New tortoise owners

[alisonk99]

Hi, we have recently become tortoise owners (hermanns) for the first time and have been enjoying learning about how to look after these amazing little creatures. This is our table, we have ordered light stands but unfortunately they haven’t turned up just yet, hopefully they will come soon don’t like the clamps. Looking forward to some better weather and getting them outside.
Any advice/ comments are very welcome as this is our first reptile set up and it’s been a steep learning curve. [emoji846]

 

[Ray--Opo]

Welcome don't have knowledge on hermanns. Someone will give you some advice. Maybe we can get @HermanniChris to guide you.

 

[jsheffield]

Welcome to TFO.

Jamie

 

[TechnoCheese]

Welcome to the forum!
How many tortoises do you have, and how old are they?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi and welcome!

It looks like you may be using one of those curly-shaped bulbs?? We have found that SOME of those bulbs are harmful to young tortoises' eyes, and we don't recommend using them.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

 

[Ben02]

Welcome, can we see some pics of your torts?

The enclosure looks amazing!!!! I like that little tortoise pot in the top section. The only thing that you might need to change is the bulb.

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome.
There is a good caresheet for Hermanns in the Species section https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/
so please read and ask as many questions as you need. This is a great place for up to date information. Also read the Beginners Mistakes thread which will help you avoid common problems experienced by others.
The table looks amazing but you also need a shallow plant saucer for water in there. Big enough for the tort to self soak in and sunk into the substrate so that it can get in and out easily.

 

[Lyn W]

P.s Try to hang the light fittings rather than use the clamps as they have been known to fail and cause fires. You will also be able to adjust temps by raising or lowering the bulbs and concentrate the heat better in an area rather than spread it out at an angle.
What substrate are you using? Just wondering if those white bits are safe.

 

[alisonk99]

Out light stands finally arrived so hopefully everything is ok now for our wee tortoise. Substrate is top soil and coco coir mixed. He seems very happy and digs down every night and is active and eating well during the day.

 

[Ben02]

View attachment 269761

Out light stands finally arrived so hopefully everything is ok now for our wee tortoise. Substrate is top soil and coco coir mixed. He seems very happy and digs down every night and is active and eating well during the day. View attachment 269762

Adorable tort

 

[MPappagallo]

welcome! I love your enclosure and your Beware sign is darling! Best of luck with your new babies! There is a lot of great info on this site that will help you learn everything you need to know!