Please help with my new tort!

[HenHen1_2]

I am worried about my new tort, I just got him today and he seems cold because it is about 75 degrees F on the "Hot" side and 69 degrees on the "Cold" side. He buried himself under the dirt in my tank and is making cute snoring noises and gets annoyed when I dig him out. Is he ok?

 

[HenHen1_2]

My enclosure looks like this my tort is buried under the soil under the heat lamp and is alive but won't come out!

 

[mojo_1]

First thing redfoots don't need a cold side ideal temperature is 84° all over. And humidity in the 80's as well

 

[HenHen1_2]

First thing redfoots don't need a cold side ideal temperature is 84° all over. And humidity in the 80's as well

thank you I knew he was cold how do I warm him up?

 

[HenHen1_2]

thank you I knew he was cold how do I warm him up?

I have my heating pad set to highest and my heat lamp is on but still 78 degrees average how do I heat him up

 

[ZEROPILOT]

What are you using for a heat source?
I can't make anything out in that photograph.
Please describe or photograph your setup

 

[mojo_1]

What lights are you using? And what are you using for heat?
Correct bulbs for light are 5500K to 6500K flood light on a timer for 12hrs a day.
A T5 HO 12% for uvb on a 4 hr timer noon to 4pm. And for heat a 100w ceramic heat emitter

 

[mojo_1]

I have my heating pad set to highest and my heat lamp is on but still 78 degrees average how do I heat him up

Don't use heating pads that go under the tortoise. Redfoots need heat from above sources.

 

[HenHen1_2]

I have an exo-terra 8 watt heat mat with a thermostat controller and I don't know the specs of my heat lamp I will try to send more pictures

 

[mojo_1]

I have an exo-terra 8 watt heat mat with a thermostat controller and I don't know the specs of my heat lamp I will try to send more pictures

You're going to need to get rid of the red heat lamp as well. Using any type of colored bulbs are not good.

 

[mojo_1]

Hopefully I didn't scare you off.

 

[HenHen1_2]

you didn't

 

[HenHen1_2]

what heat lamp should I use then?

 

[mojo_1]

A 100w ceramic heat emitter. On a thermostat controller.
Zoo Med Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter 100 Watts https://a.co/d/397oLSx

 

[mojo_1]

Other key things to be aware of.
The enclosure should be a closed chamber enclosure. If the top of your enclosure is open cover it with aluminum foil for now that will help keep the heat in. Your heat lamp is creating a chimney effect and sucking all the heat out of the enclosure.
substrate should be fine grade orchid bark or reptibark, water dish should be a terracotta saucer that is sunk down level with the substrate so the tortoise can walk right in.
I can't tell the size of your enclosure, but a 4'x2'x2' enclosure is a good size for the 1st 2ish years of the their life. As an Adult they will need a 10'x10' room. Here is a picture of my enclosure. Others on here use pop up greenhouse tents.

 

[TammyJ]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[zovick]

I am worried about my new tort, I just got him today and he seems cold because it is about 75 degrees F on the "Hot" side and 69 degrees on the "Cold" side. He buried himself under the dirt in my tank and is making cute snoring noises and gets annoyed when I dig him out. Is he ok?

One day late, but Happy Birthday! Welcome to the best source for tortoise husbandry information anywhere. Just follow the advice you get here (and nowhere else) and your tortoise will be a happy camper.

 

[HenHen1_2]

thank you!

 

[HenHen1_2]

I will try to get more pics:

 

[HenHen1_2]

and also: