Help please, my head is hurting!

[PollyAda]

I think its also particularly the coil design MVBs that they are talking about being detrimental to tort eyes.

I'm not sure that a 3ft x 2ft space is going to accommodate a UVB strip, UVA flood and potentially a CHE to top heat up if he needs option of different heat areas.

But then I also don't agree with tortoise tables on bases which are so small and that potentially can be climbed out of. Its also not enclosed so humidity cannot be maintained, which is necessary for a 2 year old, and he will have to go down the route of a 4th heat option to get a humid hide, which in a wooden enclosed maybe 1ft x 1ft space will not be safe or will be difficult.

Commercial tortoise tables are totally inappropriate in the most part in my opinion and are cruel.

The enclosed hide section will maintain high humidity with the right substrate with burrowing depth and misting. Also, I believe the 24w UVB tube will be suitable for the open part of the enclosure. I agree that maintaining high humidity in an open enclosure is challenging, but in a small room it is not impossible with regular misting.

@Phil Fishinger you may want to consider fitting a wired top for safety - you can also get perspex cut to size to create a partially enclosed set up. Other posters use DIY methods to create a closed chamber effect. I'm sure Phil will upgrade to a larger enclosure when possible. Personally, I think cruel is a strong word in this particular instance, if the tort is still measuring small.

 

[LJL1982]

The enclosed hide section will maintain high humidity with the right substrate with burrowing depth and misting. Also, I believe the 24w UVB tube will be suitable for the open part of the enclosure. I agree that maintaining high humidity in an open enclosure is challenging, but in a small room it is not impossible with regular misting.

@Phil Fishinger you may want to consider fitting a wired top for safety - you can also get perspex cut to size to create a partially enclosed set up. Other posters use DIY methods to create a closed chamber effect. I'm sure Phil will upgrade to a larger enclosure when possible. Personally, I think cruel is a strong word in this particular instance, if the tort is still measuring small.

In the wild an adult Testudo would walk around 50km per day. A 2 year old could have a 4 inch carapace length and be capable of walking several km a day.


Is keeping it in a 3ft x 2ft space minus space take up by decor items cruel? Yes I think that would say its cruel.

 

[Tom]

I think its also particularly the coil design MVBs that they are talking about being detrimental to tort eyes.

Cfl type bulbs are problematic because they are ineffective UV sources, and some of them burn reptile eyes.

MVBs are not recommended because they are unreliable as far as UV output, delicate, finicky about what fixture you can use it in, expensive, and they cause pyramiding in young growing animals.

I agree with your other points in this post.

 

[PollyAda]

In the wild an adult Testudo would walk around 50km per day. A 2 year old could have a 4 inch carapace length and be capable of walking several km a day.


Is keeping it in a 3ft x 2ft space minus space take up by decor items cruel? Yes I think that would say its cruel.

That may well be, but the OP sought out the forum and is doing good research before committing to taking on the tort, which is always what forum members recommend. I think it's just worth bearing in mind that there are well meaning people behind these posts, and words such as 'cruel' can be taken personally.

 

[LJL1982]

That may well be, but the OP sought out the forum and is doing good research before committing to taking on the tort, which is always what forum members recommend. I think it's just worth bearing in mind that there are well meaning people behind these posts, and words such as 'cruel' can be taken personally.

I'm more concerned about emphasising the potential harm caused by keeping animals (who cannot advocate for themselves) in too small enclosures, using valid and relevant words such as cruel, than hiding the information for the sake of not offending someone.

OP clearly is seeking advice and that is fantastic. I hope he will seek more appropriate accomodation as a result of my comments, and I hope others reading who already keep their pets in inappropriately small commercial tortoise tables will do the same. I am less concerned about their "feelings". They have done nothing wrong if they didn't realise an enclosure is too small so shouldn't be upset, they should resolve the issue. If they don't, then it is cruel.

I am telling it for what it is. If people who are being cruel by keeping tortoises in too small enclosures are upset, they can resolve the situation.

 

[Phil Fishinger]

I'm more concerned about emphasising the potential harm caused by keeping animals (who cannot advocate for themselves) in too small enclosures, using valid and relevant words such as cruel, than hiding the information for the sake of not offending someone.

OP clearly is seeking advice and that is fantastic. I hope he will seek more appropriate accomodation as a result of my comments, and I hope others reading who already keep their pets in inappropriately small commercial tortoise tables will do the same. I am less concerned about their "feelings". They have done nothing wrong if they didn't realise an enclosure is too small so shouldn't be upset, they should resolve the issue. If they don't, then it is cruel.

I am telling it for what it is. If people who are being cruel by keeping tortoises in too small enclosures are upset, they can resolve the situation.

I’m looking into adding a second unit, which will either make it 4x4 or 2x8 depending on options available to me inside.

 

[LJL1982]

I’m looking into adding a second unit, which will either make it 4x4 or 2x8 depending on options available to me inside.

That sounds good! Look forward to seeing photos when it's set up!

 

[Phil Fishinger]

That sounds good! Look forward to seeing photos when it's set up!

Def on pics, not rushing so nov or possibly early dec, at research and slowly buying items

 

[Theia]

As my first post, hello to all 😊

I’m just starting out with tortoises, as a grand father I’m taking a responsible approach of doing research on this, for several weeks now.

I have my eye on a year old Herman from a reptile specialist, it’s almost impossible to get a tortoise in Northern Ireland or I’d be going straight to a reputable breeder like I’m sure you’d all suggest, anyhow..

I’ve just order a 4ft x 2ft table and stand, where I’m struggling is substrate, one site says 50/50 on top soil and play sand and the next will say never use sand, another site will say this and the next site will say woah never use that!

Then of course there’s the old US vs UK differences I’m coming across on humidity and spraying the substrate, I want the best care for my new to be addition to the family but it’s confusion day after day.

Any advice please?

not sand top soil orchid bark maybe can mix soil with coir

 

[Theia]

That sounds good! Look forward to seeing photos when it's set up!

as big as possible false economy otherwise

 

[Phil Fishinger]

as big as possible false economy otherwise

It’s as big as I’ve stated.

 

[TammyJ]

Hey there in Northern Ireland - land of my long gone ancestors...some of them anyway. Welcome to this great site. We have the very best to offer you in terms of advice - sound, tried and proven advice from folks like Tom, Wellington, Yvonne...decades of experience that they are willing and happy to share!
All the best as you prepare for the adventure of a lifeti.....ahhhh.....OK. Happy torting!