New tortoise table build 1.0

[Tim Jacquez]

Hey tortoise people! So, like many of you, when I first got my new friend I had her in an aquarium. It was a decent sized one, considering how small Russian tortoises are, but after much reading and deliberation, I decided to build her a bigger enclosure. I built the basic part of the enclosure, a big 4'x3' box, but now that I've done the basics, I plan on spending a little more time on the complicated parts (ramp, raised heating area with hidey hole beneath, etc). I actually bought a dremel so that I could make it more elaborate and ornate. Buuuut, until I get around to that, here it is for now.

 

[Yvonne G]

You did a very good job, Tim. May I suggest that you put a small rim all around the top edge to keep the tortoise from climbing out. Then sink the waterer down into the substrate so the lip is even with ground level.

 

[lismar79]

Plants & rocks would be good too. Just don't put too close to the walls russians can climb like you cant believe! Small torts, big attitudes

 

[Tim Jacquez]

Thanks! Yeah I've considered adding to the side, and will do so when I make the second level additions. It's definitely high enough for now, but she is young. Landscaping was also on my to do list. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[lismar79]

Did you buy from a pet store like petco? The reason I ask is that I did & was told mine was young. Turns out she is at least 4 years to 8 yr old at 4 inches! Glad this forum straighten me out.

 

[Tim Jacquez]

Oh wow, yeah I bought her from Petsmart. How can one correctly age a tortoise?

 

[lismar79]

You really can't since you do not have a hatch date but I seen your avatar & figured you were told the same as I was petco/ petsmart sell wild caught russian since they have to be at least 4 inches to sell. Figure anywhere from 3 to 8 maybe.... just wanted you to be aware that he or she is prob a real experienced climber by that size. You can read tons of stories here about russians escaping. They are great diggers and better climbers!

 

[lismar79]

Are you sure its a girl?

 

[Tim Jacquez]

Actually, I'm just going off of what Petsmart told me... So no lol

 

[lismar79]

I was told mine was a boy....turned out it was a girl! Post pics of the belly by the tail. If i can not tell one of the pros will.

 

[Tim Jacquez]

Nevermind, she's definitely a female. I looked up the differences and compared her to the pictures.

 

[lismar79]

Great. Have fun picking out a name

 

[Tim Jacquez]

Actually her name is Shelly!

 

[Kathy Coles]

You might want to switch the water dish to a plain clay pot bottom. It's not as slippery as plastic ones so that will lessen any chance of them flipping over in it. Just a suggestion. Nice enclosure. I think all of our enclosures are constantly "a work in progress".

 

[Tim Jacquez]

After some reading and consideration I replaced the death trap of a water bowl with this terra cotta dish. Thanks everyone who suggested I replace it!

 

[lismar79]

They make good food dishes too. Easier for them to reach.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Looks very nice, but the substrate looks dry.