just got a rt

[jamb365]

im new to the forum and new to tortoises
I just picked up a russian tortoise he's 10 years old ive been told.
the tank that hes been living in is way to small for him so im building a table for him. was wondering what kind of substrate works the best. in his little tank its just dirt and peat moss i think it was dry when i got it should it be moist?
some of the concerns i have is that the bottom of his shell is cracked a bit. his nails are way to long im pretty sure and just from the pictures of the russians on here he is very small o and he bites its not hard but still.
thanks and im going to try and take some good pictures of toka tonight

 

[dmarcus]

Hello and welcome to the forum...

If you can post photo's of your tortoise's problem area's your question's will be easier to answer..

 

[Tortoise]

Welcome to the forum
Congrats on getting a tortoise.
I'm sure you will get responses to your questions soon

 

[Missy]

Welcome to TFO. I do not have RT but I use dirt and cyrpress mulch for substrate. Sounds like he may not have been handled much if he's a biter. It's great that you are building him a bigger table. Do you plan to have an outside enclosure as well?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi jamb365:

Welcome to the forum!! May we know your name and where you are?

 

[Fernando]

Hi! Welcome to TFO!

 

[jamb365]

thanks every one for the welcomes Im Jarvis and I live in sherwood park, alberta, canada
i dont plan on haveing an outside enclosure due to where i live but i take him outside every nice day we get lol.
and i still need to take some pictures. my camera is on the frits hopeing to get a new one this weekend. the pic is toka its just the one i got sent by the old owner

 

[dmmj]

Welcome
You have got a box turtle there, not a russian.

 

[Laura]

yep, Boxie.. start reading on ther thier care and diet needs.
they like moist areas.. acess to water, but do live on land.
looks like he had some care issues , hopefully you can make his life better.

 

[Jacob]

Hello and Welcome!
Congrats

 

[jamb365]

yep after some extencive picture matching i have also figured out that it a box turtle that closest i can figure out would any one know what kind of box turtle it is thanks

 

[River14]

Welcome
You have got a box turtle there, not a russian.

I like that. They may now try it in the water how exciting.

 

[dmmj]

Definitely looks like an ornate box turtle

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome.

 

[wrmitchell22]

Wow, that is so funny. I looked at the pic and was like, huh, that looks nothing like the russian I used to have? Low and behold it a box turtle. I now have no help to offer, I know nothing about boxies

 

[Yvonne G]

Yup, ornate box turtle (terrapene ornata ornata) with a slightly over grown beak.