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- Aug 6, 2013
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I just built this new home for my little Russian tortoise. Am I missing anything? I'm having a really hard time keeping it warm any suggestions? 
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New tortoise table
- Thread starter Cinnamon563
- Start date
very nice enclosure 
what are you temps? your tortoise doesn't need very high temps. try covering half of it with plexiglas/saran wrap/tin foil
what are you temps? your tortoise doesn't need very high temps. try covering half of it with plexiglas/saran wrap/tin foil
I second the lid suggestion. Also try providing a variety of hides and sight barriers to make him feel safe and mentally stimulated. You may also want to switch to a clay saucer for water.
A few suggestions.
As mentioned, get a low rim water bowl! Drowning risk with bowl shown!!!!!
Add a taller wall to the upper level, otherwise Russian will go over the wall into the lower level and flip on back.
Lamp needs to be on other end and pointing straight down. Build a adjustable height lamp stand so you can control basking temperature. Basking spot should be 95 degrees, cool side should be 70 to 75 degrees during the day. At night allow temperature to drop down to about 65 degrees.
The split level is great, promotes exercise and gives extra space.
Add a piece of slate for a eating area; will help trim beak and nails.
Change substrate to coco coir; will hold moisture better and prevent possible problems; if ingested it will pass through much easier. Or use top soil or combination of top soil and coco coir.
As mentioned, get a low rim water bowl! Drowning risk with bowl shown!!!!!
Add a taller wall to the upper level, otherwise Russian will go over the wall into the lower level and flip on back.
Lamp needs to be on other end and pointing straight down. Build a adjustable height lamp stand so you can control basking temperature. Basking spot should be 95 degrees, cool side should be 70 to 75 degrees during the day. At night allow temperature to drop down to about 65 degrees.
The split level is great, promotes exercise and gives extra space.
Add a piece of slate for a eating area; will help trim beak and nails.
Change substrate to coco coir; will hold moisture better and prevent possible problems; if ingested it will pass through much easier. Or use top soil or combination of top soil and coco coir.
Have your basking light point straight down. That will help concentrate the heat for a warmer basking area.
Nice enclosure size!!!!
In mine, I have a 100w basking light facing straight down. Some slates and small rocks underneath. It is positioned about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down.
Over the opposite side where there is a small second level (like yours), I have a 75w house bulb on one side. This is a clamp fixture with a 'C' clamp on it for extra security. It isn't facing straight down, but is more for light and a bit of heat.
I feed the tortoise up there on a tile.
(basking area to the left, out of picture)
In mine, I have a 100w basking light facing straight down. Some slates and small rocks underneath. It is positioned about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down.
Over the opposite side where there is a small second level (like yours), I have a 75w house bulb on one side. This is a clamp fixture with a 'C' clamp on it for extra security. It isn't facing straight down, but is more for light and a bit of heat.
I feed the tortoise up there on a tile.
(basking area to the left, out of picture)
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