comments:
I noticed you said you would get a terrarium for the tort but I wanted to make sure you knew that glass enclosures are not a good idea for tortoises. Since this is an unexpected responsibility and expense, I am guessing it might be difficult to spend the full amount of what would be needed to give this tort a proper home. If that is the case, I have found that buying a raised garden bed like this one linked below is a good way to easily afford something for smaller spaces. I have two of these which I have connected buy cutting out a section big enough for him on each side, and connecting them via a little bridge I made. Best Choice Products 72" x 24" x 30" Raised Garden Bed with Extra Deep 16" Depth Since this is raised, I can store various stuff for him in a tote under the enclosure. I line the bottom of this enclosure with a silicone mat and then Coco coir fiber over that. The silicone mat is to reduce any moisture or substrate from escaping the bottom since this is a garden bed and was made for drainage. I also bought an extra long rolling clothes rack to place so that it is over the enclosure so that I can hang his lights and heat lamp safely. For enrichment I bought a wheel meant for cats (so it is big enough for a tort) and my little guy uses it daily. I am still building my outdoor enclosure and a greenhouse for my guy, but it has been slow going since I also deal with nerve damage from a spine injury. I have had my Russian tort for less than a year after a teacher friend realized she was not giving him proper care as a classroom pet. It is possible to make an enclosure on a budget, if your situation is like mine.