Cynosoura
New Member
OK - you guys are brilliant, definitely appreciate everyone's advice and thoughts on prior posting about Odin. Some developments and questions. One, it looks like he's developing some pyramiding of which I'm concerned; and a diet question.
First, here's Odin today at around 8-9 months:
And then the view that concerns me about pyramiding:
He's about 3 3/4" shell, about 160 grams. Still one-eyed and audacious as ever.
And because it's most likely THE most critical...current setup - finally took everyone's advice and trying to move to a fully enclosed setup. That's being built now, but honestly the suggestion from this forum for indoor greenhouse? Made genius. Temps range in front left at around 95F to upper right at 85F with hide at around 78F. Humidity MUCH easier to control here (can y'all hear Tom yet?) at 80-85. Basking light (he does use it...mostly while hanging out in the water dish) on a timer, the CHE on a thermostat at 85F. The UVB is a Reptisun 8.0UVB. He hangs out near the CHE for about an hour after dining (not quite a dine and dash, more like a dine and waddle).
So I'm thinking the advice from when I got him last July is still suspect and fear that the several months prior to this enclosure might have done him harm. Any thoughts?
Oh yeah - diet. Dandelions, Turnip Greens, Clover, red/green lettuce, parsley (a particular fav), Kale, Mustard Greens, and pretty varied veggies and fruit (kiwi and watermelon are his new favs...he'll pick these out first). Mazuri once a week, and a bit of salmon/tuna/egg/chicken on Sunday (about the size of his head...). The only other thing is that (again on advice) is daily spray of Zilla's Calcium Supplement Food spray (.17% Calcium). His shell is about 3 3/4 and weighs about 160-ish grams. Am I over-feeding? Too much calcium?
Or should I stop worrying and just accept that Odin might be a bit lumpy?
QUESTION ON FOOD: I ordered the Testudo Broadleaf mix and growing in an indoor grow rack. BUT - I used Miracle Grow potting soil. Will the fertilizers get into the plant? Haven't fed him anything from the first planter...but just realized might need to go 100% organic.
I can't say enough how much I appreciate this forum. I've learned more about proper tortoise care here than the "expert" that advised me on how to care for Odin. He's my bud and want to make sure doing everything I can to make sure he's given every opportunity to thrive. SO thank you in advance for any of your thoughts and observations!!!
FYI - in the process of building out his backyard enclosure - 10x20 and should be ready to go here in a couple months...Georgia weather has been a bit on the miserable side of late.
THANKS EVERYONE!
First, here's Odin today at around 8-9 months:
And then the view that concerns me about pyramiding:
He's about 3 3/4" shell, about 160 grams. Still one-eyed and audacious as ever.
And because it's most likely THE most critical...current setup - finally took everyone's advice and trying to move to a fully enclosed setup. That's being built now, but honestly the suggestion from this forum for indoor greenhouse? Made genius. Temps range in front left at around 95F to upper right at 85F with hide at around 78F. Humidity MUCH easier to control here (can y'all hear Tom yet?) at 80-85. Basking light (he does use it...mostly while hanging out in the water dish) on a timer, the CHE on a thermostat at 85F. The UVB is a Reptisun 8.0UVB. He hangs out near the CHE for about an hour after dining (not quite a dine and dash, more like a dine and waddle).
So I'm thinking the advice from when I got him last July is still suspect and fear that the several months prior to this enclosure might have done him harm. Any thoughts?
Oh yeah - diet. Dandelions, Turnip Greens, Clover, red/green lettuce, parsley (a particular fav), Kale, Mustard Greens, and pretty varied veggies and fruit (kiwi and watermelon are his new favs...he'll pick these out first). Mazuri once a week, and a bit of salmon/tuna/egg/chicken on Sunday (about the size of his head...). The only other thing is that (again on advice) is daily spray of Zilla's Calcium Supplement Food spray (.17% Calcium). His shell is about 3 3/4 and weighs about 160-ish grams. Am I over-feeding? Too much calcium?
Or should I stop worrying and just accept that Odin might be a bit lumpy?
QUESTION ON FOOD: I ordered the Testudo Broadleaf mix and growing in an indoor grow rack. BUT - I used Miracle Grow potting soil. Will the fertilizers get into the plant? Haven't fed him anything from the first planter...but just realized might need to go 100% organic.
I can't say enough how much I appreciate this forum. I've learned more about proper tortoise care here than the "expert" that advised me on how to care for Odin. He's my bud and want to make sure doing everything I can to make sure he's given every opportunity to thrive. SO thank you in advance for any of your thoughts and observations!!!
FYI - in the process of building out his backyard enclosure - 10x20 and should be ready to go here in a couple months...Georgia weather has been a bit on the miserable side of late.
THANKS EVERYONE!
