Hi, my name is Kim and I am new here! I am also new to tortoises. I have wanted one forever and am finally going to make it happen! I have been taking a lot of time researching and making sure I do everything right before I go ahead. I still have quite a few questions, so hopefully someone out there is willing to be patient and generous with their knowledge! I plan on getting a baby Hermanns tortoise sometime soon. I live in Michigan, so will have to house this guy indoors much of the time. Although I have read a lot about tortoise tables, some of the reptile people around here tell me that as babies, their humidity requirement is higher, and in Michigan they would do better in an aquarium type setting for a year or 2. Is that right?
Unfortunely, even though I had planned to purchase my tortoise from a reptile specialist nearby, they will not give me advice unless I purchase my entire set up from them. I am a veterinarian and have access to a lot of supplies myself, so I dont want to spend hundreds of extra dollars if I don't have to!
Lighting...I plan to use an active UV heat light (T-rex or Zoo med). Can I also place a small flourescent at the other end of the enclosure so it's not dark?
Do I also need a heating pad? What about at night, my house gets pretty cool. Do I use a heat pad then or a night basking lamp?
Calcium supplement... with or without D3? Is cuttlebone ok to have available all the time? Do I need an additional herp supplement?
Can anyone recommend a place to get a baby Hermanns? Any good luck with online sources?
Thank you so much for your help!
kim
Unfortunely, even though I had planned to purchase my tortoise from a reptile specialist nearby, they will not give me advice unless I purchase my entire set up from them. I am a veterinarian and have access to a lot of supplies myself, so I dont want to spend hundreds of extra dollars if I don't have to!
Lighting...I plan to use an active UV heat light (T-rex or Zoo med). Can I also place a small flourescent at the other end of the enclosure so it's not dark?
Do I also need a heating pad? What about at night, my house gets pretty cool. Do I use a heat pad then or a night basking lamp?
Calcium supplement... with or without D3? Is cuttlebone ok to have available all the time? Do I need an additional herp supplement?
Can anyone recommend a place to get a baby Hermanns? Any good luck with online sources?
Thank you so much for your help!
kim