Welcome Bleu !!

[elle_jaye]

I just received Bleu from a friend. He is about 5 inches and is a very lively boy. Loves to sunbathe most of the day is too much of the heat lamp bad for him?..

Thanks!!! I'm new to this just like a lot of us..

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi elle_jaye:



Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

What would you like for us to call you?

Also, when we know approximately where you are, it helps us design our answers to better fit your problem.

Your new tortoise is just beautiful!

 

[ascott]

Welcome to the Forum The very beautiful little tortoise...

Since you mentioned you are new and just became the caregiver for that little cutie may I ask what prompted your substrate material choice?

 

[elle_jaye]

I used to use dark brown bark but when I cleaned his home I was told by the reptile store worker that this stuff was good, absorbent, and what they use. Is it not as good as he made it seem?

I live in sunny California so temperatures stay pretty moderate for him.

And you can call me LeAnne! 😃

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi LeAnne:

Well, the substrate in the picture on the left is no good. However, the substrate on the right looks like cypress mulch, and that is quite good. The kibble on the left can't be moistened and will mold, while the cypress mulch can be moistened, never sours or smells bad. A slightly moist substrate helps keep the tortoise growing smoothly, but at your tortoise's age, that's not quite as important as if he were a baby.

 

[elle_jaye]

Great!! Thank you. I will definitely change out his home with cypress mulch.

Do you recommend leaving a small water dish in his tank?

And sometimes I leave the eat lamp on 24/7 and turn the uv light off at night because he seems to love it so much! I know it can cause sunburns so I do monitor it..

 

[cherylim]

Welcome LeAnne! Lovely tortoise!

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

Welcome LeAnne! Your tort is so very cute!

 

[Yvonne G]

I keep a water dish in my habitats. Some do some don't. Its up to you. You should turn of the light just like the sun so they have a day/night cycle, but if your house is cold at night, then leaving the heat on at night is fine. What are you using for heat?

 

[elle_jaye]

I use a directional heat lamp so it stays away from other parts of his habitat and keeps him warm in that particular spot. is that ok?

 

[Yvonne G]

No, what I meant was, is it a CHE (ceramic heat emitter), or a red/black light, or whatever?

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Fine looking tortoise!

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome.

 

[Tony the tank]

Welcome

 

[pdrobber]

welcome