Hi everyone, new owner of baby George the horsefield tort

[LittleMrsSophieB]

Hi everyone. Just got George yesterday he's only 7months old I'd be greatful for any tips and advice today all George is doing is sleeping under his light is that perfectly normal?

 

[T Smart]

Hi, welcome!

Do you mind posting a picture of your setup? What is his diet? What are the temperatures in the enclosure?

Just a tip: Try to give George daily soaks in shallow lukewarm water, just to ensure that he's hydrated.

Best,

Thomas

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

I got him a bag of Italian dark leafy greens as advised off the breeder I got him from I also got a beginners set up table with coco soil and a heat lamp/uvb bulb I'll upload a photo for you... George is buried at the moment I did give him a warm bath for about 15mins then he was out exploring the floors. Thanks for the reply

 

[Ben02]

Did you build that enclousure your self?? And welcome!!

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

No I'm assuming it was made off the people we got him off. My Husband is going to make a larger one and a run for out side for the summer

 

[drew54]

I would increase his soaks to 30 min each day to ensure hydration

 

[drew54]

George's face is adorable. All these babies makes me want a kingdom of tortoises.

 

[drew54]

George's face is adorable. All these babies makes me want a kingdom of tortoises.

I would introduce some fresh grasses, dandelions, and other safe weeds to his diet.

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

Thanks everyone you've all been helpful I will certainly add some weeds to his diet I also grow all my own herbs in the garden such as mint & thyme.. things like that so might add some of those now and again. As for the baths I will dad I be doing that tonight so thanks for that

 

[drew54]

Thanks everyone you've all been helpful I will certainly add some weeds to his diet I also grow all my own herbs in the garden such as mint & thyme.. things like that so might add some of those now and again. As for the baths I will dad I be doing that tonight so thanks for that

Spoil your tortoise

 

[Ray--Opo]

Welcome, what a cute little guy! Hi George. Being a Horsefield should George need a enclosed container to hold humidity. Maybe someone can answer because George is looking dry to me?

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

He's had a soak in his bath for 30mins. I got told not to have it humid as he doesn't need it and it can cause skin problems and breathing issues
Any more advice on this? Just been to get him a hide which he went straight into...

 

[drew54]

He's had a soak in his bath for 30mins. I got told not to have it humid as he doesn't need it and it can cause skin problems and breathing issues
Any more advice on this? Just been to get him a hide which he went straight into...

Check out this care sheet if you haven't already. @Tom lays it out pretty detailed.
https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

Thanks everyone think I'll spray the soil now and then to keep it a bit moist for him and make sure he's getting plenty of soak time to keep him hydrated that was very helpful

 

[drew54]

Thanks everyone think I'll spray the soil now and then to keep it a bit moist for him and make sure he's getting plenty of soak time to keep him hydrated that was very helpful

Remember spoil your little guy and he will become a tiny tank.

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

After some more research and advice I'm going to get a terracotta plant pot and add in some moss so he's got a choice if he wants humidity or not. Thanks everyone

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

Thank you Yvonne x

 

[Ray--Opo]

Thank you Yvonne x

Georges shell looks better then before

 

[LittleMrsSophieB]

Thanks, I gave him a long good soak today and gave him a little scrub with a toothbrush xx