HELP! What do I need?

[Monika]

I have been given a large tortoise table. I would like to get a 2-4 year old horsefield tortoise. Apart from the table I have not yet got anything else. What kind of lighting do I need? Does the light need to have a metal shade to project the heat? How close should the light be to the tortoise? Do I need a heater or heated mat? If a tortoise climbs up on some rocks or half a plantpot ,is there a risk of the tortoise fliiping onto his back? I would like to grow food for the tortoise but this will take time, what will I feed him on until I have my own supply. What is the best thing to cover the floor of the table with?
OK, I stop now, but might need to ask a few more questions before I feel confident to give a tortoise the best.
Thank you

 

[Crazy1]

Hi Monika, welcome to the forum I'd read up on The Russian thread to get an idea, as well as the enclosure, Tortoise Related Products, and food and diet areas of the forum to start. Congratulations on doing your research first. Here is another site, http://www.chelonia.org/PDF_care_sheets.htm

 

[Monika]

Thanks thats great!

 

[Jentortmom]

http://www.russiantortoise.org/index.htm is also a good read for the russian tortoise. No under tank heaters, light fixtures can be purchased at home improvement stores or pet stores, keep in mind you need 2 bulbs one for heat and one for uvb or one megaray which does both. For food ideas read the caresheet I listed, as well as plants they can eat. You will need to take your tort outside a couple times a week for real sun. They may flip over on hides but most can flip right back over. Just don't put water by the hides or under the heat lamp. Welcome to TFO!!

 

[Crazy1]

Oh and for the lighting make sure it is rated for the size bulb you get, 100 watt, 200 watt etc and has a ceramic base not a plastic one.

 

[Jenn1]

Russian Tortoises are grazers and enjoy broad leaf plants. The best diet is a variety of weeds (leaves and flowers). Dandelion is a favorite. For detailed diet information:http://www.russiantortoise.org/russiantortoisediet.htm for a list of edible plants: http://www.russiantortoise.org/edible_plants.htm and http://www.russiantortoise.org/plant_photos.htm
Substrates,The ideal is considered to be a 50/50 mix of sand and garden loam. Since garden loam is hard to find here, I substitute Bed-A-Beast or other brand of coconut coir. For me this works well. Others have used peat moss....but it tends to be too dusty.

Keep in mind that the substrate shouldn't be bone dry. In the wild they live in very arid conditions. But their burrows have up to 70% humidity!
Heating,The pen should have a cool end with the temps in the low 70's and a basking spot at 90-95°F. Night time temperature drops are needed. Mine do well with temps that drop down into the 60's at night. If they are kept too cool they can't digest their food. Too warm and they stop eating and aestivate (sort of like suspended animation).
T-Rex Active UVHeat, and Capture The Sun bulbs (click here for a comparison). These are used extensively in zoo's. The 100 watt flood is the most commonly used. While they do put out heat you may need to add a ceramic heat emitter to get the right temperature. Also make sure to get a good clamp on light fixture with a ceramic socket that is rated for the wattage bulb you buy.. Home Depot has them for about 10 bucks.
The light should be at least 12" from the top of the substrate.
I use the T-Rex 100 watt,you can get it from
http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/catalog/

 

[Monika]

Thank you everyone for your help, eveything seems alot clearer now.