Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm going to buy a Russian tort later this week, and I was wondering if this was a good set up

50 gallon plastic storage container; A substrate of Potting soil (Without fertilizer or those little syrafoam balls) and play sand mizzed 50/50. A mercury vapor bulp on one side, and a small hidey house, made out of a smaller storage conatiner, on the other side. A food and water bowl made out of those things you site on the bottom of plant pots to catch water. They will both be slighty in the middle. The diet will be based off of RussianTortoise.net, the diet page lists some things I can buy to make a 'salad'.
I plan on soaking my tortoise eithier every3 days, and then on saturdays a 20 minute 'warm' bath.

He'll be allowed outside for around 30-40 minutes each day and I bought a Tortoise grazing mix from Carolina Pet Supply to plant for him so he can graze when let out.

Just so you know, I live in North Carolina. Around the Charlotte Area.

Also, I plan to go the Myrtle Beach in mid August, What should I do with my tortoise? Would his vet house him for a week?

thanks, If my set up is more suited for another Tortoise.. Please tell me. Thanks.

Everything looks good to me. Do you have a timer for the light? Its not needed but its easier than having to worry when to turn it on and off. And a thermometer also is a good idea.

For when you go away, you'd have to ask your vet if they would or not. You can make small baggies of his 'salad' mix for however much he eats in a day and have someone come over to feed and check up on your tort. Thats what I'd do with mine since my enclosure is so large it would be a pain to move it elsewhere. Hope that helps.

Stephanie