New baby Redfoot

[KristenandPete]

i just recieved a baby redfoot(2.5-3in) yesterday and I just want to make sure he is comfortable. He didn't eat much yesterday and I over heated him with the night lamp last night on accident. But other than last night his enclosure is kept at 75 heat on the non heated side and 85-90 humidity. I need help about what to do at night. My house stays at about 74 degrees but I just don't want him to be uncomfortable. I use cypress mulch and keep moss at the corners of his habitat to retain humidity. I tried feeding him spinach and he only took a bite so today we are doing kale,tomatoes, and mangos. Oh I also need a diet plan. This is my first tortoise and I have done tons of research but I just want to hear it from the people who actually care for them.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome.
That is one TINY container!
What type of lamp is that?
Your little one will need a temperature of 80 to digest food, but they are sensitive to bright lights and temperatures above 90.
Upper 70s is O.K. at night.

 

[KristenandPete]

Yes it is. It's temporary until I build him a turtle table this weekend! It's a zoomed tropical compact UVB/UVA light 13 watts. I bought it at petco. The infrared night light I have is 150 watts which I bought in a bundle from a lady. So is the light too bright? I notice he buries himself under the substrate and doesn't bask very often. Update! He is eating. Tomatoes and mangos. I tired to get him to eat the kale but he wouldn't touch it. I soaked him this morning because I overheated him last night. If the light is too bright how do I fix that? And should the whole environment be 80 degrees or just in the basking light. I take him out frequently to roam inside and outside as well.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I know you're just starting out and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that compact bulb has been linked to eye issues and blindness....

 

[KristenandPete]

Oh my gosh! Throwing that away. What kind of bulb do I use then?

 

[CalvinCheng]

Use the long tube strip uvb light. You could just return the coil uvb light you purchased and exchange it for a long tube strip uvb light bulb. Petstore's usually sell a black hood light fixture that the long tube light bulb goes into too.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Use the long tube strip uvb light. You could just return the coil uvb light you purchased and exchange it for a long tube strip uvb light bulb. Petstore's usually sell a black hood light fixture that the long tube light bulb goes into too.

Yes and you can also buy the tube. For a Redfoot I'd get the 5.0 reptisun or similar. And buy the fixture form either the pet store or Walmart.

 

[KristenandPete]

Ok! And what about his diet? How do I get him to eat the leafy greens? I also dust his food.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Ok! And what about his diet? How do I get him to eat the leafy greens? I also dust his food.

Don't dust every day and use very little untill he/she gets used to it. If it is able to receive any sunlight during the day, the dusting will be less critical.
For a baby, I use something very tasty, like a strawberry chopped up and mixed up with something of more substance like shredded kale or romaine.
I.M.O. chopping and mixing makes it difficult for a baby to pick and choose.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Check out our Redfoot care and foods list under the Redfoot, Yellowfoot section.

 

[KristenandPete]

Ok! Thank you guys so much! Is there anything else crucial I should know

 

[MPRC]

Take note that tortoise 'tables' aren't suitable for most tortoises, especially humidity loving varieties like redfoots. Look up "Closed Chamber" enclosures for ideas on how to raise a happy healthy smooth baby.

I love redfoots and look forward to seeing more photos!

 

[KristenandPete]

Ok. I keep moss in my habitat what other plants could I consider keeping that won't be harmful?

 

[Alex Z]

Welcome!! You can use aloeveras and spider plants...We are growing a mixed seed grass in ours....we bought a mini greenhouse for humidity and temps...works perfectly! Ernest johnson has a great youtube channel and look into kamp kenan as well...the box you can build it for 40bucks out of plywood...try to stay away from too much fruit...once a week is fine...