Hermann decor

[Natalie44]

Hey!

Still in the the middle of getting my tort enclosure decorated, and making sure the temps are right etc I’ve attached a picture of how it is so far! I have to add the uvb light, and will put a few more hides in there, plus some decorative stones. Any thoughts on what I could add so it’s abit more exciting for my little guy?
Natalie x

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Are you going to add the greenhouse top as discussed in some of your previous threads?

 

[Natalie44]

Are you going to add the greenhouse top as discussed in some of your previous threads?

I am yes

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Are one of those going to be your water dish? I’d recommend switching it out for a shallow terracotta saucer, the ones you’re using lack traction in the event the tortoise is to flip themselves, terracottas are generally considered safest. Other than that my only other word of warning would be to watch closely how your tortoise behaves with those faux plants, it’s generally recommended keeping any fake plants out of reach, safe real ones are preferable, helps with humidity too🙂

 

[Natalie44]

Are one of those going to be your water dish? I’d recommend switching it out for a shallow terracotta saucer, the ones you’re using lack traction in the event the tortoise is to flip themselves, terracottas are generally considered safest. Other than that my only other word of warning would be to watch closely how your tortoise behaves with those faux plants, it’s generally recommended keeping any fake plants out of reach, safe real ones are preferable, helps with humidity too🙂

Yes, the smaller one was going to be the water dish. I was considering getting a terracotta saucer but I’ve heard a lot of them leak? And I’ve heard about them trying to eat the fake ones- which real ones can I buy?
Thank you,
Natalie x

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yes, the smaller one was going to be the water dish. I was considering getting a terracotta saucer but I’ve heard a lot of them leak? And I’ve heard about them trying to eat the fake ones- which real ones can I buy?
Thank you,
Natalie x

The one we use doesn’t leak and I’ve never had a problem with any others, just check for any fine cracks, one in perfect condition should work absolutely fine🙂

As for plants, some safe ones off the top of my head are, spider plants(both the seeds and flowers are toxic, so once you see it sprouting babies, cut them off), pilea, Boston fern, prayer plant(though they’re quite fragile), carax grasses and maybe the odd air plant, there’s lots more I’m sure others can recommend, they’re just the ones I’ve looked at getting for our enclosure.

If they’re store brought, they could’ve been grown in soil that been around pesticides or had fertiliser added, I’ve personally been lucky to find a few tortoise specialist sites so I know that’s not the case for mine.
However I’ve read it’s recommended you simply thoroughly wash all the roots and plant into safe soil, then wait for new growth before putting in, though I’ve also read many put them in once washed and re potted. Perhaps @wellington can answer for what do to with store brought plants? Sorry I’m tagging you a lot today🤣

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

The one we use doesn’t leak and I’ve never had a problem with any others, just check for any fine cracks, one in perfect condition should work absolutely fine🙂

As for plants, some safe ones off the top of my head are, spider plants(both the seeds and flowers are toxic, so once you see it sprouting babies, cut them off), pilea, Boston fern, prayer plant(though they’re quite fragile), carax grasses and maybe the odd air plant, there’s lots more I’m sure others can recommend, they’re just the ones I’ve looked at getting for our enclosure.

If they’re store brought, they could’ve been grown in soil that been around pesticides or had fertiliser added, I’ve personally been lucky to find a few tortoise specialist sites so I know that’s not the case for mine.
However I’ve read it’s recommended you simply thoroughly wash all the roots and plant into safe soil, then wait for new growth before putting in, though I’ve also read many put them in once washed and re potted. Perhaps @wellington can answer for what do to with store brought plants? Sorry I’m tagging you a lot today🤣

I guess you can share the links, as you and Nataly are both in UK (if it's Essex in UK ).

I wouldn't use tropical plants such as pothos, prayer plant or coleus in Hermanns enclosure. But something like Carex or Campanula should be fine. Spider plants are fine too - repot the plant from the store and wait until it stems off the "baby plants". Those baby spider plants will be safe to place in the enclosure (and you won't have to buy a new spider plant every week).

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I guess you can share the links, as you and Nataly are both in UK (if it's Essex in UK ).

I wouldn't use tropical plants such as pothos, prayer plant or coleus in Hermanns enclosure. But something like Carex or Campanula should be fine. Spider plants are fine too - repot the plant from the store and wait until it stems off the "baby plants". Those baby spider plants will be safe to place in the enclosure (and you won't have to buy a new spider plant every week).

Oh yes I’ve just noticed that! And forgive me including the tropical plants! We have a red foot😣
Hang tight I’ll find the links for you😊

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Here you go😊 just double check which ones are suitable for you🙂

TORTOISE SANCTUARY UK | HEVER TORTOISE WORLD

Welcome to Hever Tortoise World - Tortoise Conservation through Education, Preservation & Captive Breeding Programmes based in Hever, Kent, UK

hevertortoiseworld.org

Tortoise Products | The Tortoise Hut | England

The Tortoise Hut is the leading online specialist tortoise shop supplying a range of products & supplies for the care of all species of tortoises. We have baby tortoises for sale which can be collected from us in Devon or couriered by our specialist Reptile courier service. We offer a nationwide...

www.tortoisehut.co.uk

The Tortoise Den - Tortoise Packages & Accessories across the UK & Scotland

The Tortoise Den specialises in a selection of captive bred tortoises, including Marginated, Hermanns, Spur-Thighed, Horsfield, Sulcata, Leopard and Red-Footed Tortoises, based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire on the Wirral.

www.tortoise-den.co.uk

Hope they help😁

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Yes, the smaller one was going to be the water dish. I was considering getting a terracotta saucer but I’ve heard a lot of them leak? And I’ve heard about them trying to eat the fake ones- which real ones can I buy?
Thank you,
Natalie x

Actually, the first terracotta saucer I got leaked, but it was because it wasn't treated in anyway on the underside. So you need to find one that is kinda glazed from the bottom. That will resolve the problem.