Flash's indoor enclosure

[BabyBsober]

although i think he's getting rather bored with it. I would like to attempt a tort table. at least something for this winter. That has a second level or something. I have an Arizona room if I enclosed it a bit more and got a ceramic heater i would put him out there, he loves that.

 

[ChiKat]

Looks like he has a lot of space!! You should post more pics of Flash himself!

 

[Yvonne G]

That's a great habitat for a tortoise of Flash's size. I like that you've hidden the mouth of the hide with the plant. He should feel pretty secure in there.

 

[Merrit321]

Cool My tort is way too good at escaping for me to use a kiddy pool though

 

[Maggie Cummings]

That's a nice pen, but please forgive me, I mean no disrespect but Flash is already pyramiding. My guess is he needs more humidity and what I am assuming is his UVB light needs to be placed better. You live in Phoenix so UVB shouldn't be a problem. That's why I'm thinkin that it's lack of humidity and maybe UVB. I wouldn't even have a UVB light in Phoenix, providing he's placed outside daily. Does he have access to an outside pen? How are you feeding him? That may be adding to the problem, but you need to rectify the problem now before he is really pyramided.

 

[BabyBsober]

Maggie no offense taken, I welcome the suggestions and help.
I thought that myself after looking at a few of the others pictures. Unfortunately I leave for work usually around 6, 6 thirty am. It's too cold for him out there at that time. I do come home for lunch and let him out, weather permitting. The humidity prob is an issue I'm using eco earth and coconut husks. Haven't done a good job at keeping it as moist as I found out I should. I plan to change it out soon (this weekend) with some fresh. That may also be part of prob, i clean it out but it's been the same since August. As far as food he eats spring mix occasionally now. When i first got him it was everyday twice a day-ill informed. So upon further research I found out that was a no no. I have oxbow orchard grass hay, and try to get him to eat it, doesn't seem to like it. He does like the bermuda coming up in the yard I have the grassland seed mix from carolina along with dandeloin and jumbo plantain (sp). I figured I'll get those started as well this weekend. Another topic though. Like I mentioned any suggestions and hlep is greatly appreciated. I have seen the pics of what pyramiding can do, don't want that for my little one. I've had reptiles, mainly snakes and their enclosures are much easier to keep humidity in. A bit tired i feel i'm rambling. Thanks a bunch

That's a nice pen, but please forgive me, I mean no disrespect but Flash is already pyramiding. My guess is he needs more humidity and what I am assuming is his UVB light needs to be placed better. You live in Phoenix so UVB shouldn't be a problem. That's why I'm thinkin that it's lack of humidity and maybe UVB. I wouldn't even have a UVB light in Phoenix, providing he's placed outside daily. Does he have access to an outside pen? How are you feeding him? That may be adding to the problem, but you need to rectify the problem now before he is really pyramided.

 

[Yvonne G]

In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with feeding a small sulcata Spring Mix. If it bothers you (after reading on other sites that they should only be fed grass), then you can go outside and find some weeds, clovers, leaves, etc. to add to the Spring Mix. Dandelion leaves, mullberry leaves, grape leaves, clovers, even blades of grass. Be sure to wash it real well, and mix it in with the Spring Mix.

 

[Merrit321]

Gosh, I love watching conversations on this forum So educated!

 

[Isa]

Really nice enclosure I love it! I am sure Flash is very happy in it!

 

[DoctorCosmonaut]

You can get automated spray bottles at PetCo and could set one near him if you wanted to raise the humidity but weren't able to be there in person.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I agree with Yvonne there's nothing wrong with feeding Spring Mix I have raised several babies on it. I do go outside and pick grasses and weeds to add to the Spring Mix, and I put them outside as often as weather permits. I dislike those who rant that babies need to eat hay. I couldn't get Bob to eat hay until he was 6 or 7 years old. Hay is too hard for those small mouths.

 

[BabyBsober]

RE: Flash's indoor enclosure--UPDATED

The weather here in AZ has been beautiful. I've been able to let Flash outside for true UVB and he loves it. I have also watched him and how he interacts with the outside elements in the yard. So although i'm not able to build the table quite yet, i've done this for him. I also added a cat litter tray under the pot that he can burrow into if he would like.

 

[sammi]

If you're still having a problem with the humidity, you might try covering part of the enclosure. I was having trouble with my substrate drying out too, and keeping my humidity up, and I covered half of my enclosure [and added some fake plants], so I have a humid side, and a dry side now. The cover and fake plants worked wonders for the humidity =]

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Sammi has offered you some very good advice. And that's what I said initially...he needs more humidity. I really thi9nk that's what his problem is, lack of humidity...