Tortoise isn't eating!

[JoesMum]

Just found this:
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/coco-coir-fibre-brick-650g

Although it's from pets at home and I don't like using them much, would this be suitable?

It's fine, but probably cheaper to get it from your nearest B&Q - just check that it doesn't have fertilisers added

 

[jockma]

There's a "pet supply store tax"...basically, take a cheap product and slap a "for pets" label on it and watch the price skyrocket

So you can get coco coir bricks, huge ones, at any gardening center and it'll work just as well at half the price.

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

His little "hut" is so cute

 

[Rylatts]

His little "hut" is so cute

Thank you, it took me a while to make it wanted it to look like a hobbit hole! Still need to add some things.

 

[Rylatts]

There's a "pet supply store tax"...basically, take a cheap product and slap a "for pets" label on it and watch the price skyrocket

So you can get coco coir bricks, huge ones, at any gardening center and it'll work just as well at half the price.

Just because it was convenient I got it from the petstore I will be adding it to his enclosure tomorrow any recommendations? Or do I just add the water leave it for bit and straight into the enclosure?

 

[BrianWI]

This is what I use on top of the fine coco...
http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/sub...P-1zAoH?_t=pfm=search&SearchTerm=coco+bedding

 

[Rylatts]

This is what I use on top of the fine coco...
http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/substrate-bedding/exo-terra-coco-husk-tropical-reptile-terrarium-substrate-zid36-5133039/cat-36-catid-500013;pgid=r4NkKHw5jl1SRp23wxP3F72B0000cP-1zAoH?_t=pfm=search&SearchTerm=coco+bedding

Does it need something on top of the fine coco or can you just use it on its own?

 

[Lyn W]

I always use boiling water to soak my coco coir blocks so it kills any bugs that may be in it. (obviously cold by the time I use it)

 

[BrianWI]

I like the coarse on top so it doesn't stick to the tort, but others use just the fine.

 

[Rylatts]

Thank you everyone for helping! I will be sure to keep everyone updated

 

[Rylatts]

I have been thinking of a project to add to Sheldon's new enclosure, I want to setup a plant watering system either using a USB pump on a timer or just a drip system to keep all the plants watered as they don't last long in the heat.

What does everyone think?

 

[Gillian M]

Just realized the pictures didn't upload before, so here are some pictures of Sheldon and his hand built enclosure! Enjoy!



View attachment 180721 View attachment 180723
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A gorgeous tort!

 

[Rylatts]

New substrate has been put in, also some changes have been made to the enclosure. Thank you everyone for your help!

(Wheatgrass growing at the back also white clover has been plated to the right)





Just a quick question are you allowed to feed tortoises broccoli ? I have seen different websites saying different things

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[jockma]

I love the shelter. Sheldon's doing the basking with legs out pose in the second pic so he seems happy

How's the humidity?

I can't remember what it was that made broccoli an iffy thing to feed torts. I think they're high in oxalates or phosphorus or something like that that we don't want our torts to eat too much of. I don't feed it and never have, I don't know if it's dangerous to feed or just something that shouldn't be fed often.

 

[Rylatts]

I love the shelter. Sheldon's doing the basking with legs out pose in the second pic so he seems happy

How's the humidity?

I can't remember what it was that made broccoli an iffy thing to feed torts. I think they're high in oxalates or phosphorus or something like that that we don't want our torts to eat too much of. I don't feed it and never have, I don't know if it's dangerous to feed or just something that shouldn't be fed often.

The humidity at the moment is at 85, the coco is still a bit damp. I left it to dry for a good 2-3 hours before i put it in.

I wont be feeding him that then

 

[JoesMum]

New substrate has been put in, also some changes have been made to the enclosure. Thank you everyone for your help!

(Wheatgrass growing at the back also white clover has been plated to the right)

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Just a quick question are you allowed to feed tortoises broccoli ? I have seen different websites saying different things

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The Tortoise Table Plant Database is the best place to look - they explain why they make a recommendation

http://thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plant_database_14.asp

Broccoli is "do not feed" if you look it up

 

[Rylatts]

Sheldon's gone straight into his hide and buried himself in the new substrate now that it's a lot deeper he has really wedged himself down, can't even see his head

 

[Rylatts]

Sheldon's covered in substrate this morning under his heat lamp

 

[Gillian M]

Sheldon's covered in substrate this morning under his heat lamp

View attachment 181007

Oh, what a lovely pic!

 

[jockma]

He's a marginated tortoise, right? He's beautiful. Oh no, I want one