Welcome to the forum, Lou and Raffe!Hi all My name is Lou and im in Wales, Uk. I am the a proud mum Russian Tortoise is called Raffe "A.K.A Raffaele (?Teenage Mutant Ninja Tortoise?)
Hi lyn. Thanks for your message I'll definitely get rid of the grass, your right in the bad advice from pet shop as they sold me loads on the set up and I've almost had to replace everything through researching my self. Raffe sure can let me know if he likes or dislikes something ? As for the temperature strip that was on the tank when I bought it, i have digital thermostat thermometer x 2, one at basking area and one other end. And a timer on the uvb strip light. I'll add picture now, please let me know if this is ok. Thanks LynHi Lou,
I'm also in Wales.
The caresheet is full of up to date information so read that and ask as many questions as you like.
You'll also find www.thetortoisetable.org.uk very useful in finding nutritious tort safe foods.
Pet shops are renowned for selling unsuitable and unsafe equipment for torts because they are only interested in profit and know very little about tort care, so if you want to check if the lamps, substrate, water dishes etc, you have are safe then post some pics and you'll get good advice to help you keep Raphael happy and healthy.
Just a few pointers to consider - the fake grass you have in the viv isn't recommended because it could be nibbled, plus it will soak up urine so it will smell and harbour bacteria. Russians like deep, moist (not wet) substrate to dig in to. Also do you have a thermometer to measure temps at tort level? The temp strip is too high for that and I don't know how accurate they are. There are some good digital thermometers/hygrometers you could use to measure temps and humidity, and a digital temp gun is great for spot checking the temps around the enclosure.