I'm a noob

[loyolaboy98]

hello im new to the world of tortoises. I plan to get my first tortoise this week. I have done a lot of research but there are still some things I hope to learn. The tortoise I plan on getting is a redfoot and i'm getting him/her from a local breeder. I have two cats currently, and I have owned toads in the past. Im 14 and im from illinois.

 

[Jacqui]

Hi and welcome! Does this mean your getting a hatchling?

 

[loyolaboy98]

Yup, i have visited him before, all his tortoises are healthy. Smooth shell, clear eyes etc.

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome I'm also in Illinois, Chicago, Northside

 

[Jacqui]

Hello and Welcome I'm also in Illinois, Chicago, Northside

... but we don't hold that against her.

 

[loyolaboy98]

I am from the north side too.

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome I'm also in Illinois, Chicago, Northside

... but we don't hold that against her.

only sometimes

---

I am from the north side too.

Yay, Go Cubs, Black Hawks won tonight and don't forget pics of your new shelled friend when you get it.

 

[loyolaboy98]

How do i post pics?

 

[wellington]

The easiest way is to do it through photo bucket or tiny pic

 

[loyolaboy98]

Ok thank you!!!

 

[shanu303]

Hello and welcome.

 

[mainey34]

Hello and welcome..best advise i can give is keep them warm, humid, happy and healthy. You will love your new best friend. I know i do.

 

[loyolaboy98]

Thank you. Im buying one of those wooden tortoise homes to start for my redfoot hatchling that i will get this week, do you know where in the habitat i should place the heat lamp and uvb lamp over? Another question I have is how often do red foots need protein in their diets?

 

[theelectraco]

Thank you. Im buying one of those wooden tortoise homes to start for my redfoot hatchling that i will get this week, do you know where in the habitat i should place the heat lamp and uvb lamp over? Another question I have is how often do red foots need protein in their diets?

You are going to want to seal the Zoo Med Tortoise House if you are housing a Redfoot with high humidity to avoid mold. A few coats of polyurethane sealant and a few days to dry and you will be good. A thick trash bag will work great to line the bottom. Place the lights over the wire and the remaining cover. I have my wire covered in foil and holes cut for the lights.


0.0.1 Red Foot
0.0.1 Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Dachshund

 

[loyolaboy98]

Ya i was looking in to find a way to prevent mold and also water proof the bottom so it doesn't get deformed. Over the summer where I live it can get any where from the 80°-100°, but there are also a lot of predators that live bear by, like coyotes, hawks, etc. Is it a good idea to just take him outside for a little while when i feed him and let him get some sunshine instead of keeping it outside.

 

[theelectraco]

You will want to build a secure outdoor pen. What type of predators do you have?


0.0.1 Red Foot
0.0.1 Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Dachshund

 

[loyolaboy98]

A lot of large birds, multiple kinds of hawks, also coyotes and racoons are a problem near my house. I was planning on keeping it inside since it is just a hatchling and taking it outside everyday for a little while as I said. But when it gets larger i do intend on keeping it outoors

 

[Jlant85]

How exciting! Well you have come to the right place! you got any questions here is the place to be! I come here just to read up and get information. Post pictures of your tort once you get em =)

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum, Loyolaboy98!

There's a whole bunch of good reading for you here at the Tortoise Library

 

[loyolaboy98]

Thanks