GeorgeUK
Active Member
Hello This is my first thread outside of the introduction section of this wonderful forum.
I've kept exotic animals since I was 15, and before getting any animal I always do vast amounts of research so I can ensure I'm providing the best care.
Lady Dorothy is my first Leopard Tortoise and she is lovely. One thing that I have found while researching her care, is that temperature guides differ quite a lot depending on FORUM and State/Country. (I'm based in England, UK)
I read that a basking temperature of between 32C (89F) & 41C (105F) is perfect for the Leopard Tortoise. However these figures seem to change quite a lot depending on region, the Tortoises age, and personal opinion.
Lady Dorothy currently has a basking temperature of 41C (105F), however I have noticed she is only spending a short period of time in the basking area before cooling off in her pool in the cooler area of her enclosure. Then, she heads back and basks again. I only collected her this morning so I'm fairly confident her pacing back and forth may also be her getting accustomed to her new surroundings.
With that being said, I thought I would double check and see what kind of opinions I got on an average daily basking temperature.
All opinions are welcome. I have even read that 110F would be fine, though others claimed that was too hot so I brushed that temperature aside.
I have included a picture of my set-up. At the moment she is on a Sand/Soil mixture at a ratio of 25/75 though I do intend on changing to an alternative substrate shortly.
Note; the UVB bulb is missing because of a delivery failure. I'm going to collect and install one over the next couple of days & have Calcium dust in the mean time.
Currently using a 100W bulb with a ceramic holder. The bulb is fixed within the metal bars of the enclosure and I have added cable ties for extra protection.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
I've kept exotic animals since I was 15, and before getting any animal I always do vast amounts of research so I can ensure I'm providing the best care.
Lady Dorothy is my first Leopard Tortoise and she is lovely. One thing that I have found while researching her care, is that temperature guides differ quite a lot depending on FORUM and State/Country. (I'm based in England, UK)
I read that a basking temperature of between 32C (89F) & 41C (105F) is perfect for the Leopard Tortoise. However these figures seem to change quite a lot depending on region, the Tortoises age, and personal opinion.
Lady Dorothy currently has a basking temperature of 41C (105F), however I have noticed she is only spending a short period of time in the basking area before cooling off in her pool in the cooler area of her enclosure. Then, she heads back and basks again. I only collected her this morning so I'm fairly confident her pacing back and forth may also be her getting accustomed to her new surroundings.
With that being said, I thought I would double check and see what kind of opinions I got on an average daily basking temperature.
All opinions are welcome. I have even read that 110F would be fine, though others claimed that was too hot so I brushed that temperature aside.
I have included a picture of my set-up. At the moment she is on a Sand/Soil mixture at a ratio of 25/75 though I do intend on changing to an alternative substrate shortly.
Note; the UVB bulb is missing because of a delivery failure. I'm going to collect and install one over the next couple of days & have Calcium dust in the mean time.
Currently using a 100W bulb with a ceramic holder. The bulb is fixed within the metal bars of the enclosure and I have added cable ties for extra protection.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
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