Re: New Russian Tortoise owner- needs advice

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Posted by Terry on June 29, 2000 at 12:23:14:

In Reply to: New Russian Tortoise owner- needs advice posted by Paul on June 28, 2000 at 10:36:03:

Hi Paul,
the Russian Torts in the stores are Wild Caught. Often they have large parasite loads, pinworms being the most common.
A vet visit including a stool test is an absolute must for a new wild caught tortoise.

It can take a while to acclimate a wild tortoise so be patient.
If you can build an outdoor enclosure that would be great, and much better for the tortoise than a fish tank type environment.
Please tell us a bit about your set up.
What substrate are you using?
Wood chips can be toxic, cedar is extremely toxic.

Are you using a UVB light, a must if the tortoise is to be housed indoors.

What are the temperatures in the tank?
Russians prefer cooler temps than some species, and there must always be a heat gradient. A cooler side to the enclosure so the tortoise has a choice.
If kept at a constant hot temperature, the tort will become inactive.

Tanks heat up very quickly, so place a themometer at both ends.
Make sure that one end is cool around 70 degrees the other end around 80 - 85 no hotter.
Place the hide box in the cool end.

But if you can provide an outdoor enclosure, even just during the summer it would make a huge difference.

I have linked a web site below with photos of different set ups, check it out.

Answer the Q's above and make sure you make a vet appointment.

Hope this helps.
Terry.

habitats

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: Hi Paul, : the Russian Torts in the stores are Wild Caught. Often they have large parasite loads, pinworms being the most common. : A vet visit including a stool test is an absolute must for a new wild caught tortoise. : It can take a while to acclimate a wild tortoise so be patient. : If you can build an outdoor enclosure that would be great, and much better for the tortoise than a fish tank type environment. : Please tell us a bit about your set up. : What substrate are you using? : Wood chips can be toxic, cedar is extremely toxic. : Are you using a UVB light, a must if the tortoise is to be housed indoors. : What are the temperatures in the tank? : Russians prefer cooler temps than some species, and there must always be a heat gradient. A cooler side to the enclosure so the tortoise has a choice. : If kept at a constant hot temperature, the tort will become inactive. : Tanks heat up very quickly, so place a themometer at both ends. : Make sure that one end is cool around 70 degrees the other end around 80 - 85 no hotter. : Place the hide box in the cool end. : But if you can provide an outdoor enclosure, even just during the summer it would make a huge difference. : I have linked a web site below with photos of different set ups, check it out. : Answer the Q's above and make sure you make a vet appointment. : Hope this helps. : Terry.

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