Russian "newbie" questions

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Paul in CT on July 30, 2000 at 21:00:42:

Hello,

I recently got a Russian Tortoise for my 10 year old daughter and I have
a few "newbie" questions.

1. What is the best thing to use for a substrate, I have read about dirt, sand,
bark mulch, commercial brands etc...but what is best?
2. I understand that in a natural haibitat the tortoise hibernates. This is indoor
pet so what happens? Will the tortoise hibernate in the winter if its indoors? Should
I encourage (or force) hibernation? Is it harmful it the tortoise doesn't hibernate?
3. I have a basking lamp, how many hours a day should that be left on?
4. I am very confused of the UV rays thing, does my Day-Glo incadecent light do that. If
not I assume I need to add a flourecent fixture. I have read and been told that the tortoise needs
UV rays. My question is how much, I have heard as little as 2-3 hours every few days to as
much as 12 hours per day. Which is right?

Thanks in advance to all. This really seems like an active helpful BB.

Follow Ups:

Re: Russian "newbie" questions KATHY 07/31/00 (0)
Re: Russian "newbie" questions Eric T. 07/31/00 (0)
Re: Russian "newbie" questions Eric T. 07/31/00 (0)
Re: Russian "newbie" questions EJ 07/31/00 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Hello, : I recently got a Russian Tortoise for my 10 year old daughter and I have : a few "newbie" questions. : 1. What is the best thing to use for a substrate, I have read about dirt, sand, : bark mulch, commercial brands etc...but what is best? : 2. I understand that in a natural haibitat the tortoise hibernates. This is indoor : pet so what happens? Will the tortoise hibernate in the winter if its indoors? Should : I encourage (or force) hibernation? Is it harmful it the tortoise doesn't hibernate? : 3. I have a basking lamp, how many hours a day should that be left on? : 4. I am very confused of the UV rays thing, does my Day-Glo incadecent light do that. If : not I assume I need to add a flourecent fixture. I have read and been told that the tortoise needs : UV rays. My question is how much, I have heard as little as 2-3 hours every few days to as : much as 12 hours per day. Which is right? : Thanks in advance to all. This really seems like an active helpful BB.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]