Recent content by tofuqueen

Thanks for this info! Is there a bulb you would recommend that is more consistent? I'm also going to order a UV meter after reading the replies to my post.

Hi everyone, This may be a silly question, but I don't want to risk any issues with my Russian Tortoise. I use the Zoo Med Power Sun UV 100W bulb for his indoor enclosure. I usually order bulbs and other supplies online, but with delayed shipping issues, I just picked it up at PetSmart. I...

Right... in my first sentence I said I was moving to just coco coir and had previously used the sand. So I'm all set with that piece. Just wondering if I need to make adjustments to make sure it's not too moist. I'll look around for fir bark. Thanks so much for your post!

I decided to use just coconut coir for my Russian Tortoise after reading many of the threads on this forum. I previously used about 80% coco coir and 20% sterilized sandbox sand. I've noticed that the straight coco coir stays wetter longer. Is that normal? I used to have to add water every...

Great suggestions Tom, thanks! I have a temp gun, so I'll keep an eye on it.

Hi folks, The warm summer weather is here in Massachusetts and I'm trying to improve my Russian tortoise's outdoor enclosure. As there have been several warnings locally about large birds of prey, I wanted to make sure it was covered. I just have a few questions about using screen doors as a...

I originally posted this in the Russian Tortoise section but then thought this would be a better place. This weekend I decided it's time to get my Russian Tortoise's indoor house ready with clean substrate for the cool New England Fall weather that is quickly approaching. I usually do a mix of...

This weekend I decided it's time to get my RT's indoor house ready with clean substrate for the cool New England Fall weather that is quickly approaching. I usually do a mix of 80% topsoil with nothing added, and 20% sterile playground sand. The problem is I can't seem to find the topsoil we...

Thanks for the help and advice! The Redfoot belongs to a friend of mine and we're "tort sitting" for two weeks while he is away on vacation. I have increased the mistings, soakings (which he seems to love!) and humidy in his enclosure. I'll be sure to pass along these posts to my friend when...

Does sphagnum moss get moldy? Should I moisten it every day? How often should I switch it out and put in new moss? This is for an indoor enclosure for a Red Foot. Thank you! :)[hr] Also... should I be concerned about insects? I bought the Mosser Lee organic sphagnum moss. I also read...

I added some of that Mosser Lee stuff and he seems to love it! I wet it down and I've been spraying him down as well a few times today. His eyes seem fine now, so I think I caught it early enough and made the changes fast enough. I also soaked him this morning for about 15 minutes. He seems...

Thanks Harley! I'll pick some of that moss up today. Hopefully that will help. I tried misting the tort directly, and he seemed to like it. I'll do that a few times a day too. His eyes seem less teary than last night, so that's a good sign!

I posted a thread a little while back explaining that I would be tort sitting for a friend. I received several great tips on care sheets to read to prepare for our house guest! However, I've noticed now that the little RF's eyes are a bit weepy... like teary kind of. From what I've read, this...

Hi Everyone & Happy 4th! My friend asked me to take care of his Russian Tortoise and Red Foot Tortoise for a week while his family is away on vacation. I have an RT and I'm very comfortable with the care, diet, housing, ect. I know it's only for a week, and I'm sure he'll provide me with the...

Wow Terryo!! That enclosure looks amazing! I debated the bookshelf idea too. I think I'm going to go pick up that Christmas tote while they still have them out. There's an Ikea not that far from me too... so maybe I'll go check out the bookcases there. Thanks everyone for your tips and...