I’m getting a tortoise on Sunday!!!!!

[TotoroTortoise]

I’m getting a Russian tortoise this Sunday and I AM SOOO EXCITED. I keep thinking of random questions as I’m setting up the enclosure... first, what do you put below the ground/coconut mixture to protect the wood?
Thanks!! I’ll be sure to share photos!!

 

[wellington]

You can seal it with outdoor paint, line it with plastic, some put down vinyl tiles. Some don't seal it at all and it lasts for years.
While waiting on Sunday, be sure to read the Russian caresheet.
Congrats on your tort and don't forget to share pics.

 

[TotoroTortoise]

You can seal it with outdoor paint, line it with plastic, some put down vinyl tiles. Some don't seal it at all and it lasts for years.
While waiting on Sunday, be sure to read the Russian caresheet.
Congrats on your tort and don't forget to share pics.

I read that a couple days ago, and then printed it and put it on our fridge! LOL! That’s going to be my tortoise bible.

 

[vladimir]

congratulations! You've found the best place for a new tortoise keeper.

 

[saleena.lewis]

That's so exciting!

 

[TotoroTortoise]

Next question!

I live in an apartment and the neighbors have agreed to take my tortoise out when they’re outside (3-4 hours a day). What kind of take down outdoor enclosure might you recommend?

 

[Blackdog1714]

Since you are at an apt you would probably need something portable. A dog exercise pen would just need some fabric attached so the tort couldn’t sneak out through the fencing and for a shade cover.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Will your new bff be an adult? Hatchling? In between? I'm excited for you!

 

[janevicki]

So happy for you! Looking forward to all your new posts!

 

[Tom]

I’m getting a Russian tortoise this Sunday and I AM SOOO EXCITED. I keep thinking of random questions as I’m setting up the enclosure... first, what do you put below the ground/coconut mixture to protect the wood?
Thanks!! I’ll be sure to share photos!!

Where are you getting it? How old is it?

The best way to protect the wood is to not use wood.

Large kiddie pools from Walmart make easy and portable outdoor enclosures. Just be careful no to put the tortoise anywhere that gardeners have sprayed chemicals. Often they will tell you there are no sprayed chemicals because they think that is what you want to hear, when in fact there are. Be sure the neighbors know to watch temp carefully and make sure tortoise always has some shade available.

Just to make sure you've got the current care sheet, here it is again:

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[TotoroTortoise]

Where are you getting it? How old is it?

The best way to protect the wood is to not use wood.

Large kiddie pools from Walmart make easy and portable outdoor enclosures. Just be careful no to put the tortoise anywhere that gardeners have sprayed chemicals. Often they will tell you there are no sprayed chemicals because they think that is what you want to hear, when in fact there are. Be sure the neighbors know to watch temp carefully and make sure tortoise always has some shade available.

Just to make sure you've got the current care sheet, here it is again:

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

I’m getting him off Craigslist from someone who’s had him for over a year, they think he’s three.

Are you recommending a kiddie pool for indoor? The wood question was in regards to the indoor enclosure. What would you recommend for an indoor enclosure if not wood?

 

[TotoroTortoise]

Will your new bff be an adult? Hatchling? In between? I'm excited for you!

He will be three years old... so I’m assuming that’s in between for a tortoise!

 

[TotoroTortoise]

Since you are at an apt you would probably need something portable. A dog exercise pen would just need some fabric attached so the tort couldn’t sneak out through the fencing and for a shade cover.

That is genius!! Thank you!

 

[Hutsie B]

I used a dog exercise pen this summer with my new RT before I can build him a proper enclosure. I have enclosures but they are for shade loving turtles. I need to build one for a sun loving one. Next spring I plan on doing that. good luck with your new RT!