Tortoise keeps trying to escape from new enclosure!

[eddig95]

About 3 weeks ago i built a new wooden enclosure for my Russian tortoise. I read that when they are first introduced to their new home, it is common for them to try and escape. I was wondering, it is common for them to try and escape (constantly climbing on the walls) even 3-4 weeks after living in their new home? Thanks in advance!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Russian Tortoise! Yes, folks, this is what Russian tortoises do. They only time they stop this behaviour is when they are outside or else in a very, very big indoor habitat.

 

[Tom]

Yvonne is right, as usual.

What size is your enclosure? Temps? Lighting?

If you post some pics we might be able to offer some helpful solutions.

 

[eddig95]

My enclosure is 4ft by 2ft and I keep his uvb light on about 12 hours a day. The temperature is around 78 degrees currently! I'll post some pics shortly! Thanks again everyone!

 

[Tom]

Is he an adult?

What sort of UV bulb are you using? The coil types can damage their eyes and they often try to move away from them.

Where is it 78 degrees? There are four temps to be aware of. Warm side, cool side, basking spot and night.

 

[eddig95]

I'm using a zoo med repti sun 10.0 uvb 24 inch light. I'm am unsure of his shelter temperature however at night the temperature drops to about 72 degrees.

 

[Tom]

Please click the first link in my signature and read. It will help you and your tortoise.

 

[eddig95]

Please click the first link in my signature and read. It will help you and your tortoise.

Thank you for your help! About the lighting, I have a 24 inch repti sun UVB tube bulb, rather than a coil bulb. The long tube bulbs are okay right? I just realized my mom has an infrared laser thermometer so I will be using that often! Thanks alot!

 

[Tom]

I have never seen one of the long tubes cause a problem. Have fun with the thermometer. I use mine all the time.