YourAverageReptileLover
Member
Hello! I am getting a tortoise soon, and I need to know a lot of things.
First off, the tortoise I want (a Hingeback Tortoise) is only sold online. Where should I buy one? So far, the reputable and cheap places I have found that carry Hingebacks are First Choice Reptiles and Big Apple Pet Supply. Which one is better? Also, mentioning any other safe, responsible, online stores that carry Hingebacks for $60 or less would be helpful.
Second, there's a lot of different opinions on tortoises' diets. I'm not able to grow their food where I live (it's too hot in Arizona to grow a lot of plants quickly). I can't have an outdoor enclosure either, which doesn't make it easier. I do know that tortoises love Hibiscus, and that grows in our backyard; I doubt that helps though, lol.
For the enclosure, I'm thinking of a 5foot by 4foot DIY box. It will be 2 stories, but the upper floor will only be a small section. Weird thing, Hingebacks like to soak more than other tortoises, so there will be a large pool for it to soak and drink out of. The substrate will simply be topsoil and playsand, good with keeping the humidity in. I'll add lots of decorative plants, rocks, cuttlefish bones, 3 log hides, food dish, heating light, and a long UVB light across the whole enclosure. Is there anything else I should add, or anything I should change?
I know the basics: you have to give them frequent baths (especially to clean their shell), take them for daily or every-other-day roams, feed them a diet high in fiber and calcium, and low in protein (correct me if I'm wrong about anything).
What should his diet be? How can I introduce my tortoise to others? How often should he take a walk/roam? How can I keep my tortoise's shell from pyramiding? How often should I feed her? So many questions. XD
Thanks for reading and maybe answering all my needy questions!
First off, the tortoise I want (a Hingeback Tortoise) is only sold online. Where should I buy one? So far, the reputable and cheap places I have found that carry Hingebacks are First Choice Reptiles and Big Apple Pet Supply. Which one is better? Also, mentioning any other safe, responsible, online stores that carry Hingebacks for $60 or less would be helpful.
Second, there's a lot of different opinions on tortoises' diets. I'm not able to grow their food where I live (it's too hot in Arizona to grow a lot of plants quickly). I can't have an outdoor enclosure either, which doesn't make it easier. I do know that tortoises love Hibiscus, and that grows in our backyard; I doubt that helps though, lol.
For the enclosure, I'm thinking of a 5foot by 4foot DIY box. It will be 2 stories, but the upper floor will only be a small section. Weird thing, Hingebacks like to soak more than other tortoises, so there will be a large pool for it to soak and drink out of. The substrate will simply be topsoil and playsand, good with keeping the humidity in. I'll add lots of decorative plants, rocks, cuttlefish bones, 3 log hides, food dish, heating light, and a long UVB light across the whole enclosure. Is there anything else I should add, or anything I should change?
I know the basics: you have to give them frequent baths (especially to clean their shell), take them for daily or every-other-day roams, feed them a diet high in fiber and calcium, and low in protein (correct me if I'm wrong about anything).
What should his diet be? How can I introduce my tortoise to others? How often should he take a walk/roam? How can I keep my tortoise's shell from pyramiding? How often should I feed her? So many questions. XD
Thanks for reading and maybe answering all my needy questions!
