Jadeemma18
New Member
Hello,
I have had my horsefield tortoise for a week now and I just wanted to make sure I am doing everything properly! The pet store I purchased him from have given me some details that say he (or she!) was born in 2016. We built our own open top table for him which we keep inside but I have since read that the glass enclosures are better as they keep the heat in more rather than the open tables. I am currently looking into getting something to keep over the top but if anybody could suggest anything that would be great?
We keep his table next to a radiator (which is kept on low) to keep it warmer, is this ok or should I move it away? I have put play sand, soil, stones and wood chip inside which is what the man in the pet store advised us to do. Is this right? The pet store didn't give me much advice at all other than feed him and turn the light on for 12 hours per day.
The light we are using is a 2 in 1. We have a heat mat for the night time that we place up against the back of the small house at the back which is where he goes of a night. Again, this is what the pet store advised and sold to us but if anybody else could offer any other advice or thinks this is wrong please let me know.
He seems to like eating his food underneath the lamp so this is where I keep putting it. He can get in and out of the food and water dishes ok which is good but I have put some stones in there (as I read on a thread on here) just in case.
I try to give him a soak at least once a day in a Tupperware dish, luke warm and shallow water as he's only tiny but he doesn't seem to want to stay in there for longer than 2/3 minutes. Should I keep him in there for longer? I just don't want to stress him out but obviously want to keep him hydrated.
Also, at what age (approx) will I be able to determine the gender?
Any advice or suggestions would be great!
Thanks
I have had my horsefield tortoise for a week now and I just wanted to make sure I am doing everything properly! The pet store I purchased him from have given me some details that say he (or she!) was born in 2016. We built our own open top table for him which we keep inside but I have since read that the glass enclosures are better as they keep the heat in more rather than the open tables. I am currently looking into getting something to keep over the top but if anybody could suggest anything that would be great?
We keep his table next to a radiator (which is kept on low) to keep it warmer, is this ok or should I move it away? I have put play sand, soil, stones and wood chip inside which is what the man in the pet store advised us to do. Is this right? The pet store didn't give me much advice at all other than feed him and turn the light on for 12 hours per day.
The light we are using is a 2 in 1. We have a heat mat for the night time that we place up against the back of the small house at the back which is where he goes of a night. Again, this is what the pet store advised and sold to us but if anybody else could offer any other advice or thinks this is wrong please let me know.
He seems to like eating his food underneath the lamp so this is where I keep putting it. He can get in and out of the food and water dishes ok which is good but I have put some stones in there (as I read on a thread on here) just in case.
I try to give him a soak at least once a day in a Tupperware dish, luke warm and shallow water as he's only tiny but he doesn't seem to want to stay in there for longer than 2/3 minutes. Should I keep him in there for longer? I just don't want to stress him out but obviously want to keep him hydrated.
Also, at what age (approx) will I be able to determine the gender?
Any advice or suggestions would be great!
Thanks