new tortoise

[juliebully]

I have a new russian tortoise, female, around 2 years old.  She was very active until yesterday, when I changed her home from coconut bark to half bed-a-beast brick, half sterilized sand.  She just dug herself a hole and has been hiding all day.  What do I do?

[Bertas Tortoise]

My tort doesnt like sand and usually just lays there with her eyes closed. I switched to a jungle mix (woodchips and what not) She seems to like that best. I would try it without the sand and see if there is a change in her behavior. Since they love to burrow I find that this works out the best. I hope this helps you out a little bit. GOOD LUCK!!   

[joliekat]

Julie, my tort Frank did something similiar.  I just redid his house and put more substrate in and he dug in and stayed there for almost 24 hours then came out and started exploring and being normal again.  I think it just takes time for them to adjust to changes is all.  Personally, I don't mix in the sand but I make a sort of beach in one section for basking.  That way it stays warm and if it gets in his eyes when he burrows in the coconut coir it gets rubbed off.  Have fun and good luck.

[juliebully]

Thank you all for your help!  I think I'm going to get another "brick" tomorrow and just put that in, with no sand and see what happens.  Alison (my Tort) also has the"hiccups".  I've noticed this is because of a calcium deficiency?  What is the exact light I should have for her?  Thanks!

[Joe H]

Sand and bed-a-beast is the closest you can get to ideal

Most problems with it are because its too wet or too dry

[joliekat]

Julie, the best light in my opinion is the T-Rex 100watt UVB/heat bulb.  I like it because that way you only need one bulb.  You can get them at Joe's place.  I think it's great because they provide the necessary UVB and heat to make for a healthy tortoise.  In the basking area it should be around 90-95F and 70F in the cooler area.  I keep my light on for 12-14 hours a day to make sure my tort gets enough and so he doesn't even think about hibernating. 

Also, don't forget that they really like the substrate to be at least 5" thick so they can really get in there and start tunnelling.

[Bertas Tortoise]

My tort has had the same problem with the "hiccups" I just purchased some TNT from joe's website. he said this is a great calcium supplement. You can also get her a calcium bone. You just leave it in her house and she will eat it. If you cant find the TNT at a reptile store you can order it right from joes webite. i cant wait to start using it. Good luck and you should really check out www.russiantortoise.org if you havent yet. This site is crammed full of awesome info!

[juliebully]

Thanks so much for all your help and suggestions!  I'm going to get the T-Rex 100 W UVB/heat bulb today and try that.  For now, I'll keep the cage as is, and see if she gets used to it.  I guess I need to get the TNT.  thanks again!