gwyneth Wrote:Does anyone know if tortoises are colourblind or not?
I'm not scientifically sure, but my guess is they're not colour blind. My Hermann's seems attracted to bright saturated colours like yellow, orange or red.
This basking spot is way above 30c. It is a 220watt bulb. Thomas does spend much time under this bulb, he will for about 2-3 minutes at a time but spends alot of time under his shredded paper. So the enclosure isnt too cold then? Its just a case of waiting till hes settled!
gwyneth Wrote:This basking spot is way above 30c.
how much above 30c? if it's to hot the tort might aestivate.
the bulb is 220v - 240v and the temperture directly below the bulb rose to 50c (this is the highest my thermostate will record).
Sorry but i dont know what aestivate means!
gwyneth, that is way to hot.
bring the high temp down to 30c.
here is the definition for aestivation, as seen here:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/juvhib.htm
"(...) daytime temperatures in July can exceed 48ºC. These high temperatures, and the almost total lack of plants suitable for grazing, result in aestivation. The tortoises bury themselves underground and sit out the unbearable heat expending as little energy as possible. Although superficially similar to hibernation, aestivation is biologically a very different process and the two should not be confused. They are only similar in the sense that they result in a seasonal period of inactivity. This naturally affects the rate of growth and the total food intake (...)"
How do I bring this temperture down - do i change the wattage of the bulb or even lift the bulb higher?
I do appreciate this advise thanks for your time.
gwyneth Wrote:How do I bring this temperture down - do i change the wattage of the bulb or even lift the bulb higher?
I do appreciate this advise thanks for your time.
gwyneth,
try lifting the bulb higher until the temp. drops to 30/32C.
if that still won't do it, you'll have to change the bulb. to give you an idea I use a 40W bulb for heat, way "lighter" than the one you're using. this also helps with the electrical bill...
a 60w bulb will certainly help you get the right temp
oh, and you're welcome. I know how daunting it is trying to get everything right...
we've all been there.
For the time being - well until my husband can alter the height of the bulb would it be advisible to turn this bulb off.
gwyneth Wrote:For the time being - well until my husband can alter the height of the bulb would it be advisible to turn this bulb off.
if you can´t drop the temp for now, I'd probably turn it off...
just an idea: can you move the bulb away from the hide?
maybe that would enable Thomas to move away from it easily
Hi my husband has left the bulb in the same area but has highered it. Now the temperture in Thomas' hideout has dropped to 27c and directly under the bulb is 32c. What do you think? Is this more acceptable?
that's perfect!
Thomas has just come out of his hide out HOORAY!. I have noticed that his neck is inflating in and out alot. Is this natural and i havent noticed it before or could this be a result of the situation if so will it rectify itself?
yes, that's normal behaviour.
I expect everything should steadily go to normal.
