But most UVB lights don't put out heat!
DoctorCosmonaut said:But most UVB lights don't put out heat!
Indoor enclosures of Red-Foot Tortoises should provide two square feet of space per inch of shell. Large Rubbermaid containers and homemade melamine enclosures are sometimes the best options for providing adequate space and ventilation for juveniles and subadults indoors. Outdoor housing for full grown adults is probably best. Create the land area in the enclosure by using three to four inches of Jungle Mix or a premium quality plain, sterile potting soil (that does not contain perlite) that much substrate allows the tortoise to burrow, which is something they frequently do in the wild. Cypress mulch can be added to the substrate to help increase the water retention - increased humidity levels are important in the care of these tortoises. A water area must be provided by placing a dish or pan in the enclosure that is large enough for the turtle to lay in and shallow enough for it to easily climb in and out of.
The temperatures need to be 85 to 90 F on the warm end and 70 to 75 F (room temperature) on the cool end. The basking area can be provided using an overhead heat source such as a ceramic heater, or red or blue heat lamps. The heat source(s) should be left on 24 hours per day.
Additionally, Red-Footed Tortoises require full-spectrum lighting which helps them metabolize vitamin D3. Full-spectrum bulbs, which emit ultraviolet-B light, come in incandescent and fluorescent options and they should be left on for 12 to 14 hours per day. (Note: UV-B bulbs should be replaced every six months) Some keepers prefer to combine heat and UV-B light in the same bulb by using one of the commercially available mercury vapor bulbs.
Young tortoises should be fed daily and adults can be fed every other day. Their diet should consist primarily of greens (dandelion leaves and flowers, clovers, endive, romaine lettuce, green and red leaf lettuce, kale, cactus pods), fruits (strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, cherries, plums, and cantaloupe-with the rind), and vegetables (grated carrots, corn, green beans, peas). Occasionally (once every week or two) they can also be fed animal protein such as baked chicken, earthworms, mealworms, crickets, or even low-fat dog food. There are also commercially produced foods that can be used to supplement feedings, though it should not be the sole source of food. Dust all foods with a high quality vitamin/mineral supplement as directed by the manufacturer (we recommend Miner-All)
tortoisenerd said:Do you ever go to the NW Captive Breeders Expo? Is it worth it? Puyallup is pretty near me so we're thinking of going. It's October 17/18 this year. Any info on it?