Advice on newly accquired 5 yr old Male Horsefield's

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I've ordered a couple of domes. Does anyone have a link to suitable led lights?

As you've ordered the domes, these bulbs should work great: SANSI 24W LED Grow Light https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZNX36QV?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 (15W should be good enough too). I can either get two 15W or one 24W (place it closer to basking lamp, but at a greater distance)

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Make sure that the domes will be able to withstand 15 to 24 watts.

 

[turtleboyleo]

Altered the CHE position as suggested Have been fishing him out of his pit the last few days but the lazy little bugger just kept going straight back to bed. Today I've taken a new approach and physically blocked the entrance to his sleeping quarters for a couple hours after fishing him out. This has meant he has had a good couple of hours wandering his enclosure and has gotten properly warm, had a good dose of UVB and has eaten quite a bit as well. I'm minded to carry on doing this to try and 'train' him to be more active. Is there anything fundamentally wrong with this approach? Because I'm running out of ideas.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Altered the CHE position as suggested Have been fishing him out of his pit the last few days but the lazy little bugger just kept going straight back to bed. Today I've taken a new approach and physically blocked the entrance to his sleeping quarters for a couple hours after fishing him out. This has meant he has had a good couple of hours wandering his enclosure and has gotten properly warm, had a good dose of UVB and has eaten quite a bit as well. I'm minded to carry on doing this to try and 'train' him to be more active. Is there anything fundamentally wrong with this approach? Because I'm running out of ideas.

Blocking hide entrance is a not a bad idea. However, constantly walking around is likely stressful (he is searching for a safe place) - put a small box/container or something alike so he can rest a bit and feel safe (you can half-burrow the log ramp, for example). And check if hits the "golden middle" between rushing in panic and constantly hiding.

 

[turtleboyleo]

Blocking hide entrance is a not a bad idea. However, constantly walking around is likely stressful (he is searching for a safe place) - put a small box/container or something alike so he can rest a bit and feel safe (you can half-burrow the log ramp, for example). And check if hits the "golden middle" between rushing in panic and constantly hiding.

He was able to go under that half log thing and he did do that for some of the time. But was also able to walk about and feed and I could feel he was nice and warm. Think I'll continue with this approach for a week or so. It's certainly the most active he's been for a good while. Have just given him a nice soak as a reward and will let him back into his bed now.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

He was able to go under that half log thing and he did do that for some of the time. But was also able to walk about and feed and I could feel he was nice and warm. Think I'll continue with this approach for a week or so. It's certainly the most active he's been for a good while. Have just given him a nice soak as a reward and will let him back into his bed now.

Okay, sounds good so far. Keep us updated!

 

[turtleboyleo]

I think, it's working. Hooked him out of his hide and hour or so ago and gave him a good mix of foraged food. Have just seen him, for the first time in ages, pee on his food plate and leave a couple of poops as well. This is after having a good feed of sow thistle flowers, dandelion flowers and forget me not leaves.

He has usually only been pooping and leaving urates in the bath.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

He has expressed his opinion, now we have interpret it right

In a few days you can try to get him out without blocking a hide - if he has settled with a new routine, perhaps he won't be hiding much.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

My Russian often pees or poops when eating. It is a habit from the wild, to let go of the hydration and nutrition when they find a "replacement". Especially with water, it is another reason why they pee in the bath (not just the movement).

Don't know about other species, but look up "metabolic water Russian tortoises" and you will understand so much more!