Hello all! New to Tortoise Keeping!

[Kimberly Erickson]

Hello tortoise lovers!

I've been a long-time admirer of the beautiful tortoise. I (finally) got my first tortoise yesterday. I know, I know, PetCo is the worst place to get animals from. But that's where I got him. His name is Captain Herbert. Cute, right? Anyway, I just got him. I've read up on tortoises on all the .org websites, official and all that jazz, and I know it's normal for them not to eat or drink within the first week or two. I've made sure to soak him just so he gets some water. I'm just concerned about the not eating. Also, how often do you give treats like fruits? The pet store gave them apples everyday, which I heard was BAD for their diet.

Tips much appreciated, thanks!!

 

[Careym13]

Welcome to TFO Kimberly. You're going to find lots of great information here. Where are you located? In order to make sure you get the advice you need, can you tell us what kind of tort you have (I'm guessing Russian since you posted in this sub-forum?) and how it is housed? Photos are even better when it comes to getting help with how you house your tortoise. Lots of members will chime in with tips once we know more about your climate and your tortoise. And I love the name!!

 

[johnandjade]

howdy!! welcome to the forum

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome to the forum. Good to have Captain Herbert and you both here! !

Welcome.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

No fruit. Its not good for them.
Read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

The main problem with pet stores is that they give the wrong advice and sell you all the wrong stuff. Wrong water bowls, wrong substrate, wrong UV bulbs, etc...

Hope we can help.

 

[Jodie]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Kimberly

 

[Kimberly Erickson]

Thank you all for your welcomes and advice! Just bought the ZooMed light recommended for the tortoises. Also Captain Herbert is now eating, basking, and running around his cage like none other. I guess he just needed another day!

 

[Tom]

Thank you all for your welcomes and advice! Just bought the ZooMed light recommended for the tortoises. Also Captain Herbert is now eating, basking, and running around his cage like none other. I guess he just needed another day!

Which ZooMed light? The Powersun mercury vapor bulb, or the little compact florescent 10.0 type bulb?

 

[Carol S]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome and happy birthday!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Kimberly, and welcome to the forum!!

What kind of tortoise is the Captain?

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[Kimberly Erickson]

Captain is a Russian! Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! And the label on the light says Reptile Basking Spot Lamp