Heat mat question

[Plum]

I have been advised by a long term tortoise keeper to use a heat mat attatched to the top of the tortoise table (on the flap/lid of the hide area) is this safe? I really hope so because he sold me two of them!

If not which ceramic heater do you recommend? I am worried about my torts getting too cold at night as I like to leave their substrate quite damp to allow humidity.

 

[Tom]

I have been advised by a long term tortoise keeper to use a heat mat attatched to the top of the tortoise table (on the flap/lid of the hide area) is this safe? I really hope so because he sold me two of them!

If not which ceramic heater do you recommend? I am worried about my torts getting too cold at night as I like to leave their substrate quite damp to allow humidity.

Remind me of which species, and what is the over night low?

 

[Plum]

Remind me of which species, and what is the over night low?

Different people have told me different species so I am no longer sure - was orginionally told Herman, then told they looked more like spur thighed, checked their legs and couldn’t see the spurs so the reptile shop man told me they are marinated!

Taking both to the vet at the weekend for a check up so will find out for sure then

Over night temp - it is getting to about -1 c outside but in my flat I don’t think it drops below 15 c

 

[Tom]

Different people have told me different species so I am no longer sure - was orginionally told Herman, then told they looked more like spur thighed, checked their legs and couldn’t see the spurs so the reptile shop man told me they are marinated!

Taking both to the vet at the weekend for a check up so will find out for sure then

Over night temp - it is getting to about -1 c outside but in my flat I don’t think it drops below 15 c

Care and temperatures for all three species is roughly the same. 15 C at night should be no problem as long as they can warm up the next day.

 

[Yvonne G]

If you post pictures of the tortoise we can tell you FOR SURE which species you have.

I wouldn't use the heat mat as you were told to use it. A ceramic heat emitter will do the job, and then you can cover or partially cover the enclosure to help that heat stay inside at night.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

If you post pictures, someone here can tell you what species you have.

 

[Markw84]

Different people have told me different species so I am no longer sure - was orginionally told Herman, then told they looked more like spur thighed, checked their legs and couldn’t see the spurs so the reptile shop man told me they are marinated!

Taking both to the vet at the weekend for a check up so will find out for sure then

Over night temp - it is getting to about -1 c outside but in my flat I don’t think it drops below 15 c

You do have Hermann's tortoises. You posted some pictures in your other post. If you could post better pictures of full top and bottom, we could tell what subspecies for you. I does look like Western Hermanns Testudo hermanni hermanni, from what I did see.

 

[Plum]

You do have Hermann's tortoises. You posted some pictures in your other post. If you could post better pictures of full top and bottom, we could tell what subspecies for you. I does look like Western Hermanns Testudo hermanni hermanni, from what I did see.

These are the best I have at the moment, can post a picture of the bottom of them when I get home this evening!

 

[Markw84]

For a good ID, we need to see the whole carapace. The rear of the carapace (4th and 5th vertebrals) have very characteristic markings used in ID. The plastron as well. None of these pictures show any of that.

 

[Maro2Bear]

As far as fastening a “heat pad” to the roof. A better option might be fastening a Radiant Heat Panel to the roof (connected to a thermostat of course). Pretty much the same concept.

Common type used by many here - http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels