New to the tortoise world

[Jules Coyne]

Hi guys/gals. We got a Greek Spur Thighed Tortoise for Christmas as my 11 year old has been begging me for years for a tortoise. We have names him Sir Sheldon Shellington he was hatched in 2014 so just over 2 years old.
I have a feeling I could be using the forum a lot.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi Jules

 

[BILBO-03]

Hi and Welcome! you sure did get a cute one!!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the forum!

We have some GREAT reading for you here:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-testudo-graeca-care-sheet-overview.87146/

 

[Jules Coyne]

Thanks for this. When I bought Sheldon (don't know the sex yet) the shop told me to use grass pellets as they use that. Do you think he would be fine with a sudden change to top soil/sand mix?

 

[Jules Coyne]

Hi and Welcome! you sure did get a cute one!!!

Thanks. I think so too

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hi, Jules, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum from a land where Greeks live wild in the errrrrr....wild.
Read also. http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
No pellets and no sand. Sand can be ingested and cause impaction.
Coco coir is what I and many Greek keepers here use, otherwise cypress mulch or orchid bark.
Top soil is okay as long as you're certain it's absolutely pesticide/herbicide/chemical free.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I can't see a water bowl in your enclosure ?
Use a cheap, terracotta plant saucer sunk into the substrate big enough for him to soak in and ensure he gets a couple of good 20 minute soaks a week.
Very pretty looking Greek he is, too

 

[Jules Coyne]

I can't see a water bowl in your enclosure ?
Use a cheap, terracotta plant saucer sunk into the substrate big enough for him to soak in and ensure he gets a couple of good 20 minute soaks a week.
Very pretty looking Greek he is, too

Hi Tidgys dad, pet shop guy told me not to put water in, I will rectify this in morning. As nothing to use here. I have been putting him in like warm water for 20 mins every 2 days.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Every two days is good but he must have access to water and the enclosure looks too dry.
Straw isn't good, either,it's too dry or goes moldy when damp.
I'm sorry to say most pet shop staff know nothing about tortoise care.

 

[Jules Coyne]

I have ordered coco coir so just waiting on delivery. I ordered tonight because of advice given. I will get him a water container tomoz morning.
I just wanna make sure my wee guy is happy and healthy. He seems fine but just wanna make sure. He's like my 3rd child lol

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Read the links posted, get your set up right and your temps sorted and your tortoise will have a long and happy life and bring you many, many hours of happiness.

 

[Momof4]

Welcome!! I know it seems overwhelming but once you get everything dialed in, it will be a breeze!!
Then when spring arrives you'll start planning his outdoor space , ordering seeds to plant for his food and enjoy his company!

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. Congrats on the new tortoise!

What is the temperature directly under the basking bulb there? It looks awfully close to me…

I agree with the advice to go with coco coir and to add a water dish. Dampen the coir and then hand pack it down. Make a thick layer. It can be a little messy for the first couple of weeks, but then it settles in and makes a great substrate.

Terra cotta plant saucers sunk into the substrate work best as water bowls. Buy one just a little bigger than your tortoise and upgrade as he grows. I sue a second one for a food dish.

 

[Jules Coyne]

Hi Tom

His basking temp is 100, I think the picture makes it look a lot lower than it actually is, He has lots of room underneath it to move around.

I am awaiting the delivery of his coco coir, I have a water dish now for him and when we change over to the coco coir I'm gonna do as advised, I was just using a lizard dish for his food, but I got another terra cotta plant saucer to use so both are the same now,

I cant wait to change him to his new surroundings in his viv.
Everyone on here has been so helpful