Tom

It would be best to start a thread on the open forum about this. When you do let us know what heating and lighting equipment you are using day and night and what your four temps are.

I know I will be. I am very excited. I had a picture of Platynota on my office wall back in the early 90's as the species I hoped to end up with one day!

I didn't even know what they were in the early 90's. I only knew of the Sri Lankans and Indians back then. I've been told most of the current breeding stock of this species came into the states in the late 90's.

Maybe it was Sri Lankans I was reading about, but the picture sure seemed like Burmese = six rays. Anyway, a dream coming true.

I don't keep my Bermese outside. They are locked up in the house and literally under guard by two bite trained malinois as well as an over-protective owner who also bites.

My other torts get some dirt on the floors in the houses with Kane mats. This makes clean up much easier.

Are you getting adults?

I use a lower wattage bulb, and I did open those vents during this hot spell, but now I have to use a lot more water to keep humidity up.

Tortoise care info is constantly evolving as new things are learned tried out and incorporated. Unfortunately books, and many people too, are not able to keep up with the changes and improvements. This forum allows us a unique opportunity to share info and compare notes.

I'm glad you found us! Read this one before you buy:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hatchling-failure-syndrome.23493/

This one too: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-incubate-eggs-and-start-hatchlings.124266/

These two threads will help you ask the right questions of the breeder and start with a healthy baby.

Much appreciated. Thanks again Tom.

I wrote a lot more but it wouldn't let me post all of it, I'd post pictures but for some reason the site won't let me.

Hi Paul. You should post this along with your pics as a regular thread on the forum.

Ideal for a single baby? Hmmm… I'd say a 40 or 60 gallon tank would be good. 18x36 or 18 x48 inches.

I would go to 4x8 feet once the tortoise reaches 3-4".

Here are the two heating strategies that I use:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/

Thanks. Im just looking for a tip on just the style of oil heater to buy.

For a 4x8x2' box, I use mini oil-filled radiant heaters form Walmart.com. Like this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Optimus-700W-Mini-Portable-Heater-with-Oil-Filled-Radiator/37948255

The respect is mutual my friend. I already saw your thread and was typing up a reply as you left this message. I'll see you back over on your thread!

When they cease to get along. Mine are all still fine going into their third year together. When they come out of hibernation this year, I will be watching very closely.

Geraniums might survive. Cape honeysuckle and hibiscus won't survive. You can grow African hibiscus every spring, but it will die at the first fall frost. I just grow new ones avery year. Certain cactus varieties will survive there too.

ok good heres what i have growing right now alo vera, chia, sweet basil(i saw the sprouts today),we also have rose plants (no bug killers or growth hormones used becuase of the abundance of afids every spring) oh and are green peppers safe for torts

Occasional small amounts of any color bell pepper are fine.

I would have an experienced reptile vet check it, but in the mean time use the same wound treatment techniques that you would use for your self. Clean it once with beta dine or hydrogen peroxide, and then keep some triple anti-biotic on it.

Its a big impaction risk. It sticks to the food and tortoises swallow it. The sand can collect in their gut and over time, it can cause a blockage. Many tortoises have died because of this, and many tortoises have had to have their plastrons literally sawed open and their guts cut open to remove sand impaction blockages. Its awful and easily preventable.

In addition to the above, sand is also a potential skin and eye irritant. I've seen many cases of eye infections with tortoises on sand, or sand mix substrates.

Do a search for Prairie Mom's and Odin's Grandma's posts. Both of them have posted lots about this recently.

Yes. Please feel free. I've got one more final post to do with pics and weights demonstrating the results. You might want to wait for that. I'm trying to find the time to get it done.

Thank you so much. I can't wait to see the result.

What size and age? How often do you soak? What do you feed? Is it having regular bowel movements?

about two pounds prob 6 yrs old we acquired her about 3 yrs ago( I reported her situation in earlier posts) in our care she has a proper habitat, and grazes in the lawn and i grow a mixed blend of grasses, bowel movements normal has grown steadily in our care

Noises are usually a respiratory infection starting or constipation. Does the tortoise live outside? Where? How are you heating it? How often do you soak?

We would have more room to discuss if you put this question on a thread in the sulcata section.

That is normal tortoise behavior. They often don't like sitting out in the open because it exposes them to predators. It could also men they are already feeling warm enough.

but how can they will get d3

They will get enough just being outside. In time they will get more comfortable in their enclosure and move around in the sun more.

Start a thread and post some pics of the enclosure so we can offer better tips.

You will have to fill me in on what you are talking about. Feel free to message me about this as typing space is limited on our profiles. Happy to discuss it with you.