You adopted a tortoise, now what? Ideally, you've already built a tortoise table; however a large 50 GALLON Rubbermaid bin (4ft long x 2ft wide) will suffice temporarily.
You'll want to consider something larger for the long term...either by connecting two bins, building a tortoise table or some other form of open-air enclosure. Glass or acrylic aquariums are not ideal for Russian Tortoises for a couple reasons... 1) the torts are confused by the glass and will pace trying to escape and 2) these types of habitats are hard to regulate thermal conditions. There are some great examples of tables, pools and cages in the Russian Tortoises, Hermanns and Greeks 2 Facebook group. The substrate should be a mix of organic topsoil (no additives, with absolutely no guano or fertilizers) and coconut coir. It should be damp enough to clump in your hand when squeezed, but you shouldn't be able to ring out water. Many tortoises enjoy digging. Make sure the substrate is at least 6" deep, we provide about 8" to a foot of substrate in most of our indoor enclosures. Provide a warm end (about 90-95F) and a cool end (70F) so your tortoise has the opportunity to bask or cool off. High quality MVB bulbs are the easiest way to achieve this and provide the necessary UVA/UVB torts need. (See posting on lighting). You'll want to include a hide (tipped over pot, small bucket or other place for the the tort to escape), a soaking dish (preferred is a glazed terracotta or ceramic pot saucer) and some things for to keep your tortoise busy during the day. Tortoises are grazers, so be mindful of choking hazards - small rocks, pebbles that can be accidentally ingested. Take your time and shift things around according to your tortoise's needs
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AuthorThe Tort Resort is a Whidbey Island based project dedicated to rescue and rehab of smaller tortoise species. Archives
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