Russian Tortoise Hatchling Habitat

[Tortoise MasterMan]

Hi! I took care of a Russian for a few year before I could not give it the time it needed, so I had to put it up for adoption. Now that I have more time, I want to start breeding Russians. I just want to know what habitat/substrate to use for the potential babies. Also, if anyone has a female Russian that they can't take care of anymore, I have a habitat ready.



Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

My substrate of choice for indoor tortoises, no matter what size/age, is small grade orchid bark.

 

[Tom]

I prefer to start Russians, other Testudo species, and DTs in large aquariums. I like them to have moderate humidity of 60-80%. I don't think they need the high humidity of 80-100% like some of the more tropical species. Depending on room humidity, I do cover part or most of the top. Closed chamber can also be used, and these are good, but I have to work a little more to keep humidity where I want it and leave things more dry to keep humidity at a "moderate" level instead of higher levels. I also find it more difficult to get the desired drop in night temps in a closed chamber when compared to a large tank with some of the top open.

For substrate: I prefer coco coir when they are little babies, and switch to fine grade orchid bark when they reach 3-4 inches in length. The coco coir can be messy, but its not harmful. I dump in about 8-10 inches of lightly dampened loose coir, and then firmly pack it all down with my hands. This makes a nice layer about 3-4 inches thick when you are done. The hand packing makes it a more solid surface for walking and also greatly reduces the mess factor. They can easily dig into this and make their own little humid microclimates. After about two weeks the coir seems to settle in and get a lot less messy. I keep smooshing it down as needed when and where ever they dig it up and make it messy.

Here is more info that might help:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-incubate-eggs-and-start-hatchlings.124266/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

When the time comes, do NOT use perlite for an incubation media. Babies always ingest some of their media, and perlite can be deadly.

Drawing from what I've learned from others: Keep the incubation media dry, but the incubation chamber humid for Russian eggs.

 

[Tortoise MasterMan]

Thanks!