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  1. destortoise

    (Maybe) Questionable Bulges

    Hi folks, It's been a while since I've posted but Squash, my yearling red-foot tortoise, has been well and active. I was giving him/her (will just use him for now) his usual water bath and checking him out when I noticed inflating and deflating lumps on either side of his neck. I assume they...
  2. destortoise

    Squash: A Picky Redfoot

    TFO, It is with great trial and error that I approach you for advice. When I first got Squash I thought I had diet in the bag. I quickly learned that tortoises, like ourselves, have personalities and distinguishing factors that make each one unique. I got Squash, a hatchling redfoot tortoise...
  3. destortoise

    Repticon Raleigh, NC

    Hey all, Is anyone going to the Repticon convention in Raleigh this weekend? It looks fun but it's unfortunate that NC doesn't allow turtles/tortoises at these fairs (which makes some sense to me). Is it even worth making the 3 hour drive? Has anyone ever been a VIP member for one of these...
  4. destortoise

    Which Mazuri to buy online and where?

    Hi all, So I've been meaning (and trying) to buy some of the classic Mazuri mix that tortoises so love, but it has been a challenge to know exactly which is the right brand to buy and from where online. I'm pretty sure it's the 5M21 Mazuri food, but I once ordered that and ended up with the LS...
  5. destortoise

    Best Thermostat?

    Hi everyone, I have completed the primary function of Squash's enclosure and I am addressing temperature / humidity needs. I believe I need a thermostat so that 1) I save energy and 2) I don't burn the enclosure down / my apartment / the tortoise. Can anyone make any good recommendations as to...
  6. destortoise

    How Does Mazuri (or any pellet food) Fit Into Diet?

    Hi TFO, As I read more and more about Mazuri and other pellet diets, I get more confused. I did some research on old TFO posts but mostly people inquire about where to buy the stuff. Anyhow, I have not fed Squash any Mazuri and I will mix in some ZooMed forest tortoise diet 2 or 3 times a week...
  7. destortoise

    Best Cuttlebone?

    Hi everyone, What brand of cuttlebone do you find your tortoises loving the most? I know there are many different kinds such as going to a bird store, bleached vs unbleached, but I wanted to hear about your observations with successful cuttlebone/calcium block experiences. I use a supplement...
  8. destortoise

    The Squash Album

    Hi everyone, In the spirit of getting as involved with TFO as I can, I have decided to use this forum post as a photo dump for all things Squash. DAY 1: August 4th, 2015 I ordered Squash online at UR. I remember thinking: "there's a tortoise in this box?!?!?" The rest of the pics are from...
  9. destortoise

    Contradicting Dietary Needs

    Hey everyone, Since I've had Squash for 3 months, I've been doing a ton of research on proper diets for red-foots. Many websites say the standard red-foot diet should center around leafy greens. Other websites say they should have a high fiber diet. I've done my part to implement both, but I...
  10. destortoise

    Winter is Coming: A Redfoot's New Indoor Enclosure

    Hey folks, I finally wanted to get more active on TF with updates on Squash, my little red-foot tortoise. S/he has been living in a typical plastic container with cypress mulch bedding, UVB and a heat lamp (and other things of course). I have had Squash for just over 3 months now and I think...
  11. destortoise

    Is this Plantain/Plantago?

    I'm pretty sure it is. It is all over my lawn, live in SW Virginia
  12. destortoise

    Is it normal for babies to have a softer shell?

    Everything in the title... My baby has a pretty soft and pliable shell and it worries me. S/he is about 3~4 months old. Red-foot
  13. destortoise

    Instagram post for my little Squash

    Hi all, I started an Instagram account for my baby red-foot, Squash. Here is the link :) https://instagram.com/mytortoiselife/
  14. destortoise

    What is the right amount to feed a juvenile?

    Hi folks, I have a brand new baby red-foot named Squash about 3-4 months old. Took initial measurements of 47 grams and 5.5 cm in plastron length. My question today has to do with diet: how often should I be feeding a young tortoise? I fed Squash a palm sized amount of spring mix/mazuri...
  15. destortoise

    Simplest + Cheapest Humidity Solution?

    Have a young red-foot coming in the mail right now and I am low-freaking out. I am using a short plastic bin with cypress mulch as the substrate and I don't know how I am going to maintain consistent humidity. I know a humidifer is probably the best solution but they are all pretty expensive and...
  16. destortoise

    Burning Smell from Exo Terra Night Heat Lamp

    Just purchased a Exo Terra 75 W Night Heat Lamp that gives off the purple light. I have a lamp fixture that says it goes to 75 W but I'm smelling a very slight electrical burning scent from the thing. Is this common for first time use? I don't want to burn my house down and this will be the main...
  17. destortoise

    Looking for a Russian / Greek / Hermann's / Smaller tortoise to adopt or purchase

    Currently live in Southwest VA, willing to travel a bit to adopt a tortoise. Ready to start my tortoise life!
  18. destortoise

    FOR ALDABRA OWNERS: how cold does it get where you live and how do you deal with it?

    Hi guys, This is a question out of sheer curiosity. Are there any aldabra owners who live in more northern, colder areas? How do you deal with the cold and keep respiratory problems away? This is all speculation here because I know some day long down the line I will want an Aldabra and I want...
  19. destortoise

    Seeking state information on tortoise-keeping... Where are tortoises not allowed to be kept as pets?

    Basically, I have tried to find a place that can tell me these things but... there are a lot of states. I want to find the laws for Washington, Oregon, California and Virginia. Does anyone know where I can find them?
  20. destortoise

    Concerning MVB...

    So I had a quick question concerning mercury vapor bulbs... It has nothing to do with using the coil ones but more with pricing stuff. Most local hardware/department stores sell MVBs and I was wondering if it was necessary to get the ReptiSun brand or just brands tailored specifically for...
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