BuzBuz

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Hello All!

So my baby Redfoot, Heidi is about 3 months old now and I just measured her for the first time. she is 3.5 inches wide and 3.25 inches long. Now I've looked around online and a few sources I've read say that, that is the approximate size a 1 year old! So...my question to you guys is, am I over feeding this child! I rotate between Mazuri diet and fruits/veggies with a bit of calcium sprinkled on top, she usually eats everything. Any advice? Am I being overly cautious?
 

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wellington

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What size enclosure? Can't really over feed a baby as long as it has the proper room to roam for exercise and a proper diet.
Be sure to only give a pinch of calcium 2 or 3 times a week. Too much is as bad as too little. Also use the mazuri only a couple times a week, it will put size on more quickly then the more natural foods.
 

BuzBuz

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Mar 25, 2021
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Location (City and/or State)
Houston, Texas
What size enclosure? Can't really over feed a baby as long as it has the proper room to roam for exercise and a proper diet.
Be sure to only give a pinch of calcium 2 or 3 times a week. Too much is as bad as too little. Also use the mazuri only a couple times a week, it will put size on more quickly then the more natural foods.
Her enclosure is 21"L x14"W x8"H and okay, definitely been feeding more mazuri than is needed and will lower the amount of calcium I have been giving her. Thank you so much!!!
 

wellington

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Enclosure is too small. At least a 2x4 foot for a hatchling. If they don't have enough room to roam and move they will get over weight and will not be able to walk properly. They have to be able to build up their muscle.
 

BuzBuz

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Enclosure is too small. At least a 2x4 foot for a hatchling. If they don't have enough room to roam and move they will get over weight and will not be able to walk properly. They have to be able to build up their muscle.
Okay, I had a large wooden tortoise table but the humidity coming from her fogger was causing it to grow mold so I ended up getting rid of it. I will get her a larger enclosure tomorrow. I appreciate your help.
 

wellington

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Okay, I had a large wooden tortoise table but the humidity coming from her fogger was causing it to grow mold so I ended up getting rid of it. I will get her a larger enclosure tomorrow. I appreciate your help.
If you do a closed chamber, keep the bottom substrate of coconut coir and wet it then put orchid bark on top, it will keep humidity yet dry on top if substrate. Get as big of an enclosure you can do and block part of it off if it's too big, then you can unblock it when she gets bigger. This way you may get away with buying one enclosure until she's big enough to live outside.
 
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