I decided today that I would order the tortoise. I found that lllreptile (a reputable company that I trust), had baby russian tortoises that were captive bred. I chose to go with them because I trust them, they work with their local breeders, and they have a health guarantee, which is something that private sellers don't usually give. I understand that they have recieved less attention than one that was being sold by its breeder (most likely), and that I don't get a choice in which I get, but I have faith that I will be satisfied with my first little tortoise.

I got the enclosure setup today. I got a rubbermaid container that's approximately 34"x14"x12" (considering the tortoise is only 1.5" right now...it will be fine in there for a little while). I cut the whole center out of the top and attached a 30"x12" screen to it, which is where I have a heat lamp and UV lamp set on. Inside the enclosure I have about 3-4" of dirt, a warm hiding spot and cool hiding spot (made out of the plate part of a clay pot), a shallow water dish sunk into the dirt a little, and a pile of timothy hay in the corner. Right now I'm trying to get the dirt heated up a bit so I can get the temps figured out.

We're going to start working on his/her final home pretty soon. It's going to be at last 4'long and 2'wide.

Thanks for all the help so far!

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