first time owner

Partner has been researching torts for years and we’re finally getting a 1yr old Hermann. We live in the UK. Set up: - vivarium - coco coir substrate - infrared basking light 100W - UVB light (T5) with reflector - Humidity-triggered fan evo connect 3 thermostat - have had it on for a few...

My wife and I both like tortoises and today we bought the two tortoises from our local PetSmart. The person working there is not sure about their age and gender, but told us they are very healthy and they are young tortoises. We bought two big enclosures for them, as they were housed together...

Hi! I just brought home my first red foot tortoise yesterday and I am concerned that she is not healthy! She is about five inches in size and I purchased her from Petco. When I brought her home I noticed her eyes had a milky coat over them that came loose after she soaked in her water bowl...

Hi! It's my first time writing on this forum. I got a Hermanns tortoise yesterday and didn't even know I was getting it, so I couldn't prepare properly. This is what I managed to do with things I already had in my house. The tortoise isn't that old yet, it's about 7cm long. How could I improve...

Hello fellow sulcata tortoise owners 🐢 This may be a very repeated question, but i NEED to know. I've been losing sleep because of it!! I recently became a new tortoise owner after this cute little dude kind of just fell into my lap and I've been loving every second of it. Well, almost every...

I'm planning on getting a tortoise, that is about 8cm in length, I was told to get a 60*120 cm enclosure, I already have a basking bulb: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CEOZYNC/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 ceramic heat bulb: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WQZXV4Z/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 thermometer...

Hi there! I'm looking for some experienced opinions. Attached are some pictures of my little Hermanns (please excuse the calcidust on her bottom, she's been roaming) - I'm a little worried as I've noticed the edge of the back of her shell is slightly flared/turned upwards (she's around a year...

We are about to be first-time tortoise owners / parents. We have purchased a CH/RF hatchling from Ryan at Southern Reptiles (he has been amazing, BTW). He has given us some great info for starting out, but would love to get some feedback on our choices. Here’s what we have ordered, so far: Zoo...

Hi, This is my first time caring for 2 marginated tortoises (hatched in 2020 so still fit in the palm of my hand) and I just wanted to run through my set-up and routine to see if I'm doing everything right or if I'm doing anything wrong. As well as some tips and tricks ? Set-up: Habistat...

can anyone offer me any tips or advice?

Picked up my little guy yesterday. Finally after almost a month waiting. He/she is 4 months old. And I have to say I’m in love. I chose this one out of several others due to to this one being the one who kept coming up to me and each time was placed back with the other seven he/she came running...

Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this I know it’s a lot! I will attach photos, please let me know what I can do to improve the quality of life for our newest family member. Any suggestions/advice is welcome :) My family and I recently adopted a baby red foot after building...

Hello!! After lockdown I will be going to pick up my little friend (Tortoise) and bring him home, however I would like to build him a Tortoise Table. I've been looking at using hardwoods, which I then construct using nails and non toxic glue, then using caulking and sealing with multiple...

Hi everyone! I have a few more questions about setting up for my little guy before I get him! The rescue in my area gives you info on how to start a home for them but I don’t think it’s stuff for them to actually thrive. These are super basic questions sorry!! I’m just wanting to make sure he...

Hi! I just got his home and am starting to set it based on what the rescue I’m going through says for their testudo tortoises but I have a few simple questions I’ve googled but have anxiety about so I want to check!! I’m more than able to get whatever is best, I just want his home to be the best...

Looking for advice on my first tortoise. He’s a 4 month old marginated. I’ve done lots of research and I want to do a really good job. I’ve found conflicting info on feeding. He is captive bred which I really sought out and his breeder said to stick with romaine lettuce, kale, and very little...

Hello and thanks for reading my post! I decided to get a stinkpot musk turtle; I don’t have him just yet. I’m in the “researching phase”. I was thinking of a bare bottom tank with a few river rocks for climbing scattered around. Someone said they’d get enrichment from sand. Is bare bottom and...

I have a seven month old hatchling sulcata. He is very active in moving about his enclosure and drinks water but hasn’t eaten in a few days. Should I be concerned? Is there any foods I can offer that would entice him to eat? I have a red footed tortoise that I have had these issues before...

I am a first time tortoise owner here and am finding this forum a great source of information, so thanks everyone in advance for helping me out with all my questions! For reference, I have an adult Russian female tortoise, about 5 1/4 inches long. I have two questions: 1. What kind of carrier...

Hi there! First time tortoise owner here, and my new Russian is arriving in a few days. I want to be prepared to make the transition into her new home as smooth as possible--does anyone have any "immediately upon arrival" tips? Should I give her a soak before putting her in her new enclosure...