apriltankdavis
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2015
- Messages
- 11
Hello! I just recently got a redfoot tortoise from a local pet store. I feel like I rescued her because she had been there for over a year! Anyway, her name is Clementine, and she is a welcomed addition to my agriculture education classroom.
I have a 400 gallon aquaculture tank in my classroom that was not being used, so I turned it into what we like to call "tortoise time". Half of the enclosure is for the tortoise and the other portion is for a student or two to spend some time watching the tortoise. We love it!
I will be adding some plants soon, but we're excited to see the clover we planted in her substrate sprout! No matter what foods we have tried (lettuce, kale, grapes, watermelon, strawberries) free clover from outside is one of her favorite things.
I just want to have the best possible environment for her and do the right thing, so I would appreciate any and all advice! I have read through other posts, and there are lots of different things out there! So here's what I got:
1) We're in Northeast Georgia
2) UVB on a timer for 12 hours per day
3) Infrared bulb on 24/7 over the water area and paver (temp stays around 92). I have an additional infrared light that I used to increase the temps when it was freezing (my classroom gets pretty chilly at night)
4) substrate of coconut fiber around hides and mix of reptibark and cypress mulch everywhere else
5) I have an additional digital thermometer/hygrometer hanging in the middle of the enclosure and it seems to remain around 75
6) I soak her everyday while I get her food ready as well as spray her and her bedding during the day. I have never seen her get in the water in her enclosure, so I have purchased some terracotta saucers to make it easier for her to get in and out.
7) I have only seen her actually drink water four or five times (I have had her a few weeks now) and there are times when her eyes are so dry they won't open (the pet store told me this is a normal occurrence for her)
8) Humidity stays between 40 and 60% (the pet store recommended that as well)
9) Finally, I have no control over the thermostat in the classroom when we are not at school (it turns off at 4:00 each day and stays off on the weekends). I am thinking of putting a tarp over the enclosure to hold in some moisture. Is a UVB necessary? I feel like it is drying everything out so fast!
Thanks in advance for any help! We are in love with her already!
April
I have a 400 gallon aquaculture tank in my classroom that was not being used, so I turned it into what we like to call "tortoise time". Half of the enclosure is for the tortoise and the other portion is for a student or two to spend some time watching the tortoise. We love it!
I will be adding some plants soon, but we're excited to see the clover we planted in her substrate sprout! No matter what foods we have tried (lettuce, kale, grapes, watermelon, strawberries) free clover from outside is one of her favorite things.
I just want to have the best possible environment for her and do the right thing, so I would appreciate any and all advice! I have read through other posts, and there are lots of different things out there! So here's what I got:
1) We're in Northeast Georgia
2) UVB on a timer for 12 hours per day
3) Infrared bulb on 24/7 over the water area and paver (temp stays around 92). I have an additional infrared light that I used to increase the temps when it was freezing (my classroom gets pretty chilly at night)
4) substrate of coconut fiber around hides and mix of reptibark and cypress mulch everywhere else
5) I have an additional digital thermometer/hygrometer hanging in the middle of the enclosure and it seems to remain around 75
6) I soak her everyday while I get her food ready as well as spray her and her bedding during the day. I have never seen her get in the water in her enclosure, so I have purchased some terracotta saucers to make it easier for her to get in and out.
7) I have only seen her actually drink water four or five times (I have had her a few weeks now) and there are times when her eyes are so dry they won't open (the pet store told me this is a normal occurrence for her)
8) Humidity stays between 40 and 60% (the pet store recommended that as well)
9) Finally, I have no control over the thermostat in the classroom when we are not at school (it turns off at 4:00 each day and stays off on the weekends). I am thinking of putting a tarp over the enclosure to hold in some moisture. Is a UVB necessary? I feel like it is drying everything out so fast!
Thanks in advance for any help! We are in love with her already!
April