Work In Progress!

[gopherhockey03]

Hey guy's just started my Russian Tort Box! Any pointers!? Should I make the walls higher? Add a second level? Any ideas?

 

[pdrobber]

What are the dimensions? What are you using as a bottom/liner? What are you going to use for lighting/heating, substrate, water bowl, feeding spot, hides? etc...

 

[fbsmith3]

How big is your Russian? Age? Sex?

You should probally go onto the introduction threads and introduce yourself.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Be sure to put caps over the corners to prevent escapes...Russians are very good at using corners to escape...

 

[lynnedit]

Above suggestions all good. Side height depends on the size of your tort. You have to account for adding 4-6" of substrate, and then the sides should be about 1.5 to 2x their length. Capping the corners is essential, sometimes it works just to put a small over hanging edge, even 3", all around so you don't have to worry.
They will use ANYTHING to get a leg up and out.

 

[gopherhockey03]

Don't exactly have a Tort yet but working on it, plan on getting a hatchling with in the month! just getting prepared! But its 4' 5" X 3' Walls are 1' high. The bottom is artificial ice had some left over, it's waterproof and not toxic at all. I plan on using Topsoil with Cypress mulch on top... Would like to put aspen under the heating lamp... Not sure on the heating lamp yet tho anything you guy's would recommend recommend? I would just like to get it right the first time so all opinions are awesome! o and here's me introduction..... http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Tanner#axzz1bfIV8L68

 

[ascott]

all good, but may want to leave out the aspen bedding...not good stuff, especially for a hatchling...

 

[pdrobber]

artificial ice? is it just a clear plastic sheet? cypress and soil sound good. you can get an MVB or basking lamp and long strip tube UVB...pretty much the most commonly used lamp setups here.

 

[gopherhockey03]

Painted also added extra level!

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Still not done! Going to make the walls a bit higher and paint the entire thing!

 

[SulcataSquirt]

Looks very neat. From what I understand Russians are the ultimate escape artists and are known They may see your ramp and second level as an easy challenge to climb right over. I would recommend clear plexy or something to make it taller and keep them from getting over. Keep us posted with updates.

 

[fiftyfive]

That ramp = escape!

Also the popcycle sticks make good climbing and will probably end up breaking when they start leaning and climbing on them. I would suggest a redesign. Perhaps lower the platform and raise the edges?

 

[jackrat]

Keep fine tuning it,it's lookin good.

 

[tyler0912]

Did you get this idea of youtube?
If saw i watched the video!
It looks very good!