my tortoise has done that to me more than once.
I did, however, just go through set up myself, so I figured I'd list it out. Take from it what you will I believe, however, that because of the high humidity needs of babies, wood is something we have to look into later on. Large plastic tubs or aquarium tanks seem to be the norm. 
Thanks for the temp gun/humidity monitor recommendations! I wanted to get another for hibernation this winter and was already regretting the "shopping around" for one.
Sorry for a second reply -- do you put rocks in the water dish?
Thanks so much for such a thoughtful response! I really appreciate all your advice - experienced or not! I should be receiving my temperature gun today! I may need to rethink his enclosure with the plastic tub etc...Thanks again!Hi Julie
I am a new russian mom as well (arrived just Wednesday) and I completely understand how overwhelming this all is. I am not sure how old your baby is, so I am going to assume it is around the same age as mine, which is 3 months.
This care sheet http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/ was probably the resource I used the most in setting up my current enclosure. From there, I pestered everyone with specific questions until I was comfortable with my choices.
I am in no way an experienced owner...in fact I think you have me beat in terms of ownership!
Temperature gun: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053Y6IPE/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
Humidity Monitor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013BKDO8/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
The temp gun is awesome for spot checking different parts of the enclosure, soaking water temps and just about everything else in your house lol. The humidity monitor is much easier to read than the dial one (which I also have) and seems more accurate.
Your table is so cute!! And it looks like you guys put a ton of time into it, I love all the personal details
I don't think this is the same tub I bought at Target, since I went into the store, but it is close: http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-u...-lid-116-qt/-/A-14757117#prodSlot=medium_1_29
The recommended substrate from the caresheet is coco coir: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010OSIHW/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 I used all 3 bricks in my tub. It is easy to rehydrate and ends up almost the consistency of wet potting soil. Not something you'd want in your wooden enclosure, but easy done in the tub
Here is a picture of my current enclosure, which is still very much a work in progress!
View attachment 149918
By far the hardest part for me has been keeping the humidity up over 80% in my enclosure. I broke the lid of my tub trying to cut it, and ended up using plastic wrap around the edges to try and hold some of it in. I have spent most of the past two days hovering anxiously over my gauge, spray bottle in hand! I am headed to Home Depot tomorrow for plexi glass and will be trying my hand at fashioning a lid for the first time ever. If nothing else, these tortoises sure make us creative!
I also had a similar experience when I first joined the forum, but reminded myself that while my questions are very urgent and important to me, they most likely have been asked hundreds of times before. I spent some time working through old threads and was able to narrow my questions down in ways that received some excellent advice.
I know this post is painfully long, so I will end here!
Best of luck
I do have rocks in the water dish, and around it. That was suggested in the baby care sheet, to give them extra footing getting in and out. We took a trip down to the creek and went on a rock hunting trip to find flattish ones that would work well--a quick wash and boil and all set! The only part of the enclosure that was free LOL!
There is a learning curve with all this, and as first timers there is no way we are going to get it all right the first time. You already have the most expensive parts, so playing with a new tub enclosure should hopefully be inexpensive and fun I don't think we'll ever be finished creating new and improved homes for these little guys! And that said....Home Depot, here I come!
This is my tub at the recommended 80% humidity for hatchlings (actually I think this picture was reading a little below that, but it takes the meter some time to catch up). Before this, I had nooo idea what 80% humidity looked like, so I thought you might want to take a look! Spraying down the sides seems to help, but it doesn't last long. It is a constant struggle to keep it up, so hopefully the new lid will help...that, or I will wind up with spray bottle carpal tunnel! 
