addyson123
Member
I may be way off base here, but for a full grown Russian tortoise, like yours, I think the MVB is ok. Just be sure to hang it high enough that it doesn't burn the tortoise's shell. I used them for years and the only problem I had with them was with baby tortoises, young, growing tortoises, which yours is not.
Provide a big enough enclosure with plenty of shade-making objects in it. For example plants, whether real or fake, decorations, etc. Give him a couple hiding places to choose from.
The problem with keeping a Russian tortoise indoors is it's hard to give them a big enough enclosure. Russian tortoises are hard wired to wander great distances looking for food. When contained in an indoor enclosure that's not big enough they dig at the corners, pace the walls, try to climb out. The very best place for a full grown Russian tortoise is in a save and secure outdoor pen/yard.
Okay, thank you. I'm considering getting an outdoor pen but I think he'd only be able to be out there during the summer as it gets very cold during the other seasons here. In your experience did the MVB bulbs run out sooner than others? The basking bulb I'm using right now has been really faulty and has burned out about once a month or so. Also, what is your experience with CHI bulbs? If I got a thermometer and/or a temp. gun to make sure it's not too hot, do you think that having both of these as well as possibly a regular LED bulb for light would be a good setup?