New to this....

I am looking to get a tortoise for the first time, i was hoping someone on here could give me some tips and advice on how big to make a table, what lights are really needed, what to feed the little guy and how to make sure he is happy
Thank you

Welcome!
Have you decided on the tortoise? Then someone can give you the link for caring for that species.

I was thinking about a hermanns tort Thank you

Hi Kirsty, and welcome to the Forum!!

We have a really good care sheet for the Hermann's tortoise. It's pinned at the top of our Hermanns section. If you read that, you should learn what you'll need to care for your new tortoise when you get him. Don't listen to the clerks at the pet store, as they're in business to sell stuff and make money ( not a bad thing, but they really don't know what's best for your tortoise ).

If the care sheet doesn't answer all your questions, of course we're happy to help you.

Welcome Kirsty and good luck with choosing.

Hello Kirsty, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/
And have a look at the Enclosures section for ideas, too.
Good luck.

Thank you for your help, i will have a read through the link and see if i have anymore questions, now just to decide on a name any ideas??

i think Adam is a great name.

I like Adam ha I've just been and bought wood for my boyfriend to make the table, roughly how big should it be? And can someone tell me what it is you put in the bottom?

For a Hermann's 4' by 8' would be about the minimum, but the bigger the better, really.
And your substrate should be something like coco coir, cypress mulch, orchid bark, a good quality, non-pesticide top soil, or even yard dirt as a base, but only if you are 100% sure that it's clean and safe.

I was thinking 30 by 25, and that should be all over the floor? I've seen some with wood shavings?

Tidgy's Dad said:

i think Adam is a great name.

Click to expand...

So do I, but what about Oli?

Do as much research as you can, read the caresheets and ask any question so as to get the info you need. And please note that you may receive conflicting info-do NOT allow this to demoralize you.

Good luck with the tort you choose and of course....a very warm welcome to the forum.

Most wood shavings are too dry and some are poisonous for tortoises.
It is difficult to keep up the necessary humidity.
Cypress mulch and orchid bark are the nearest.
I would say 30' by 25' is too small, except maybe for a hatchling, but you would have to upgrade quickly anyway.
And yes, it should cover the whole floor, to a depth of a few inches if possible.

Hi kirsty welcome to the forum pets at home I had orchid bark for your substrate and lighting they had arcadia mini d3 uv basking lamp and a medium porcelain lamp clamp to hold the bulb it will do your heat and uv and for water bowls terracotta plant pot dish from garden centre needs shallow sides so the tort can't tip onto its back and Amazon sell exo terra thermometer and hydrometer do its home as large as possible with a hide opposite end to the basking lamp

Welcome

Hi from the UK

Hello Kirsty welcome to the TFO from AZ . Don't forget you can make it two story's and what a bout Greeks or pancakes ? Hermans rule !