More Questions

[Cogent]

Hi all,

I think I've finally (after much much more research) decided that I'd like to purchase red-footed tortoises. I've been reading on things to get them, since I want them to live a fulfilling life. I have not as of yet purchased anything as I would like to get an experts opinion on the matter.

Now, I've read a website called Red-Footed-Tortoise (link: http://red-footed-tortoise.com/) and they say that I should use Cypress Mulch as the substrate. I've read many posts on the forum and the general consensus agrees with this. Now, onto the humidity part. I don't live in a very humid place. I unfortunately can't let them outside much in the summer or warmer months as I don't have my own backyard. The page says I can basically just spray water via a water sprayer thing (one of those things you can buy at Walmart for cheap) a few times a day. As I am still attending school, and am out most of the day, would this still be okay? I read a few posts about this product (link: http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Hygro...roller/dp/B0019IHK9Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) and read the reviews on that. Some people said on that post that since they are out most of the day they use this. Would this actually be beneficial for me? How does this thing work? Next, about the enclosure itself. At first I wasn't too sure on building one myself. But after looking at some of the prices of pre-built enclosures, I think I'm a bit more confident in building one. I don't have a huge room, and don't have much space to put a cage. Would this (link: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-661.html) work for me? It seems simple and fairly inexpensive, which is the best for me seeing as I'm on a fixed budget. I've also seen a post about these guys (link: http://www.spideysreptiles.com/enclosures.htm) and was wondering about them. Are they reliable? Would I just be better off building a cheap-o one with a few things from Home Depot? Lastly, for the lights. How good is this one (link: http://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Repta-Clamp-Lamp-Switch/dp/B0002DHOE0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)? Would the tortoise be sufficient under this light? What about for UV? Would this (link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006L10NY) be sufficient also? I don't know much exactly UV percentage they need, but the RFT website recommends it.

Any help would be deeply appreciated as I am a complete noob to all of this stuff.

Thanks,

Cogent

 

[wellington]

The easy way to answer your questions is this. The threads below in my post are for raising smooth and healthy leopards and sulcatas, with a closed chamber for high humidity. For raising a smooth red foot, they need the same kind of humidity. They just can't have the wet top layer of substrate, as they are prone to shell rot. So, you pour the water into the corners of the enclosure, so it wets the under layers and not the top. Also, the only other Redfoot care site I would recommend is the tortoiselibrary. It one of our members sites. Otherwise, you would be best to stick to this forum for correct info. Just misting a RF a couple times a day inside a house, even in Florida, I'm not sure that would be enough.

 

[Cogent]

The easy way to answer your questions is this. The threads below in my post are for raising smooth and healthy leopards and sulcatas, with a closed chamber for high humidity. For raising a smooth red foot, they need the same kind of humidity. They just can't have the wet top layer of substrate, as they are prone to shell rot. So, you pour the water into the corners of the enclosure, so it wets the under layers and not the top. Also, the only other Redfoot care site I would recommend is the tortoiselibrary. It one of our members sites. Otherwise, you would be best to stick to this forum for correct info. Just misting a RF a couple times a day inside a house, even in Florida, I'm not sure that would be enough.

Thank you for your help once again, wellington. I will be sure to re-read them in the morning, as it's approaching that time of night again. Thank you for all of your help, once again!

Cogent