New tortoise owner

Ria

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Dec 28, 2016
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hi, I have been getting different advise here there and everywhere and just want to put my mind at ease, my partner bought my little baby around Christmas as I've wanted one forever and as much as I love tortoises I never really knew much about looking after them, I think I might be like an overbearing parent but I just want to know he's happy and healthy! He was advised at the time of purchase to get a heat mat which he did (we live in Northern Ireland so it's pretty cold all the time) but then we where told we shouldn't use one? Can I just please get opinions on this! Thanksss
 

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BILBO-03

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Hi and Welcome!:)

Heat mats generally aren't good. What are housing him in ? What are his temps ?
 

Ria

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Thank you :)
That's his enclosure, my partner built it, his cool area is 60f and heat is roughly 95/100
 

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wellington

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Heat mats not good if it's the little ones bought at most pet stores. The large ones that are used for live stock, the Kane heat mats or the stanfield ones (I think stanfield is the correct name) are safe. Your enclosure needs a larger water dish. One the tort can fit into. Clay saucers work the best.
 

Ria

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I think I'll remove it then, he seems to always go to it and isn't basking as much as I would of hoped he would! Also thank you for the water dish advice :) he does fit in it but I'll definitely go for a bigger one! Thanks again
 

Kristoff

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Hi Ria, a very warm welcome to TFO!
As the other members said, heat mats are not good, in part because they make the substrate too dry. I wonder if your basking temps will be the same without the heat mat.
 

Yvonne G

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Welcome to the Forum, Ria!

I don't use heat mats for baby tortoises. It seems to me that they don't understand they can move off of it if it gets uncomfortable for them (too hot). The bigger tortoises 'get it', but the smaller ones don't. In a tort table it's pretty easy to heat it up to the right temperature without a heat mat. And covering the habitat makes it easier yet.
 

Ria

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Dec 28, 2016
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I'm off work tomorrow so I am going to take the heat mat out and see how he gets on he doesn't seem to be basking that much and this is obviously the reason!
 

yillt

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May 4, 2014
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Hi and welcome Ria. You will get plenty of info on your tort here. I would advise against heat mats, it's just easier and safer to use heat lamps. Maybe add some half logs to your enclosure for a bit of diversity and enrichment. Looks good though... :)
 

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