Advice Needed on Temperature

[threeboxerlover]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered already (I looked for a thread, couldn't find one exactly). Anyway - we are struggling with temp for our Hermanns hatchling (he's a little guy). The care sheet says 95 basking and ambient temp in the 80s. That's what I have TRIED to set up but I cannot keep the center of the basking spot at or below 95. I've got the 125 watt MVB bulb raised as far as it goes and it still heats up to 100 or above. Also, because he's a baby and in a smaller container (54 gallon) I can't seem to keep the farthest sections in the low 80s. I think he's too hot..... We have been soaking him every day and we mist his enclosure regularly but he doesn't use his hides, he is burrowing into the substrate. Is that normal?? Should I switch to a different heating source. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tom]

If your basking spot is too warm you need to raise the fixture up higher or lower the wattage of the bulb.

During the summer months you should make a safe secure outdoor enclosure and put your baby outside three or four times a week for an hour or two. This will give him all the UV he needs and then you can just use a regular 65 watt flood bulb inside. Make sure the baby always has access to shade and keep a VERY close eye on the temperatures out there, so he doesn't over heat.

In the winter, when temps drop, your current bulb might be just right to keep temps where you need them.

All of this is explained more here:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Make sure you are keeping humidity up and soaking daily for a little hatchling.

 

[threeboxerlover]

If your basking spot is too warm you need to raise the fixture up higher or lower the wattage of the bulb.

During the summer months you should make a safe secure outdoor enclosure and put your baby outside three or four times a week for an hour or two. This will give him all the UV he needs and then you can just use a regular 65 watt flood bulb inside. Make sure the baby always has access to shade and keep a VERY close eye on the temperatures out there, so he doesn't over heat.

In the winter, when temps drop, your current bulb might be just right to keep temps where you need them.

All of this is explained more here:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Make sure you are keeping humidity up and soaking daily for a little hatchling.

THANK YOU!!!!