TanktheTortoise3
New Member
Hello tortoise enthusiasts,
I am a beginner redfoot tortoise owner from the northeastern US. My redfoot’s name is Theo or Teddy and his is a baby that I have had for about 2 months. He has done very well since I got him and has eaten and drank everyday. I keep him in a 40 gallon tank and his temperatures range from about 70 degrees to 85 degrees throughout the day. His humidity stays between 65% and 75% each day as well. I just have a few questions.
1. Right now I use a Tekizoo Super Sun Reptile Lamp. I also just ordered a 60w ceramic heat emitter. I have read that bright basking lamps like mine should not be used and instead you should use fluorescent t8 tropical tube lights and CHEs, but I am not sure. If you could let me know what types of lights to use and maybe a brand as well that would be very helpful.
2. I feed Teddy mostly dark greens like dandelion, romaine lettuce, and collard greens, but I am wondering what else I should put in his diet. I have read that adults eat a lot of fruits, but is that different for babies? Also how much, if any, protein I should put in his diet. I have only fed him any food with protein once in mazuri tortoise pellets, but I am wondering if that is too much or not enough.
3. I noticed that whenever I watch him for long periods of time I realize that he frequently eats or tries to nibble on things that aren’t food. For example, a lot of times he nibbles at sticks, spagnum moss, or even his substrate. I am not too concerned about this, but just wondered if it is normal.
4. Lastly, I bought an Aloe Vera plant for his enclosure from Home Depot, but read sometimes they contain chemicals in them. I now grow my plants from non treated seeds, but wonder if I should no longer keep the store bought plant in his enclosure.
Thanks, Happy Redfoot Owner
I am a beginner redfoot tortoise owner from the northeastern US. My redfoot’s name is Theo or Teddy and his is a baby that I have had for about 2 months. He has done very well since I got him and has eaten and drank everyday. I keep him in a 40 gallon tank and his temperatures range from about 70 degrees to 85 degrees throughout the day. His humidity stays between 65% and 75% each day as well. I just have a few questions.
1. Right now I use a Tekizoo Super Sun Reptile Lamp. I also just ordered a 60w ceramic heat emitter. I have read that bright basking lamps like mine should not be used and instead you should use fluorescent t8 tropical tube lights and CHEs, but I am not sure. If you could let me know what types of lights to use and maybe a brand as well that would be very helpful.
2. I feed Teddy mostly dark greens like dandelion, romaine lettuce, and collard greens, but I am wondering what else I should put in his diet. I have read that adults eat a lot of fruits, but is that different for babies? Also how much, if any, protein I should put in his diet. I have only fed him any food with protein once in mazuri tortoise pellets, but I am wondering if that is too much or not enough.
3. I noticed that whenever I watch him for long periods of time I realize that he frequently eats or tries to nibble on things that aren’t food. For example, a lot of times he nibbles at sticks, spagnum moss, or even his substrate. I am not too concerned about this, but just wondered if it is normal.
4. Lastly, I bought an Aloe Vera plant for his enclosure from Home Depot, but read sometimes they contain chemicals in them. I now grow my plants from non treated seeds, but wonder if I should no longer keep the store bought plant in his enclosure.
Thanks, Happy Redfoot Owner
