Wondering if I set the enclosure up correctly

[Jackie_p33]

We got 2 baby sulcata tortoises today, my hubby set up the enclosure in a glass tank with the metal mesh top (although now I'm reading that this isn't the best choice for tortoises), I also put about 4" of cardboard around the entire bottom outside the tank to prevent them from seeing out. We have the long UV light that lights up the entire enclosure, as well as 2 heat lamps to keep the temp between 85-95 on one side. We are using reptisoil for the substrate. There is a log hide on the side with the heat...as well as a little log ramp to help them get on top of the hide without flipping themselves over, and shallow food and water bowls are on the cooler side of the tank. For food I gave them spring mix, and will be getting some dandelion greens and collard greens tomorrow. Please let me know if I should do anything differently. I also have some questions:

Do I need to turn off heat sources at night?
I know you should turn off the UV light, but one of our heat sources is an actual light, the other is not.

What else should I be feeding them?

What is a suitable outside temperature to let them roam outside for a bit?

How often should I soak them, and how warm should the water be?

Should I soak the log hide to help keep humidity? If so, how often?

Should I spray water throughout the enclosure to help with humidity as well? If so, how often?

I'm sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure I'm doing this right. My hubby came home with a baby sulcata 3 months ago, but while we were out of town his heat source got unplugged (were guessing someone unplugged it to plug something else in and didn't realize) for almost 2 days. He got sick and passed away, I was so upset. Anyway, any and all advice is appreciated! I've tried reading up on it but I see so many different things and I'm confused as to what's right and wrong. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Minority2]

Please read every thread linked below. Answer to most common questions can be found here:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/b...h-small-sulcata-bad-for-the-small-one.161320/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-diet-sheet.64290/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/african-spurred-tortoise-sulcata-care-sheet.52524/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Keep the tortoises separated. One of the links above will explain why.

Reptisoil I believe has sand as part of their ingredients. I for one prefer to take any chances. Sand can cause eye irritation and impaction (blockage) in tortoises. Only outdated owners, retailers, and vets would continue to recommended sand as a substrate option. Use coco coir or fine grade orchid bark instead.

A picture of your entire enclosure would be a far better option for us in the forums to critique. Sometimes owners would mistakenly say they have something but turn out to be something else entirely. It's simply easier that way for both parties involved.

How large is your enclosure? An enclosure that is too small would not allow a tortoise to escape from a particular heat zone. tortoise require multiple heat zones to aid in their digestion. Sulcatas need basking area, warm side, cool side, and night time heating. A small enclosure will not have have enough space to properly provide that.

Mesh lids do not keep heat and humidity from escaping. Cover the lid with aluminum foil to keep humidity and heat from escaping.

The links will have a list of approved foods. The link below will explain what foods can be eaten, how often, and the reason why i.e. harmful properties in certain foods and what it can do to a tortoise's body:
https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/

Soak your tortoise daily with water that is warm to the touch for 20-30 minutes. Some people suggest water that is 90F.

Hatching tortoise temperatures and humidity:
basking 95-100F - 12-14 daily cycle with a simple incandescent bulb
warm side 90F
cool side 80F - use a ceramic heat emitter/reptile heat panel/kane heat mat and pair it with a thermostat
night time 80F - same as above
humidity 80%

Accomplish this by pouring water, misting water , and mixing the substrate. Dunking hide boxes in water is also another good option. Use a good hygrometer to verify humidity levels. Do not use cheap generic pet-branded models.

UVB needs:
UVB strip light - 12-14 hour daily cycle using a specific reptile approved tube light. ( example: arcadia/reptisun)

A UVB light in an indoor enclosure does two things.
1. Help light up the majority of the enclosure for much less wattage than using lamp fixtures.
2. Offer UVB to tortoises.


Any outdoor visit must include a safe enclosure setup with water dishes, plenty of shade, and hides for your tortoise. Hatchlings should not be outside for too long. A lot of people have varying opinions on outdoor temperatures for hatchlings. I personally don't go under 70F or above 90F for hatchlings during temporary visits. My adults on the other hand, all live permanently outside.

 

[SweetGreekTorts]

Welcome to the Forum! Cute sulcata babies! What are their names?