervous that it could get too chilled. Thanks for listening.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome, Laura!

 

[Tom]

70 is not too cold for a russian over night.

Try these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome

 

[teresaf]

70 is not too cold for a russian over night.

Try these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Even a Russian baby?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Laura and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
If you do want to control night time heat a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) connected to a thermostat can help eliminate worry.

 

[Tom]

Even a Russian baby?

Yes. I let my 20 recently bought and raised russian hatchling get down to 65-70 at night. Totally fine for this species.

 

[Careym13]

Welcome to TFO!!

 

[loloheilman]

Thanks so much for the info. I am just wanting the best for this little being. It is so cute and seems heathy. I need to bring it in for a vet visit just to introduce to our vet.

 

[Speedy-1]

Hi and welcome from the Desert !

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Thanks so much for the info. I am just wanting the best for this little being. It is so cute and seems heathy. I need to bring it in for a vet visit just to introduce to our vet.

Make sure you go to a recognized herp vet.
Sadly, many ordinary vets are worse than useless with tortoise care.

 

[Alaskamike]

Ditto on the vet
Took my sulcata to a local vet and he thought the peaks ( pyramiding) was ". Interesting " and liked the looks of it.

I had to explain that the shell should be smooth , and that was from rather improper care before I got him. A 56$ charge later he gave me an eye ointment ( I requested ) for him I could have bought on line for 8$

No problem with a check up by an experienced herp vet.
But I suggest anything prescribed for him be checked out here. There are a dozen or more members with extensive medical experience caring for tortoises as well as a few vets.

I love veterinarians - almost became one myself. But a second opinion is always a good idea.
Good fortune to you

 

[pam]

Welcome