New Russian Tortoise Owner

[Duckster RT]

I’m happy for you and your tortoise. Sometimes ppl can make you feel like your not getting it right but they just want you to learn how to keep your new buddy heathy and safe. I’m sure you will be great. If you put the time in you won’t believe how they run up to you like a dog.

 

[Crush da Baum]

I’m happy for you and your tortoise. Sometimes ppl can make you feel like your not getting it right but they just want you to learn how to keep your new buddy heathy and safe. I’m sure you will be great. If you put the time in you won’t believe how they run up to you like a dog.

Well said.

 

[Cozmo88]

You can also make a cheap outdoor enclosure with cinder blocks.

What would you recommend that I cover it with? Some type of screening material? I have hawks that fly around my neighborhood so I wouldn’t want to come home one day and he’s gone so I would need some type of cover

 

[Cozmo88]

I’m happy for you and your tortoise. Sometimes ppl can make you feel like your not getting it right but they just want you to learn how to keep your new buddy heathy and safe. I’m sure you will be great. If you put the time in you won’t believe how they run up to you like a dog.

I think Leo already does that, haha. Anytime I go up to his cage he comes to greet me

 

[Crush da Baum]

What would you recommend that I cover it with? Some type of screening material? I have hawks that fly around my neighborhood so I wouldn’t want to come home one day and he’s gone so I would need some type of cover

Maybe. If you build it 6 by 10 foot then you can go to lowe’s and get a chain link fence part like I did. It cost me 60 bucks. Or you can get wire and build a frame. I do not think a hawk would see a tort and think prey instantly but there is still a chance. Better safe than sorry. I have also heard they hunt prey based off of movement so maybe they just attack what ever is small and moving.

 

[Cozmo88]

Hi guys,

I bought the supplies for his outdoor enclosure that I will work on this weekend.

I’m still in the process of trying to research safe flowers to be able to plant in his enclosure. For the time being, would you guys think it’s okay if I gave him this (pictured below) and sprinkled some on his food everyday? Whatcha guys think?

 

[Crush da Baum]

Hi guys,

I bought the supplies for his outdoor enclosure that I will work on this weekend.

I’m still in the process of trying to research safe flowers to be able to plant in his enclosure. For the time being, would you guys think it’s okay if I gave him this (pictured below) and sprinkled some on his food everyday? Whatcha guys think?

Awesome! I have never tried that. If you do want dried foods I would give Kapidolo farms a glance. They have a lot of nice stuff. https://kapidolofarms.com/

 

[Cozmo88]

So, I later out my enclosure. (It’s not done, don’t judge my picture, lol). I still need to dig underneath and put up a perimeter in the ground to make sure he can’t dig out. I have more blocks to put on top of the others ones so he can’t climb out, no worries!

Anyway, are the plants that are in my backyard safe for him to eat? Pictures attached. There’s some clovers and weeds but I want to make sure these ones aren’t toxic to him.

 

[Crush da Baum]

Wow it looks amazing! I love it. I have no idea if those plants are safe, but if you post them on the plant ID section, I am sure there will be people who will be able to identify them for you.

 

[Rogue097]

Hi - about the baths. I read from someone else on here that it can help to give them a soak right around when they're waking up. When I do that mine will sit in there content and take some drinks for a good 20-30 minutes before he gets antsy. If I just pick him up while he's doing something, he's definitely not having any of that bath

 

[Cozmo88]

Hi - about the baths. I read from someone else on here that it can help to give them a soak right around when they're waking up. When I do that mine will sit in there content and take some drinks for a good 20-30 minutes before he gets antsy. If I just pick him up while he's doing something, he's definitely not having any of that bath

Oh thank you for that tip! I will try that!!

 

[Snoopy’s mom]

So, I later out my enclosure. (It’s not done, don’t judge my picture, lol). I still need to dig underneath and put up a perimeter in the ground to make sure he can’t dig out. I have more blocks to put on top of the others ones so he can’t climb out, no worries!

Anyway, are the plants that are in my backyard safe for him to eat? Pictures attached. There’s some clovers and weeds but I want to make sure these ones aren’t toxic to him.

Try this link https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/a-z/#.XwipPyhKiHs I have it on my phone so I can check out the plants wherever I am. It has pictures, the scientific and common name, and if you can feed it all the time, moderately and do not feed at all.

Good luck

 

[Cozmo88]

Try this link https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/a-z/#.XwipPyhKiHs I have it on my phone so I can check out the plants wherever I am. It has pictures, the scientific and common name, and if you can feed it all the time, moderately and do not feed at all.

Good luck

Thank you so much for this site!!

 

[tortlvr]

Oh thank you for that tip! I will try that!!

Just make sure to cover the corners. These guys are good climbers.

 

[Sleppo]

Yes they are incredible climbers and relentless diggers. I embedded bricks underground all around the inside perimeter of my enclosure and a month in one of my girls escaped. I would also suggest some sort of top to keep any predators (raccoons, dogs etc.) away. Look up my recent post about enclosure draining to see pics of my set up and see the dangers of not having proper drainage. Make a hide for yout tort too, they need a place to escape out of the sun/elements. Good luck!

 

[Snoopy’s mom]

Hi guys,

I bought the supplies for his outdoor enclosure that I will work on this weekend.

I’m still in the process of trying to research safe flowers to be able to plant in his enclosure. For the time being, would you guys think it’s okay if I gave him this (pictured below) and sprinkled some on his food everyday? Whatcha guys think?

I give Snoopy that every now and then. He seems to enjoy a little change in his diet

 

[Cozmo88]

Just make sure to cover the corners. These guys are good climbers.

Yes, I have more of the blocks to put on top of the ones that are there now so he won’t be able to climb over it

 

[Cozmo88]

Yes they are incredible climbers and relentless diggers. I embedded bricks underground all around the inside perimeter of my enclosure and a month in one of my girls escaped. I would also suggest some sort of top to keep any predators (raccoons, dogs etc.) away. Look up my recent post about enclosure draining to see pics of my set up and see the dangers of not having proper drainage. Make a hide for yout tort too, they need a place to escape out of the sun/elements. Good luck!

Yes, I’m going to put 6” wood all around the perimeter underneath his enclosure. He will be out for a few hours a day and will still come inside at night. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing he’s outside all alone. And, I do plan to get some type of wire cover to cover it all, as I do have hawks that fly around so I don’t trust him being out in the open

 

[Cozmo88]

Hi guys,

his new and improved home came in today. I’m airing it out though because I think it smells funny. I’m switching him from the small glass tank to a wooden box (pictured below). This new home will be his indoor enclosure for the night and of course during winter when he can’t go outside because I don’t want to hibernate him.

I’m also learning there’s not enough humidity in his home right now. Do you think I should go with a mist humidifier or a humidity hide? (Pictures also below)

thank you for responses