reginatn
New Member
Hi, I'm from California and a new member of the forum. I have had my first redfoot tortoise for around 3 weeks, and I'm worried because he is not basking at all. His shell length is 2.5'. The enclosure is 18" x 36", with a mercury vapor bulb on one side, his hide out and a ceramic heat lamp on the other side. Temperature inside his hide out ranges from 78 to 82. Room temp is around 70 day time and 60 night time. I also spray water everyday to keep it moist. For 3 weeks, he stayed sleeping inside his hide out all day only to come out to eat and poop. He looks fine so far, eats a lot and poops 1-3 times a day, except the fact that he wont bask at all. Couple days I brought him out for a natural light and he kept moving around the enclosure and eventually end up hiding in a shade. I also tried a lower wattage mercury vapor bulb (75W) since the first one was too bright, the situation doesn't get better. The only source of Calcium he has right now is calcium powder I sprinkle on his food once a week. I've talked to the shop and they suggested me to get one more redfoot so he wont be lonely, and that may change his behavior. Im worried about my little guy now. Does anyone have any advice, I really appreciate that. Btw, do you know how old he is for that shell length?