Baby hermanns

[creygout]

I have two, one and a half year old Herman's and they are starting to look slightly pyramided. I have started to bathe them everyday to Try and prevent it. I was just wondering what the best substrate is to keep them in. And the best food for their health. Thanks

 

[ascott]

An earthen substrate is good....like peat moss;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Premier-3-cu-ft-Peat-Moss-70976040/100626048

it takes a while to absorb water the first time, but each time thereafter it absorbs quickly and holds alot of water....make sure the substrate is deep, like 5 or 6 inches at least...this will allow for moisture to be retained in the lower parts of the substrate while allowing for the top area to not be saturated...

Also, if you are going to offer higher humidity, please be sure that the temps do not fall below 80 degrees day and night...

 

[Courtney Cavender]

A mixture of topsoil and coconut fibers, I use this for my 6 month old Hermann and it works like magic. I mist it down throughout the day which keeps the humidity up.
Hope this helped!!
-Courtney Cavender

 

[Tom]

Here is how I would house them:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Here are things I would feed them:
Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many...
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

Other good stuff:
"Testudo Seed Mix" from http://www.tortoisesupply.com/SeedMixes
Pasture mixes or other seeds from http://www.groworganic.com/seeds.html
Homegrown alfalfa
Mazuri Tortoise Chow
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Food


And check this one out for some tips on what not to do:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

ECO EArth Coconut substrate is great, keeps air moist and will work well to help battle the pyramiding going on. Do have a UVB? That could help too.