Introduction: New Red Foot

seadogrun

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Hello all - New to the Forum here.

I just picked up a 4 month old-ish red foot for my daughter. I thought this would be a good place to make sure my set up is good for him/her. How does he/she look?
E981_C5_D5-1129-4347-9_F80-_B52_E87_B01552.jpg

AAC0_F66_E-694_B-4_FE1-9009-5_C8_B93048632.jpg

Here is the enclosure:
70_B74237-5834-4421-99_B4-3_E3_A5_B1_BDCCF.jpg


Any critique or tips are most definitely appreciated.
 

Minority2

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1. Where did you purchase your tortoise from?

2. What is the dimension of the hamster cage you're currently using?

3. Temperature levels should be a constant 82-86F thorough the enclosure for Red-foots. Humidity level should be over 80%. A basking spot set at 90-95F is optional but should not be the only heating source for Red-foots.

4. Your currently open enclosure will not be able to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity levels needed unless your entire room is also set at the same temperature and humidity level. To do so would be quite expensive which is why most members would instead recommend new owners to convert their open enclosures to a closed chamber style one.

Covering the cage with greenhouse plastic film will allow you to retain more heat and humidity.

5. What are you using for UV(B) lighting? please be specific on the model and type of bulb used.

Compact florescent bulbs are known to cause severe eye issues in tortoises. People who are told to buy dual lamp fixtures such as the one you have are often convince to purchase bulbs such as the unsafe one I mentioned.

7. How much soakings do you give your tortoise per week? Young tortoises should be soaked daily for 20-30 minutes in warm water.
 

Toddrickfl1

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You got a few things that need changed I think @Minority2 pretty much covered it.
 

seadogrun

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1. Where did you purchase your tortoise from?
I purchased him from a local reptile specialist store(not a typical pet store).
2. What is the dimension of the hamster cage you're currently using?
The tub is 30"x20". The plan is to create an outdoor enclosure as he grows
3. Temperature levels should be a constant 82-86F thorough the enclosure for Red-foots. Humidity level should be over 80%. A basking spot set at 90-95F is optional but should not be the only heating source for Red-foots.

4. Your currently open enclosure will not be able to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity levels needed unless your entire room is also set at the same temperature and humidity level. To do so would be quite expensive which is why most members would instead recommend new owners to convert their open enclosures to a closed chamber style one.

Covering the cage with greenhouse plastic film will allow you to retain more heat and humidity.
I'll look more into this. The average natural humidity here is mid 80s%

5. What are you using for UV(B) lighting? please be specific on the model and type of bulb used.
The UVB bulb is: Exo Terra Reptile UVB 100. It is a spiral type. I'll have to change it. Is it safe for a few days until I can get it replaced?
Compact florescent bulbs are known to cause severe eye issues in tortoises. People who are told to buy dual lamp fixtures such as the one you have are often convince to purchase bulbs such as the unsafe one I mentioned.

7. How much soakings do you give your tortoise per week? Young tortoises should be soaked daily for 20-30 minutes in warm water.
I just got him today and soaked him for 20 minutes. He immediately put his head underwater for a bit. The plan is to soak him every morning for now. Is tap water ok for the soaking?
 

Minority2

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Joined
Jul 30, 2018
Messages
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1. Where did you purchase your tortoise from?
I purchased him from a local reptile specialist store(not a typical pet store).
2. What is the dimension of the hamster cage you're currently using?
The tub is 30"x20". The plan is to create an outdoor enclosure as he grows
3. Temperature levels should be a constant 82-86F thorough the enclosure for Red-foots. Humidity level should be over 80%. A basking spot set at 90-95F is optional but should not be the only heating source for Red-foots.

4. Your currently open enclosure will not be able to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity levels needed unless your entire room is also set at the same temperature and humidity level. To do so would be quite expensive which is why most members would instead recommend new owners to convert their open enclosures to a closed chamber style one.

Covering the cage with greenhouse plastic film will allow you to retain more heat and humidity.
I'll look more into this. The average natural humidity here is mid 80s%

5. What are you using for UV(B) lighting? please be specific on the model and type of bulb used.
The UVB bulb is: Exo Terra Reptile UVB 100. It is a spiral type. I'll have to change it. Is it safe for a few days until I can get it replaced?
Compact florescent bulbs are known to cause severe eye issues in tortoises. People who are told to buy dual lamp fixtures such as the one you have are often convince to purchase bulbs such as the unsafe one I mentioned.

7. How much soakings do you give your tortoise per week? Young tortoises should be soaked daily for 20-30 minutes in warm water.
I just got him today and soaked him for 20 minutes. He immediately put his head underwater for a bit. The plan is to soak him every morning for now. Is tap water ok for the soaking?

1. Most stores will not have the most up to date information. Their advice and or level of care will most likely conflict with the advice given in this forum.

2. 30" x 20" enclosure is very small. Some keepers believe that small enclosures are one of the many contributing factors to stunted growth in tortoises. Small areas do not feel inviting nor will it allow tortoises to get the necessary space for exercising or thermoregulating.

A Christmas tree tote is affordable and much larger than what you're currently using:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/IRIS-Holiday-Tree-Storage-Tote-with-Compartment-Lid-Red/48037027

Keep in mind the enclosure I linked is only a temporary one. It will last 1-2 years at most.

4. Is that the humidity level for inside the room/home? Other factors such as air conditioning can affect humidity levels. It's simply much cheaper in terms of electricity costs to just convert to a closed chamber style enclosure. Wattage requirements and needs would be much lower.

5. No. Stop using it. A hatchling tortoise's well being should be the prority. Take your tortoise outside to an escape and predator proof outdoor enclosure for 1 hour 2-3 times a week. Until you buy a safer UV(B) bulb and fixture.

6. Yes tap water is fine as long as your water is not classified as hard water. I believe your tortoise placed his or her head underneath the water because he or she was very thirsty. Make sure to keep your tortoise well hydrated.
 

seadogrun

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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
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Again Thank you! I appreciate the quick responses. I'm shutting down my current UVB bulb now. I just wasn't sure if it was a long term issue that could be used for a few days.

Frustrating is that the stores sell you bad stuff.

The only store that I can get in the new week or so is a mainstream pet store like Petco or Pet Supermarket. Will those stores have anything suitable to use for UVB?
 

Minority2

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Again Thank you! I appreciate the quick responses. I'm shutting down my current UVB bulb now. I just wasn't sure if it was a long term issue that could be used for a few days.

Frustrating is that the stores sell you bad stuff.

The only store that I can get in the new week or so is a mainstream pet store like Petco or Pet Supermarket. Will those stores have anything suitable to use for UVB?

Yes but the selection is very limited and often overpriced and of poor quality. Amazon, home depot, and other online tortoise retailing sites will get you more bang for your buck. Generic pet-branded equipment will not last. Grow lights and work light type equipment will be a much better choice.
 

Toddrickfl1

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You can get an 18" tube uvb at petco, look up the price on chewy.com and petco will match it. Then get a fixture at Walmart there like ten bucks, just throw out the tube it comes with. Definately work on getting a closed chamber or enclosing yours somehow, shower curtains work. If the humidity is 80% outside it won't be that inside your house.
 
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