The fluorescent bulb is going to be extremely bright for the for enclosure. Wouldn't this make it too powerful for hatch-lings eyes?Temps are 90-95. Humidity is around 80% during the day and drops to around 65-70%at night when he is asleep under his log. I soak him for 15 minutes daily. I turned off his uv light because I read that he is not supposed to have a compact light. I am buying him a fluorescent bulb soon. I was wondering if I should buy him Mazuri tortoise diet. This is what he was fed before I got him from Arizona Tortoise Compound.
That's why you have lots of plants in there. The plants provide shade and cover.The fluorescent bulb is going to be extremely bright for the for enclosure. Wouldn't this make it too powerful for hatch-lings eyes?
The fluorescent bulb is going to be extremely bright for the for enclosure. Wouldn't this make it too powerful for hatch-lings eyes?
I use repti calcium but not often.It's possible that the CFL bulb was encouraging him to hide more to get away from the harmful light. Those can put out UVC light which is very damaging to their eyes. This could also reduce his time spent walking around which is needed for digestion.
Mazuri (LS) twice a week would be good to add and would help with weight gain. Soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften it up.
Are you giving any other supplements? If so, what products are you using?
Also, be careful not to over handle the tortoise as this can add stress.
A 60 WATT FLORECENT BULB FROM ACE HARDWARE TO PUT IN A CERAMIC FIXTURE WOULD THAT WORK?Fluorescent tubes are widely used for UVB for tortoises, even for hatchlings. The brightness of a single fluorescent tube is less than what you'd get outside on an overcast day. I don't see a brightness concern. In fact, most people probably don't have enough ambient light in their enclosures. LED is great for this. But yes, adding places to get out of the light/hide is a good idea and can lower overall stress. Live plants like pothos are good, and fake plants from Hobby Lobby can be used.
There is your problem. They don't start babies well. They leave them outside all day "In the Arizona sunshine" and soak them infrequently. This is not a good environment for hatchlings and babies, and the result, according to their customers who have personally contacted me, is frequently slow growth and sometimes eventual death.... I got him from Arizona Tortoise Compound.
A 60 WATT FLORECENT BULB FROM ACE HARDWARE TO PUT IN A CERAMIC FIXTURE WOULD THAT WORK?