Hi newby here,

just in the process of setting up for 2 Horsfields. Spoke to Darren at kimbos giving him all sizes of tort home (large rabbit cage) and required my megray heating/uv lamp, after his recommendations. Just a little confused on the times to have it on, after reading some of your comments I understand it can be turned of at night. Our little darlings when they arrive will be housed outside in my sons' summer house which is south facing and gets plenty of sun light to it and most days, british weather dependant, will be basking in natural sun light. Please help any comments would be most helpful

Paula

Hi Paula

Welcome to the forum, its nice to see you here  you will find lots of people willing to help and share their knowledge, and if you browse the website you will find lots of information and photos too.

You are right in that the basking lamp should be turned off at night, tortoises need a natural 'day/night' cycle, including a drop in temperature.  If you are worried that the overnight temps will drop too low, a cermaic heater connected to a thermostat is ideal.  The ceramic heater gives out quite a gentle heat (a 40w or 60w will be fine) and no light - set the thermostat so that the heater only kicks in at about 12C or less - I dont keep russians myself, but many people on the forum do, so they may be able to advise better on the overnight temps :)  During the day, the lamp should be on for around 8 - 10 hrs.  Having said that, the best place for any tortoise is outdoors when the weather is warm enough, so you will also need to set up a secure outdoor enclosure for them - if you have a look in the photo gallery you will see lots of examples of outdoor accommodation for juvenile tortoises - the golden rules are:  make sure it is secure from escape and predators - including wire or mesh over the top, and for russians who are expert escape tunnel diggers, some form of mesh buried into the soil, or alternatively, sink the sides of the enclosure down several inches.  Make sure the enclosure is well drained in the case of sudden downpours.  Make sure the enclosure is in a sunny position, but also has shade and shelter. 

Its great that the summerhouse has lots of natural light, that is really important to tortoises - can I jsut check one thing with you - as the summer house is south facing, have you checked what the temperature inside goes up to on a sunny day - we have a south facing conservatory, and it hits 40C on a sunny day even in the winter if it is all closed up.  Please just make sure that it doesnt get too hot in there, as the tortoises would be in danger of overheating, especially if the lamp was on too.

I hope this has helped, any questions, please ask away :)

all the best

Arlene

Hi Arlene,

just in process of getting temp from summer house, i thought same as you about it. There is ventilation in there as well so hopefully it wont become too stuffy for them. Thankyou so much for your reply it was very helpful.  Once we have the new additions to the family I will post some photos of them.

Thanks again, Paula

Hi Paula

Just wanted to say .  Arlene has given lots of really good information.

Keep the questions coming.

Helen