In case someone else comes across this post in the future, here's a similar thread with somewhat more of an answer:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-82977.html
Thanks everyone. And a (perhaps silly) followup question: how do you protect yourself (skin and eyes) from the artificial UVB when you fiddle with the tort or his surroundings? Turn off the lamp each time? Or is the amount of exposure so miniscule that it's not worth worrying about?
Thanks for the replies; I guess I'll plan for a bulb just in case. Are there any warning signs of MBD onset or other problems due to insufficient UVB that I should look out for?
I'm planning an indoor enclosure for a 1- or 2-year old Russian that I'll probably be getting, but I'm not sure what to do about UVB lighting. I can let the tort roam around my back patio for half an hour or so most days, but there is foliage from neighboring trees blocking the sun, so any...
Thanks everyone! :)
I don't know much about California desert tortoises, but I'm afraid they might grow to be too large for the space that I can provide for them. Would you consider them to be a good, hardy starter tort?
Yes, I was thinking of getting a smaller tortoise, since I have limited...
Greetings from San Jose, California! I'm thinking of getting a tortoise (maybe a Russian, Greek or Hermann's) and I thought I'd come here and do some research before taking the plunge. :)