Hi everyone . I'm new here and have a lot of questions. I'm interested in buying or adopting my first tortoises! Are there any reputable sites that anyone would recommend? There are not a lot of options in Kansas, but I'm willing to drive a few hours out of the way as well.
I'd like to build or purchase a terrarium and get all of the equipment first. I think I'd like to get two red foots so they can keep each other company when I'm away. I was thinking of getting some plywood from home depot to put together the terrarium. How big should it be? It would just be a simple rectangle box with no top, but some kind of support where the uv light and heating lamp would hang over. I was also considering a kiddie pool or plastic tub too.
What kind of substrate do you recommend and why?
Most economical heating lamp and uv light? How many wattage? How much has your bills gone up since you've had tortoises? What hours of the day do you leave the uv on? I think I read somewhere that light should be changed every six months or so. How about the heating lamp?
I wanted to grow some plants in there too. Does it need to be potted? Is this a good idea or will they eat the plants?
I've also been wanting to grow veggies indoors but was worried about lack of lighting and humidity indoors. Would it be a good idea to grow some veggies in a container/pot inside of the terrarium where the tortoises wouldn't be able to reach? In this case would I need a better terrarium that would insulate heat and humidity?
How often do you take your tortoise to the vet? How do you know when they're sick?
How often to mist terrarium?
To my understanding, one side of the terrarium should always be warm and moist and the other side cool/dry with a hiding spot? And then a little dish to drink and soak in, and a thermostat. Is there anything else?
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you so much
I'd like to build or purchase a terrarium and get all of the equipment first. I think I'd like to get two red foots so they can keep each other company when I'm away. I was thinking of getting some plywood from home depot to put together the terrarium. How big should it be? It would just be a simple rectangle box with no top, but some kind of support where the uv light and heating lamp would hang over. I was also considering a kiddie pool or plastic tub too.
What kind of substrate do you recommend and why?
Most economical heating lamp and uv light? How many wattage? How much has your bills gone up since you've had tortoises? What hours of the day do you leave the uv on? I think I read somewhere that light should be changed every six months or so. How about the heating lamp?
I wanted to grow some plants in there too. Does it need to be potted? Is this a good idea or will they eat the plants?
I've also been wanting to grow veggies indoors but was worried about lack of lighting and humidity indoors. Would it be a good idea to grow some veggies in a container/pot inside of the terrarium where the tortoises wouldn't be able to reach? In this case would I need a better terrarium that would insulate heat and humidity?
How often do you take your tortoise to the vet? How do you know when they're sick?
How often to mist terrarium?
To my understanding, one side of the terrarium should always be warm and moist and the other side cool/dry with a hiding spot? And then a little dish to drink and soak in, and a thermostat. Is there anything else?
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you so much