need help!!!! (lighting and temperature)

[danny91]

Hi, im new to tortoises. Iv just bought a 4 month old horsefield. Its in a 24"18" vivarium with a quarter of the back cut off for air to get in and out. Iv got a 50w red heat bulb and a UV strip bulb. Could anybody tell me how often my lights should be on and what the temperature should be. Im feeding him a salad mix it looks like little pellets? is that any good or should it be on veg etc. Thanks.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Lights should be 12 on, 12 off. I only feed produce and all the weeds etc, so I can't answer your other question

 

[ascott]

http://russiantortoise.net/index.htm

(the only thing on this site that I "personally" do not agree with is using sand as part of the substrate)

 

[danny91]

ok thanks

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Sand causes impaction as it sticks to his food. Ikeep my lights on 12 hr a days. My box turtles are healthy. I am still looking for a male////

 

[WillTort2]

Try this link for some of the newer strategies on raising young tortoises.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Good luck.

 

[ascott]

Try this link for some of the newer strategies on raising young tortoises.

Also a good source....the two are similar in alot of ways...the first one offers lots of good stuff besides housing...also, in response to your initial post...I do not much care for the fruit loop colored dry pellets that alot of the pet shops offer .....you may want to begin to wean the tort away from that as their only food source...

 

[danny91]

Thanks for the answers.