Setting up for a Russian Tortoise - Constructive comments welcome

[Alex and the Redfoot]

@Tom

Not sure if you seen my previous post.

Forum I plan on attaching a hide for Sandy. To make more room to roam in the current 48"x72" enclosure. What would be a comfortable hide size be for an adult Russian? I could do a 24"x48" hide but do not think it needs to be that big. Also what size would the opening need to be for a adult Russian to get into hide? I am thinking 8"x8" opening.

Location of hide below.

Will be 2x framed, attached to enclosure with a skin of white vinyl sides like the enclosure. Will have a latched door on top for easy access for cleaning.

View attachment 378043

It would be outside the closed enclosure. Would the hide need to be heated? Or would the 80 degree temperature and 50+ humidity flow into hide via the closed enclosure? At worst during winter our basement never goes below 65 degrees at night. Usually the room is 70 degrees.

Everyone's thoughts.

Maybe, it's better to build an extension for the current enclosure? Just a walking area, not a box. You may want to experiment with growing live edible plants there.