New Eastern Hermann owner

Wish Lin

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Jul 5, 2020
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Location (City and/or State)
Taipei, Taiwan
Hi, everyone! I am new to tortoise keeping, but I have been keeping geckos and skinks for a couple years prior to this, so not that of a noob:D

I currently own two Eastern Hermann hatchlings, both about 5cms in length. Would like to learn more about these fascinating animals and receive advices and suggestions on how to keep my Hermanns happy and healthy here in the future!

4CA072D1-50E0-4617-A5B1-E3898F12E88A.jpeg0B6C5061-1827-408B-8CD4-872570CABF56.jpeg4B844067-B4FF-4961-BC8C-59B8745D3C4C.jpgEEEEEFC2-72C6-4DF7-845A-B698BE03360C.jpegF3A16FB8-A1AC-4013-8097-D09C7B2CFAE2.jpg
 

Hutsie B

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hi and welcome from NC. There are some care sheets around that can really help you if you can read up on the forum and find them. Look under care.
 

Ink

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Cuteness ❤️! I enjoy my Eastern Hermann so much. He is terrific. Are you planning on keeping them separated?
 

Tom

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I’ve checked them out. They are so detailed and awesome!
Hello and welcome.

My first tip is to separate them. Tortoises should never live in pairs.

Here is the care info for them:
 

Wish Lin

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Here is the care info for them:
No......it seems like I have a lot of problems!

This is their current enclosure, which is about as big as their home at the pet store(which housed 15+ hatchlings), and is about 21x13 inches:
F27B2456-B3F8-438E-B4EE-228FC6AA2987.jpeg
According to your care sheet, it is too small, the substrate needs a change, and they need to be separated, is that right?
 

method89

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No......it seems like I have a lot of problems!

This is their current enclosure, which is about as big as their home at the pet store(which housed 15+ hatchlings), and is about 21x13 inches:
View attachment 300153
According to your care sheet, it is too small, the substrate needs a change, and they need to be separated, is that right?
I would get the biggest enclosure you can. That one is definitely too small. orchid bark is good substrate. separating them will prevent any problems later
 

Wish Lin

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I would get the biggest enclosure you can. That one is definitely too small. orchid bark is good substrate. separating them will prevent any problems later
Well......That is the about the size of the biggest enclosure sold in the store. I was thinking about using a part of the balcony as their enclosure, which is surely big enough and has plenty sunlight, but can young tortoises be outside?
 

Tom

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No......it seems like I have a lot of problems!

This is their current enclosure, which is about as big as their home at the pet store(which housed 15+ hatchlings), and is about 21x13 inches:
View attachment 300153
According to your care sheet, it is too small, the substrate needs a change, and they need to be separated, is that right?
All correct. Yes.

And that water bowl is a dangerous flipping/drowning hazard. Great for flexible lizards and snakes, but totally unsuitable for a rigid shelled chelonian.

You also need a basking lamp.

Pet stores don't usually set a good example of how to house animals.
 

Tom

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Well......That is the about the size of the biggest enclosure sold in the store. I was thinking about using a part of the balcony as their enclosure, which is surely big enough and has plenty sunlight, but can young tortoises be outside?
Baby tortoises should not be outside too much. Some outside time is good, but not too much when they are small. Any sort of large storage type tub, or even a water trough for hoof stock animals can work. You don't need something sold at a pet store to house your tortoises. Most of what I buy for my tortoises comes from the hardware store.
 

Opuntia

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Hi and welcome.
I have five eastern hermanns. Yours are beautiful by the way.
I been a member here for just over a year, I follow all the care sheet so far so good. You come to the right place.
 

Wish Lin

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All correct. Yes.

And that water bowl is a dangerous flipping/drowning hazard. Great for flexible lizards and snakes, but totally unsuitable for a rigid shelled chelonian.

You also need a basking lamp.

Pet stores don't usually set a good example of how to house animals.
Ok. I already bought a basking lamp, when it’s too cold(it’s still like 31degrees at night now), I will add it.

I am on a search for their big new home now, but I will have to persuade my parents for taking up the space,ha!

Also, should I be worried about the dent on the back of one of them? Some threads here says it is not good. It is like that since I first got him.
 

Tom

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Ok. I already bought a basking lamp, when it’s too cold(it’s still like 31degrees at night now), I will add it.

I am on a search for their big new home now, but I will have to persuade my parents for taking up the space,ha!

Also, should I be worried about the dent on the back of one of them? Some threads here says it is not good. It is like that since I first got him.
They need a basking lamp every day all day when they are indoors. 31 is okay for ambient, but they still need a warmer area to go to that is 36-37 during the day.
 

Wish Lin

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Location (City and/or State)
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They need a basking lamp every day all day when they are indoors. 31 is okay for ambient, but they still need a warmer area to go to that is 36-37 during the day.
Okay. How should I determine when to turn it on?
 

Tom

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Okay. How should I determine when to turn it on?
Set it on a timer to come on every morning and go off every night. It should be one for about 12 hours a day. Adjust the height and/or wattage to get the correct temperature under your bulb.
 

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