Alexander the Turtle
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2017
- Messages
- 9
Hello everyone,
I am a very new owner of a redfoot tortoise. I have been reading quite a lot about how to take care of my little Red Foot, however I have some questions.
I am in South East Florida, close to the sea, and to my understanding this area's environment is quite close to the natural habitat of red foot tortoises in humidity and temperature.
The pet store that sold me Alexander, also sold me a bunch of equipment that it doesn't seem right for him. They gave me a dessert starter kit, that is see through and small, as I read about different enclosures I quickly placed Alexander in a bigger plastic box instead of the dessert kit.
I am not sure what else to do to make sure he is not suffering and he is comfortable. He has been refusing all the food but collard, this morning he accepted papaya for the first time.
He spends most of the time within his shell or under the log, ( should I wake him up, do I have to do something different ?)
At the moment, I have him indoors because, of all winters, this year is a bit colder than usual, but still temperatures are between 16 C and 27 C ( 60.8 F and 82.4 F) , and I do not know if I should put a heating lamp all the time, part of the time.... should I keep it outdoors in the balcony?, It is too cold for him?.
Another concern is hawks , if I leave him in a big enclosure, at least 6 x 4 sqft , and covered with a metallic net, in the balcony would he be in danger?
The pet store did not know how old he was for sure, someone guessed he was around 6 months old or so.
Thank you for your help!
I am a very new owner of a redfoot tortoise. I have been reading quite a lot about how to take care of my little Red Foot, however I have some questions.
I am in South East Florida, close to the sea, and to my understanding this area's environment is quite close to the natural habitat of red foot tortoises in humidity and temperature.
The pet store that sold me Alexander, also sold me a bunch of equipment that it doesn't seem right for him. They gave me a dessert starter kit, that is see through and small, as I read about different enclosures I quickly placed Alexander in a bigger plastic box instead of the dessert kit.
I am not sure what else to do to make sure he is not suffering and he is comfortable. He has been refusing all the food but collard, this morning he accepted papaya for the first time.
He spends most of the time within his shell or under the log, ( should I wake him up, do I have to do something different ?)
At the moment, I have him indoors because, of all winters, this year is a bit colder than usual, but still temperatures are between 16 C and 27 C ( 60.8 F and 82.4 F) , and I do not know if I should put a heating lamp all the time, part of the time.... should I keep it outdoors in the balcony?, It is too cold for him?.
Another concern is hawks , if I leave him in a big enclosure, at least 6 x 4 sqft , and covered with a metallic net, in the balcony would he be in danger?
The pet store did not know how old he was for sure, someone guessed he was around 6 months old or so.
Thank you for your help!