Hey guys! I'm Kiara and I live in Kentucky. On Valentine's weekend, I finally got myself a tortoise! I've wanted a tortoise/turtle for about 10 years, so now that I'm living on my own I decided to get one Her name is Pebbles, she's a redfoot. I eventually want to get a second one and get some turtles as well, but I'm pacing myself haha.
I do have a few beginner questions, some might be better answered by locals-
-Is there a good vet I can take her to if need be? I'm wanting someone who has looked at a tortoise at least one time but preferably more (or even someone who specializes in reptiles specifically). Pebbles looks fine and acts fine, but I wouldn't mind getting her checked out since I just got her, but overall just want a vet I will already know of if there's an emergency.
-I'm trying to find a list of foods she can eat, but I just find generic lists; "dark leafy greens," "fruit," etc. I want to start a little garden of flowers/plants specifically for her, so if there's a list somewhere I can check out please let me know! Additionally, if there's a "DO NOT EAT" list as well I'd love to have that. I'm only feeding her organic foods that I know are safe, but an official list would be very beneficial!
-What's the best substrate to use? Right now I am using Reptisoil with some Reptibark but I'm not sure if this is the best thing or use or not (this is what I was recommended). I obviously want her to live her best, healthiest life, so if there's something more suitable out there let me know! <3
-Any good "accessories" to add to her terrarium as well? I have some sphagnum moss in there with her to add greenery (and to help keep it humid) but I would love to add more stuff as well (she does have a log and a fake rock she loves to hide under as well).
-Tips on keeping food from drying out daily? I like to keep food in there with her at all times but it doesn't take long for it to begin to dry up so she won't really touch it. it's not directly under/near the heat lamp.
Sorry for so many questions! Anyways, I'd love to make some connections with people who have tortoises just so I can have other people to talk to about it lol. My husband likes animals, but he's not... into animals, if you know what I mean?
I do have a few beginner questions, some might be better answered by locals-
-Is there a good vet I can take her to if need be? I'm wanting someone who has looked at a tortoise at least one time but preferably more (or even someone who specializes in reptiles specifically). Pebbles looks fine and acts fine, but I wouldn't mind getting her checked out since I just got her, but overall just want a vet I will already know of if there's an emergency.
-I'm trying to find a list of foods she can eat, but I just find generic lists; "dark leafy greens," "fruit," etc. I want to start a little garden of flowers/plants specifically for her, so if there's a list somewhere I can check out please let me know! Additionally, if there's a "DO NOT EAT" list as well I'd love to have that. I'm only feeding her organic foods that I know are safe, but an official list would be very beneficial!
-What's the best substrate to use? Right now I am using Reptisoil with some Reptibark but I'm not sure if this is the best thing or use or not (this is what I was recommended). I obviously want her to live her best, healthiest life, so if there's something more suitable out there let me know! <3
-Any good "accessories" to add to her terrarium as well? I have some sphagnum moss in there with her to add greenery (and to help keep it humid) but I would love to add more stuff as well (she does have a log and a fake rock she loves to hide under as well).
-Tips on keeping food from drying out daily? I like to keep food in there with her at all times but it doesn't take long for it to begin to dry up so she won't really touch it. it's not directly under/near the heat lamp.
Sorry for so many questions! Anyways, I'd love to make some connections with people who have tortoises just so I can have other people to talk to about it lol. My husband likes animals, but he's not... into animals, if you know what I mean?