Today I'm getting my first tortoise, a russian tortoise. He is male, and about 5 (he was caught in the wild, so I don't know his exact age). Before I get him, I would like to have his home ready. I've already chosen him out. He has been treated for parasites, and looks very healthy and happy. He was the more lively of the 2 in the pet store. I'm going to name him a week after I get him so I have some idea of his personality.
I have a 50 gallon rubbermade bin. For substrate, I'm thinking of using 50% coir, 50% sand (is this good?). I'll have a mounted heatlamp on one side for basking in. I'm going to put in 3 hiding spots, one near his basking spot, one in the middle, and one far away from his basking spot, so he can hide at whatever temperature he wants. I'm going to put in a cuddle bone in for him to get calcium. I'm planning on having a sperate soaking/pooping/drinking bin so that I dont have to clean a water bowl every day. Once the weather gets warmer I want to give him an out-door enclosure.
Anything wrong with any of this? Anything else I need to keep him healthy/happy? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
(sorry, no pictures, I haven't gotten him yet)
I have a 50 gallon rubbermade bin. For substrate, I'm thinking of using 50% coir, 50% sand (is this good?). I'll have a mounted heatlamp on one side for basking in. I'm going to put in 3 hiding spots, one near his basking spot, one in the middle, and one far away from his basking spot, so he can hide at whatever temperature he wants. I'm going to put in a cuddle bone in for him to get calcium. I'm planning on having a sperate soaking/pooping/drinking bin so that I dont have to clean a water bowl every day. Once the weather gets warmer I want to give him an out-door enclosure.
Anything wrong with any of this? Anything else I need to keep him healthy/happy? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
(sorry, no pictures, I haven't gotten him yet)