I came home and I saw my RT dangling from the edge!!! He climbed to the top of his log and was dangling from the edge of the enclosure!! Is this normal? Why does he want to escape so bad!?
This is very normal. No matter how large of a space, it seems, mine always sees a fence and wants to get through. Russians are known to be escape artists and acrobats. I've seen mine climb things that I would have never imagined! Just try to make sure you tortoise proof your area so you don't have to learn the hard way. Good luck!
Yes. They are not necessarily trying to 'escape', but they do love to climb and burrow and roam, and that is what they do.
If they see an obstacle, it seems climbing over it is necessary, rather than going around it.
This is my favorite thread about this: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-28398.html#axzz29HzIUcGs
Putting a 'lip' overhang around the edge (2-3") can help prevent your tort from getting out. Make sure hides and plants are not too close to the edge.