Hermann Newbie Questions

[AmyAmata]

Hello fellow tortoise lovers,

I am looking into getting a Hermann's Tortoise in the next few weeks and I am trying to do as much research as possible, but I have a few questions that the vast internet.

In regards to shelter,
-What is the best thermometer to get for checking of temperature?
-Does the substrate (top soil/play sand mixture) need to be frequently watered?

In general:
-Is it better to get a combination UVB and Basking bulb, or seperates?
-What is the best casing to get for said bulbs?
-I have a fan on in my room, which is where the tortoise will be staying as it gets hot at night for me, will this be a problem for the tortoise when it comes to retaining night temperatures? Will it be okay to keep the fan on? It's just that my window in my room does not open as it's broken.

Sorry if people have asked these questions before, it must get like a broken record for some of you, I just want to make sure I know everything I need to know before I purchase one, I want the little fellow to be happy

Thanks in advance.

 

[johnandjade]

hello and welcome .

i'll try help best i can...

ok so, substrate, i would recommend avoiding using sand as this can damage torts eyes. i use coco coir but there are options.

best way to check temps is with a heat gun and recorded from substrate.

bulb fitting, i recommended a ceramic one as this will not overheat, here is the one i have

temps at night should drop to around 80 or so, depending age of tort.

lighting set ups all differ but i use a MVB, CHE's are good for heat overnight. i'll post a couple of links for you to check out. hope this is of some help, welcome again and happy tortin'

 

[johnandjade]

ooh, yes you need to add in water to keep the humidy up, having a closed chamber is the best way to achieve this.

http://www.hermannihaven.com

 

[johnandjade]

and the care sheet... http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index....ERMANN'S-TORTOISE-CARE-SHEET-*UPDATED.101410/

hats off to you for reaching first btw

 

[Ida K]

it's better to get as much info as you can and be well prepared rather than bringing home a new tortoise friend without getting enough knowledge first. check out the care sheets like @johnandjade said, they have plenty of info
Hermann's are little bundles of personality. You won't regret it!

 

[spud's_mum]

Get a digital thermometer and hygrometer

I am a noob to torts but I have a hermanns and the best person to go to would be @HermanniChris for information

Be sure to post lots of pics and updates!

 

[Tom]

In regards to shelter,
1. -What is the best thermometer to get for checking of temperature?
2. -Does the substrate (top soil/play sand mixture) need to be frequently watered?

In general:
3. -Is it better to get a combination UVB and Basking bulb, or seperates?
4. -What is the best casing to get for said bulbs?
5. -I have a fan on in my room, which is where the tortoise will be staying as it gets hot at night for me, will this be a problem for the tortoise when it comes to retaining night temperatures? Will it be okay to keep the fan on? It's just that my window in my room does not open as it's broken.

1. I prefer digital thermometers with wireless remote probes from the hardware store. Pick one of those and also get an infrared temp gun for checking surface temps.
2. Sand should never be used. Its an impaction risk and a possible skin and eye irritant. How often you wet it and how much water you wet it with is an individual thing. Every enclosure is different and they need different amounts at different times of year.
3. There are many ways to accomplish this. They can all work. You can get a mercury vapor bulb and a timer and be done with it, or get a basking bulb and a good florescent tube and make that work. I tend to like the latter strategy and use a different timer for each bulb. MVBs run very hot.
4. Ceramic base. Large aluminum dome. I get mine at the hardware store.
5. Only your thermometer can answer this. Hermanni need a drop in temp at night, but I wouldn't want a fan blowing on mine all night. If you use a closed chamber this won't be an issue and you will be able to provide better conditions for your baby too.

Please read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/