Russian Tortoise questions

[Nova]

Ok, I am buying a tortoise this month and I have chosen a Russian Tortoise at a local petco.... They sell this kit called a Tortoise Kit which has a tank and like shavings and lamps and such all in one big kit .... I am wondering if this will work out ok or do I need to build an enviroment all on my own.... I see alot of people who have very large enclosures for their tort's and the kit tank is smaller than most of the enclosures shown on this site..... will this kit satisfy my tort?

Also I live in Portland, OR so I am wondering what temp's my tort is gonna need?

any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[GBtortoises]

Check out this site which deals specifically with Russian tortoises in captivity:

www.russiantortoise.org

There are also plenty of experienced Russian tortoise keepers here that can help you also.

 

[chadk]

The kits are garbage. Just say NOOOOO.

 

[GBtortoises]

Chad is right, the kits are garbage.

Almost all of the supplies that you will need for your tortoise can be purchased most of the big stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, etc... Usually for less than a similar item packaged for a pet shop.

Generally speaking, Russian tortoises do well in daytime temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees during the daytime with a hot spot under a basking light of 95-105 degrees. Night time temperatures should be in the high 50's to low 60's. This is very general and speaking only of indoors. Outdoors, once properly acclimated, they can be exposed to much broader temperature extremes provided that they have large enough enclosure that is correctly set up.

 

[dmmj]

The kits are just a chance to make lots more money off of you, containers can be purchased at lowes or homedepot, I use cement mixing tubs for indoors, like 12 bucks at mine. save your money.