Please help with my new tort!

[mojo_1]

and he is actually now sleeping it is 8:57 my time and he is burrowed under the woodchip substrate under his wood hidey hole. Should I be worried that he's cold? (I just got him yesterday) my temperature probe says it is 80 F on the surface next to him.

They naturally hide as hatchlings. And it's also how they regulate their body temperature. Did you cover the heat lamp and top of enclosure with aluminum foil?

 

[HenHen1_2]

I feed him dandelion greens, lettuce, arugala, and his multi vitamin and calcium powder for now

 

[HenHen1_2]

They naturally hide as hatchlings. And it's also how they regulate their body temperature. Did you cover the heat lamp and top of enclosure with aluminum foil?

I put wood on the top because it is open to the air so it is covered.

 

[mojo_1]

I put wood on the top because it is open to the air so it is covered.

You need to cover the top completely. The heat lamp will work more efficiently and not pull heat out of the enclosure.

 

[HenHen1_2]

I will put the tinfoil on the top and block the glass sides so it is not overwhelming to him. anything else on building a friendship with him because I accidentally dropped him like 10 inches and I think he hates me now

 

[HenHen1_2]

and I will buy the heat lamp you reccomended

 

[HenHen1_2]

Thanks for the tips so far, I also have conflicting sides if they carry salmonella at this age

 

[mojo_1]

I will put the tinfoil on the top and block the glass sides so it is not overwhelming to him. anything else on building a friendship with him because I accidentally dropped him like 10 inches and I think he hates me now

It takes them a good week to get comfortable in just their new enclosure. Do be more careful when handling him their shells are very soft in the early stages and can break easily. You should only handle the little guy when it's soak time. You can feed him out of your hand while he's in the soak.

 

[mojo_1]

Thanks for the tips so far, I also have conflicting sides if they carry salmonella at this age

You're welcome,Wash your hands before and after you handle him and you'll be fine.

 

[HenHen1_2]

ok!

 

[HenHen1_2]

Thanks again, I will be avalible in about an hour for more questions

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I feed him dandelion greens, lettuce, arugala, and his multi vitamin and calcium powder for now

Arugala as in Arugula? (Rocket?) I wouldn’t personally feed too much of that on the regular because I’ve read it can cause bladder and kidney stones if given in excess, I think it’ll be ok in moderation though
They love a good variety of leafy greens(ones that are safe for them)but it’ll be good for you to start introducing some fruits and the odd bit of protein to keep him healthiest😊

 

[HenHen1_2]

Arugala as in Arugula? (Rocket?) I wouldn’t personally feed too much of that on the regular because I’ve read it can cause bladder and kidney stones if given in excess, I think it’ll be ok in moderation though
They love a good variety of leafy greens(ones that are safe for them)but it’ll be good for you to start introducing some fruits and the odd bit of protein to keep him healthiest😊

sorry, that's what I meant

 

[mojo_1]

ok!

Once you get his enclosure lined out and everything stable temperature and humidity wise, and he's comfortable in his new home he will be more active and some what friendly.

 

[HenHen1_2]

I will be avalible in about an hour

 

[mojo_1]

You can also get him some radicchio. They love that stuff.

 

[HenHen1_2]

sorry never mind

 

[HenHen1_2]

about talking about him in an hour

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

If you have more questions on his care ask away, they’ll always be someone to help advise, you’re in the best place😊
Hopefully more members will answer soon too, everyone is different times zones here🙂

 

[HenHen1_2]

I just hope he's not cold and he doesn't hate me. Thanks (for the fourth time) and I will probably be back tomorrow with more questions and photos! I am amazed at how nice and open this tortoise community is!