Thanks. Yes, I realized earlier this morning that enclosure would only provide a modicum of extra area. Even if I stacked the two cages I have I'd still only have ~16 sf.
Right now the biggest issue I have is the humidity/pyramiding. I swear the last time I read recommendations for adult...
I believe it's an Exo-Terra 150W basking light.
Will place the foil over the screen as you suggest. Will also look into double decker cage. I have another tortoise box close to the same size as the one I am using now. Moved to the current one as it had windows. Wife said the other one was...
Thanks so much for the detailed information. Some thoughts (and further questions) based on your comments.
1. The pyramiding is very concerning. I took my tortoise to a herpetologist for a beak trim earlier this week, and she didn't mention this. When the tortoise was a baby, I used a...
I have a 5-year-old male Hermann's tortoise. To date, based on information I gathered online several years ago, I have been using a 17W T8 UVB 10 lamp (Zoo Med). I learned this week that T8 bulbs should be switched every 6 months as they cease producing UVB radiation after that time. Reading...
My tortoise has no trouble crawling in and out of the watering dish seen in the photograph. He regularly drinks from it or lowers his rear into it to do his business. However, I will do some more research on the saucer idea you mention and see if we have anything suitably sized laying around.
Thanks for the replies, everyone! I appreciate the perspectives of those who've owned a tortoise longer than I have. Guess I will have to wait another year or two to be certain, but you have validated my thoughts on my tortoise's likely sex.
Can anyone provide me with their thoughts on the likely sex of my Eastern Hermann's tortoise? We bought this guy (girl) in May 2018 as a hatchling. He (she) was smaller than a half dollar at the time and was supposed to be incubated at a temperature so as to likely be male. It has been four...
Softening the pellets takes time, particularly when weather is cooler. I travel a fair amount for work and am simply looking for a way to make it easier for my wife and son to care for the tortoise while I am gone.
I have a juvenile Hermann's tortoise who has been raised on Mazuri pellets (adult variety, black 1.5 lb bag) and greens with vitamin/calcium supplements. I soak the pellets in warm water for a couple of minutes before serving. Have been looking for pre-softened pellets (think tender vittles)...
Hi, I have a juvenile Hermann's tortoise who is being treated with betadine and silver sulfadiazine cream for a few areas of minor shell infection on his plastron. I noticed that one of the areas that was healing has covered over with a whitish crust and am not sure if this is normal (part of...
Submitting an update.
I replaced my 75w basking light and 60w thermal emitter with two 100w thermal emitters on dimmers. Using my analog thermometers, temp is maintained at 80 F (80% power) on one side and 90-95 F (max power) on other side during day and 80 F (80% power) on both sides during...
Thanks, both!
So, a couple of questions.
First, the thermal coil, which does not emit light (only heat), is bad for tortoise's eyes? If so, then what should I use to heat the other side of cage? Care sheet advocates against heat pads or rocks, but I understand the tortoise should be...
I bought a baby Hermann's tortoise in February. Initially, he was very active, and I frequently observed him eating. However, over the past couple of weeks, he seems to spend nearly all of his time in one place, either basking or hiding in shade, and I have not observed him eating in some...