new owner

So I am preparing to get a new babu russian tortoise in March. This is my first reptile and tortoise! I have a few questions about the lighting and heating. - Do I need to use a ceramic heat emitter 24/7 or only at night? - Does a UV light keep the tortoise warm? - Do I only get a UV and...

Hello everyone! I'm new here. I have searched the forums and read many discussions, but I still have a few questions. I am a planner (and anxious about ensuring my pets are cared for properly), so thank you in advance for your help :) I am located on the east coast of Canada and I am looking...

Hello, I'm new on the forum. I've been keeping 4 reptiles for about 8 years, none are tortoises or turtles. Recently a friend of mine decided to go on a vacation for 2 weeks and we decided to take care of their sulcata tortoise (~13" long). I didn't realize this first, but the living conditions...

Hi! I have just collected 2 tortoises and I am overjoyed! I was given them by a friend who could no longer look after them but I felt very ill prepared! Been to the reptile shop to get advice and before they moved in managed the following set up: -Tort table (approx 4ft by 2ft) -Corn...

Hi! I am a semi-new tortoise owner and I still don't know if I am feeding my russian too much or too little. Freddie is about 5 years old and he eats like a pig (from what I can tell) but I don't know if I should keep giving him more food when he finishes the pile, or stop. I have heard things...

Hello, I got my tortoise, Atlas, at a reptile shop along with his tortoise table, heat lamp, heat mad, soil substrate, water dish and vitamin powder containing calcium and vitamin D3. He is a 2017 Hatchling and came with a microchip. He is very active and loves to scratch at the corners, he...

Hello :-) My name is Chloe. I am 19 and I have been researching into getting a tortoise for a pet for two or so years now. I just haven’t made the leap yet! I came very close to getting a young Russian tortoise a few days ago but chickened out. I want to provide my tortoise with the best love...

I just became a tortoise Mom a week ago, after rescuing a "3 toe box tortoise" from being run over in the middle of a busy street! (please excuse me if I am wrong, very new to pet tortoises) I did some research on him, and do know that it is male because of his yellow spots on neck and arms, as...

My dog is obsessed with my new baby turtle. And sits outside his house watching him. I don’t want my dog to scare him, is it ok to put a thin sheet over the glass whilst I’m not in so my dog won’t do anything to scare him?

Ok, I need some major advice, I know to feed the baby some grass, he has heat, he has a humid hide, he has access to water, I just need some advice on the BEST food to give it daily, (im not a pro so please dont use some fancy words, break it down for me!) Please tell me a good daily food, and a...

Hi Everyone! I have never owned a tortoise but am looking to do so soon. I currently take care of several different species of lizards. I have done some research, but want to hear some recommendations from those with experience. I am living in Southwestern Virginia. The winters can get to...

I spent a month building, growing and developing a habitat for my Red Footed. Stan.Lee is recently adopted from a family who couldn't take care of her. I think it's a she, tail small and flat belly. 2 1/5 yr old. I mix food everyday, soak 5 days a week and she sleeps almost all day...question...

I know that tortoise hatchlings are usually advised against for beginners. I was wondering whether they aren’t advised for beginners in GENERAL, or aren’t recommended for beginners because many beginners don’t do sufficient research or are diligent enough in their care? I’m definitely a...