:Edit: *Also Hydration*
Hey team.
I have 2 questions for ya! One is about my tort's light cycle and the other about humidity sorta.
Just to start on the same page my tort is really young and im really new at this. I've done my research of course but the best thing about this forum is hearing from you all! Anyway, today he measured about one and a quarter inches. I've also only had him for 1 week so I'm still anxious about doing what's best for him. Also, for now he's always Indoors.
Okay. Question 1:
So, it seems about everything I've read says 12 hours day time lighting and 12 hours night timeness is best. I know it's Important for him to have a regular light/heat cycle but Yorty's cycle is a bit off of 'mine'. His light is on a timer that goes on around 630am and turns of around 630pm, but he usually wakes up and starts roaming around 530-6 and buries himself in one of his hides for the night anywhere between 4 and 6pm. I know it's only been a week but this is consistent day to day. Should I adjust the timer to match his schedule, will he adapt to the schedule I have set now or does it matter? It's hard for me to picture an hour difference in the morning and an hour difference at night mattering too much but I just don't know! He is very active and has a very healthy and large appetite so it's hard to think its been bothering him.
My other question is about hydration. I soak every other day or so but I think I'm going to start soaking everyday. I have been having trouble keeping His substrate (coconut coir) moist even a little. I do not have a hygrometer but I live in AZ and its very dry. I spray it down daily (or twice daily) but I'm worried about the balance between keeping it humid enough without it being too wet. Any advice on this? Arizona people?! It definitely seems too dry as the top inch or two of substrate (about 4-5 inches deep total) is almost always arid dry.
Anyway, I know I'm a newbie and just anxious but I know he is extra young/tiny and I want him to have the best start. I'm totally in love with this little guy and I want to do everything I can to give him the best start possible.
Here's another pic mostly because I like showing him off He's a lil grumpers.
As always, Thanks for the help team!
Hey team.
I have 2 questions for ya! One is about my tort's light cycle and the other about humidity sorta.
Just to start on the same page my tort is really young and im really new at this. I've done my research of course but the best thing about this forum is hearing from you all! Anyway, today he measured about one and a quarter inches. I've also only had him for 1 week so I'm still anxious about doing what's best for him. Also, for now he's always Indoors.
Okay. Question 1:
So, it seems about everything I've read says 12 hours day time lighting and 12 hours night timeness is best. I know it's Important for him to have a regular light/heat cycle but Yorty's cycle is a bit off of 'mine'. His light is on a timer that goes on around 630am and turns of around 630pm, but he usually wakes up and starts roaming around 530-6 and buries himself in one of his hides for the night anywhere between 4 and 6pm. I know it's only been a week but this is consistent day to day. Should I adjust the timer to match his schedule, will he adapt to the schedule I have set now or does it matter? It's hard for me to picture an hour difference in the morning and an hour difference at night mattering too much but I just don't know! He is very active and has a very healthy and large appetite so it's hard to think its been bothering him.
My other question is about hydration. I soak every other day or so but I think I'm going to start soaking everyday. I have been having trouble keeping His substrate (coconut coir) moist even a little. I do not have a hygrometer but I live in AZ and its very dry. I spray it down daily (or twice daily) but I'm worried about the balance between keeping it humid enough without it being too wet. Any advice on this? Arizona people?! It definitely seems too dry as the top inch or two of substrate (about 4-5 inches deep total) is almost always arid dry.
Anyway, I know I'm a newbie and just anxious but I know he is extra young/tiny and I want him to have the best start. I'm totally in love with this little guy and I want to do everything I can to give him the best start possible.
Here's another pic mostly because I like showing him off
He's a lil grumpers. As always, Thanks for the help team!
