I have 3 hatchling Mojave Desert Tortoises that I'm trying to keep entertained and awake through the winter. I have them on a mixture of coco coir, reptibark, and on the basking end Zoo Med Excavator Clay.
They really love the clay, but it seems like it might be drying them out. Perhaps I misinterpreted the intended use? Does it have to be mixed with water and formed, or is it fine dry? They love digging in it, but I'm worried it's pulling moisture from them. Has anyone used this?
I was considering using a 10×12 piece of soapstone under their basking lamp. Their enclosure is on a covered patio, and I have a ceramic heat bulb for overnight use, and that's been keeping them toasty so far. I live in southern California, so it doesn't get extremely cold, but high 20's isn't unheard of in my area every once in a while. Soapstone retains heat, so my hope is that it could help keep their enclosure warm, or act as a backup if there's a power failure. Is there any reason why soapstone wouldn't be advisable?
I have cared for tortoises before, but never at such an early stage. They're only about 4 weeks old, so any advice is welcome and appreciated!
They really love the clay, but it seems like it might be drying them out. Perhaps I misinterpreted the intended use? Does it have to be mixed with water and formed, or is it fine dry? They love digging in it, but I'm worried it's pulling moisture from them. Has anyone used this?
I was considering using a 10×12 piece of soapstone under their basking lamp. Their enclosure is on a covered patio, and I have a ceramic heat bulb for overnight use, and that's been keeping them toasty so far. I live in southern California, so it doesn't get extremely cold, but high 20's isn't unheard of in my area every once in a while. Soapstone retains heat, so my hope is that it could help keep their enclosure warm, or act as a backup if there's a power failure. Is there any reason why soapstone wouldn't be advisable?
I have cared for tortoises before, but never at such an early stage. They're only about 4 weeks old, so any advice is welcome and appreciated!