Hello,
I’m currently in the progress of making some pretty urgent changes for my adult Horsfield tortoise (Tommy) after realising that I was previously misinformed. I would really appreciate some advice on the following as to whether I am now on the right track & for some queries to be clarified.
I’m currently in the progress of making some pretty urgent changes for my adult Horsfield tortoise (Tommy) after realising that I was previously misinformed. I would really appreciate some advice on the following as to whether I am now on the right track & for some queries to be clarified.
- Enclosure: I have just cancelled an order for a tortoise table due to concerns about not being able to maintain temperatures, especially at night. I was originally put off vivariums due to the bad complaints but have read through threads mentioning that closed chambers would be suitable in circumstances such as mine if big enough (thank you so much @Tom for your useful info!). I am considering ordering this one, assuming 2ft is high enough for lighting/heating: https://southdown-aquatics.co.uk/shop/8ft-vivariums/8ft-x-2ft-h-x-3ft-d-vivarium-copy/
- Substrate: I am going to buy some fine grade orchid bark but was hoping for some advice as how to dampen it? I want to make sure I get the humidity right & am worried that it’ll be too damp and cause him respiratory infections, etc. Would a hygrometer be recommended?
- I am looking at getting him the Arcadia Basking Solar Flood Lamp with a reflector & the Arcadia Pro T5 UVB Kit 12% Desert, although I’m unsure about wattage. Would these be suitable, & is any other form of lighting necessary/have I missed anything? Are they both to be kept on for 12 hours daily? He’ll spend most of the time indoors although I’ll let him outside in a large enclosure when it’s warmer. Any recommendations for thermometers & their placement in the enclosure?
- I have got him a terracotta plant saucer for water and a food slate, & intend on placing stones around them. Other than a humid hide, what kind of décor would be good?
- Food: I am getting some seeds to grow weeds like dandelions but in the meantime, he has been eating lambs lettuce, Florette crispy salad & romaine lettuce. When the weeds have grown, what ratio roughly should he be fed weeds & lambs lettuce, etc? Also, I am a little confused how to feed him as much as his shell, like how heaped it should be? I have Nutrobal to give him twice a week & Calci dust for the remaining days, and he also has a cuttlefish.
- Bath: I bath him twice weekly with a baby toothbrush. Does the water need changing when it's too dirty from defecation/the temperature drops?
- General care: Does he need his beak & nails trimmed by a vet if he has a cuttlefish & food slate? How do I know he's the correct weight at 16cm?