| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Red123 |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 14:22:16
Well our next addition to our ever growing family is going to be a Herman tortoise. It will actually belong to my 15 year old son. Just wondering if anyone could share their experiences of keeping this species. Care sheets are ok as a starting point but would really like to here from owners about any problems to be aware of as well as any funny little ways that these tortoises may have. Any tips on their care would also be good, less face it most care sheets contradict each other. Below is how we intend to set his house up, but if anyone can point out anything that is incorrect and can be improved then please say.
He will start off in a large indoor plastic based rabbit cage 4' x 2' a spot bulb at one end temps of 30-32c under the bulb. Cool end will be room temp 20c ish. A uv light. A humid box as I understand they can become dehydrated when young especially. A shallow saucer for water. Substrate will be 50/50 top soil and sand. Various hides, small pebbles etc. A diet consisting mainly of suitable weeds and we should avoid commercially made tortoise pellet food. Food should be dusted with a suitable vitamin powder and a cuttlefish can be placed in his house for him to nibble on if required.
Thanks. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 20:23:14
The best food is a weed diet. I'm sure my neighbours think I'm crazy because I grow weeds and go out picking them too! Torties can have the odd treat but the only sort of fruits mine eat are tomato & strawberry which they really love. There's a website (www.thetortoisetable.org.uk)that gives a great list of suitable foods.
Those light holders are great because they can moved about if you decide to change the layout of the enclosure. I move their bits around ever so often so it keeps it fresh, new and gives them somewhere different to explore.
The bulb can be whatever watt you want for the placement of the light. Depending on our room temperature we can move the light higher or lower to get a good basking heat. It's more difficult with a fixed bulb.
I'll have a look through my photobucket for a selections of my pets at some point and post a new thread!
Thanks for your compliments.  |
| ScalySituation |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 19:27:58
quote:
Originally posted by Georgina
I was told by the vet that fruit should be given sparingly if at all as the sugar can build up and cause but problems and also they get addicted to it as it were and will hold off regular food. How true this is I do not know.
ive also heard this |
| Georgina |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 19:22:28
I was told by the vet that fruit should be given sparingly if at all as the sugar can build up and cause but problems and also they get addicted to it as it were and will hold off regular food. How true this is I do not know. |
| Red123 |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 19:15:57
quote:
Originally posted by herriotfan
The outdoor one is much better but it's all dying off now with winter and the frosts. I'll take some next year for you all to see.
I've got loads of photos of my animals....
That looks excellent. I like the idea of that light. Is that a 60watt you use in it? Do you find it gives enough heat without having a shade to direct the heat down? Was thinking of getting an exo terra glow light shade but with the price of them if that type of holder works then thats good we'll go with that lol.
Oh and get posting, would love to see some more pics of your animals. |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 16:39:46
quote:
Originally posted by ScalySituation
oh wow, that looks amazing!
The outdoor one is much better but it's all dying off now with winter and the frosts. I'll take some next year for you all to see.
I've got loads of photos of my animals.... |
| ScalySituation |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 16:31:01
oh wow, that looks amazing! |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 16:28:59
The little fence looks as if it seperates one bit off the cage off but it's only because I'd got something standing in there for a moment while I took the photo.
They go in a big enclosure in the garden in the summer. This is their winter housing.
I've got loads more photos but don't want to bore you too much!!!  |
| Red123 |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 16:07:25
quote:
Originally posted by herriotfan
You're pretty spot on. They do need a regular bath, every day as youngsters.
I have a large Ferplast 120 indoor rabbit/guinea pig cage for mine with a basking and UVB lamp as you're planning on. Keep their soil slightly moist. A damp hide isn't as necessary as bathing but you can always add one. Some like to think they have acrobatic skills and end up on their back....upright them a.s.a.p!
I love mine to bits, such characters and very affectionate.
How old is the tortie? I'd love to see some photos!
Hold your horses we are only now getting the set up sorted out lol. You must be a real tortoise lover We reckon it will probably be a youngster maybe a 2011 or 2012 that is unless one comes up for rehoming close to us then we would consider an older one. Could you post some pics of your hermans and the set up if you don't mind. I know my son would love to see it, so would I  |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 15:18:48
You're pretty spot on. They do need a regular bath, every day as youngsters.
I have a large Ferplast 120 indoor rabbit/guinea pig cage for mine with a basking and UVB lamp as you're planning on. Keep their soil slightly moist. A damp hide isn't as necessary as bathing but you can always add one. Some like to think they have acrobatic skills and end up on their back....upright them a.s.a.p!
I love mine to bits, such characters and very affectionate.
How old is the tortie? I'd love to see some photos! |
| Georgina |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 14:37:06
I looked after my bosses Herman after it fell from its viv 3 ft up and had brain damage. 8 months of syringe feed over night he started eating on his own. And started to walk properly again. He now lives with a friend that has another and he seem 90 percent back to normal. Bug he never regained sight in the injured eye. Great little things :) he was kept in a similar set up and had a good soak in the bath twice a week :) |
