Similar problem in the uk...halogen and other incandescent bulbs gradually phased out. I have relied on “Homebase” PAR 38 halogen floodlights for many years, and bought up quite a few when they were being reduced and phased out. Sadly my stock has now been used up, and I’m forced to buy...
Re hibernation, you say you’re not sure how all that works. Well, my understanding is that tortoises that would probably naturally hibernate in their home ranges do so when they respond to falling light levels, a drop in temperature, and probably a consequent decline in their natural food...
This language thing is confusing! Are US “fir” trees not “pine” trees then?
Here in the UK we’re warned not to use pine chippings* as a substrate because apparently it can give off injurious fumes when heated. (And I think I’ve read the same warnings on this Forum?)
That NZ Orchiata stuff is...
Agreed that the basking spot is a little too warm, evidenced by the tortoise preferring to keep away from being right under it. And here’s the key to keeping Mediterranean tortoises. They actually benefit from having a temperature gradient available to them, so they can thermoregulate by...
Is it that “ he always likes the cold for some reason” or more that as temperatures drop, being ectothermic, he finds he has no choice but to stay where he finds himself. Although curious that the other one manages to go in by itself! Interesting!
Just looking at the “lip smacking”: some kind of problem in his mouth then? Fungal infection maybe?That’s either putting him off, or actually preventing him from eating?
Unlike some other tortoises, leopards seem not learn to seek the shelter and the heat of their housing. Mine pretty much parks up as soon as the sun goes in and/or temps drop.
If you tent the whole enclosure to get the humidity up, that doesn't give the tortoise many options. They're not a high humidity species. Instead, provide a variety of different hides, maybe, to allow the tortoise to self-regulate its temperature and humidity?