Gigi9847
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2016
- Messages
- 1
Hi all, I'm from the UK and I've had my Horsefield (Barry) a week today. He was born July 2015.
I need some advice because everything I read seems to be so conflicting! I don't think I've got anything right and I'm worried I'm not doing right by my lovely tort.
Substrate: As I have him (or her) in a vivarium [with a view to moving to a table once he's a bit bigger and I'm more confident with him], I was advised to use Herbifloor. I'm keeping it slightly moist. Is this suitable? He seems to dig about happily in it.
Lighting/heating: I currently have a heat mat kept between 21/25 degrees Celsius (70/77 Fahrenheit) as the assistant from the place I got him from said that was an appropriate temperature. It covers the floor of half the vivarium. The light I've got is attached in a picture, 15W with 2%UVB. I'm not convinced it's correct, but I have read so many different opinions of lighting and heating for Russain torts that I've confused myself, and I need to give my boy the best upbringing I can!
Food: Currently he munches a variety of lettuces, dandelions and a tortoise pellet food. I sprinkle his leaves with calcium powder, and I've also got a cuttlefish in there for good measure. Is there anything else I should be feeding him? Obviously I give him fresh water at regular intervals throughout the day. Is it true that I can't give him spinach, bell peppers or cucumber?
He likes to be out and about, and seems to be enjoying his baths. He's been out in the garden a few times, and seems to like the great outdoors!
Please if someone could help with the above and any other tips you have for raising a happy and healthy Horsefield would be greatly appreciated
I need some advice because everything I read seems to be so conflicting! I don't think I've got anything right and I'm worried I'm not doing right by my lovely tort.
Substrate: As I have him (or her) in a vivarium [with a view to moving to a table once he's a bit bigger and I'm more confident with him], I was advised to use Herbifloor. I'm keeping it slightly moist. Is this suitable? He seems to dig about happily in it.
Lighting/heating: I currently have a heat mat kept between 21/25 degrees Celsius (70/77 Fahrenheit) as the assistant from the place I got him from said that was an appropriate temperature. It covers the floor of half the vivarium. The light I've got is attached in a picture, 15W with 2%UVB. I'm not convinced it's correct, but I have read so many different opinions of lighting and heating for Russain torts that I've confused myself, and I need to give my boy the best upbringing I can!
Food: Currently he munches a variety of lettuces, dandelions and a tortoise pellet food. I sprinkle his leaves with calcium powder, and I've also got a cuttlefish in there for good measure. Is there anything else I should be feeding him? Obviously I give him fresh water at regular intervals throughout the day. Is it true that I can't give him spinach, bell peppers or cucumber?
He likes to be out and about, and seems to be enjoying his baths. He's been out in the garden a few times, and seems to like the great outdoors!
Please if someone could help with the above and any other tips you have for raising a happy and healthy Horsefield would be greatly appreciated