Unlike many tortoise species, baby Russian tortoises do not require a super high humidity, however humidity is important to reduce the risk of pyramiding and ensure a good start at a long, healthy life. Baby Russian tortoises need a humidity between 50% – 70%.
The easiest way to maintain humidity is in a closed chamber enclosure.
What is a Closed Chamber Enclosure?
A closed chamber enclosure is one that is fully enclosed. A fully enclosed enclosure maintains heat and humidity.
An aquarium that is partially covered with lights on the outside is not a true closed chamber. The lights need to be on the inside. Otherwise with lights on the outside a chimney effect is created which draws cold, dry air into the tank. Bringing the cold air inside the enclosure, means that you’ll need to use a higher watt heat bulb in order to produce enough heat.
A real closed chamber has the lights and heat on the inside, which actually uses less electricity to run.
Make a Closed Chamber
You can make a closed chamber habitat by building the enclosure from scratch with lumber, wood sealant and plexiglass. However you can also use a large tub or a large aquarium with a greenhouse cover.
Being that you would be making an enclosure for a baby Russian tortoise, the habitat does not need to be a permanent one. You can make something simple for the first year or two before moving the tortoise into a permanent enclosure.
If you already have a large aquarium, you can use it. Although aquariums aren’t typically ideal for housing baby tortoises, you can make it work.
- Block off the bottom sides of the tank so that the tortoise cannot see out to minimize stress.
- Place tin foil on the lid, leaving a small opening for the light and heat sources.
- Install the UV light and heat source.
Or make a more temporary closed chamber habitat by using PVC piping and greenhouse-grade poly.
Buy a Closed Chamber Habitat for a Tortoise
Buying a closed chamber is a little more expensive but loads simpler. Animal Plastics terrestrial cages are perfect for baby Russian tortoises. If you have the space, you can go ahead and buy an enclosure large enough for an adult tortoise.
Otherwise, you can buy a raised flower bed, like the Lifetime Raised Garden bed that comes with two beds and a topper to create a greenhouse effect.
