Neurodiverse questions

[samluvstorts]

Hi, everyone.. I wanted to say how great a forum like this is, I’m a new Horsefield mom and needed all the knowledge I could absorb before my baby arrived and I’ve definitely learnt a few things but the problem is I’m neurodiverse and trying to take in and retain all this confusing, long winded, outdated, conflicting advice has really made this experience harder than I’d hoped.. my brain works slightly differently and it’s possible that many others are feeling the same as me, so I was hoping that some kind hearted person could possibly make a very simple picture post with the exact light, substrate and temps we need… I completely understand that people might have different preferences, circumstances etc but I feel with the wealth of knowledge here that most people would happily follow the advice given… sorry for the long post

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello! So glad to have you here!

Presuming it’s a baby under 3 you have, hopefully you find this thread useful, I try to cater towards visual learners like myselfthis thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, at the bottom there’s visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers, vivariums are a really good option

Housing young Russian/Herman

Hello there! In this thread, I’m going to include some information on an effective way to tackle a starter set up/a way you can build a bigger size once your baby is an adult. I know it looks a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered, I’m happy to break down any information...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes a bunch of different closed chamber options, some work a bit better than others

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help and you like them, take all the time you need and please always feel free to ask any further questions! They’ll always be members to break the information down bit by bit, and help you achieve the perfect set up step by step, welcome to the forum

 

[samluvstorts]

Hello! So glad to have you here!

Presuming it’s a baby under 3 you have, hopefully you find this thread useful, I try to cater towards visual learners like myselfthis thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, at the bottom there’s visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers, vivariums are a really good option

Housing young Russian/Herman

Hello there! In this thread, I’m going to include some information on an effective way to tackle a starter set up/a way you can build a bigger size once your baby is an adult. I know it looks a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered, I’m happy to break down any information...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes a bunch of different closed chamber options, some work a bit better than others

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

I really hope they help and you like them, take all the time you need and please always feel free to ask any further questions! They’ll always be members to break the information down bit by bit, and help you achieve the perfect set up step by step, welcome to the forum

Aww thank you for your kind words and advice, I really appreciate it..

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Welcome to the forum! Feel free to ask more questions if you don't find what you are looking for in the linked threads.

 

[samluvstorts]

Soooo I was thinking even more simple haha! Like pictures of the best products for each category… if I can add some pics maybe people can tell me if these are correct? Thanks

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Soooo I was thinking even more simple haha! Like pictures of the best products for each category… if I can add some pics maybe people can tell me if these are correct? Thanks

The lamp isn't correct. You want to find an incandescant flood bulb. They are made by Arcadia and Flukers for example.

The coco coir is correct.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Can you find this product?

 

[samluvstorts]

Can you find this product? View attachment 388638

Yes!! I can thank you!! That’s all I was hoping for somebody please just tell me the products so I don’t get it wrong and hurt my little one.. I really appreciate your help

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

You want to use one of these two for UVB. They are two of the best, but it really depends which one is better available.

Arcadia Pro T5 UVB Kit 12%

-
or ZooMed ReptiSun T5 HO

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Place the heat lamp and the UVB lamp near to each other. Get timers for both, I prefer simple mechanical plug in timers like the one in the photo. You want the heat lamp to be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. And the UVB on for 4 hours and off for 20 hours.


How warm is your room temperature? You might need additional heating for the tortoise enclosure, especially if the tortoise is a baby.

 

[samluvstorts]

You want to use one of these two for UVB. They are two of the best, but it really depends which one is better available.

Arcadia Pro T5 UVB Kit 12%
View attachment 388639
-
or ZooMed ReptiSun T5 HO
View attachment 388640

Thank you I can get hold of these!! Really helpful

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Thank you I can get hold of these!! Really helpful

You din't need them both, just get which one is cheaper. Down the line the tubes are interchangeable.

 

[samluvstorts]

Place the heat lamp and the UVB lamp near to each other. Get timers for both, I prefer simple mechanical plug in timers like the one in the photo. You want the heat lamp to be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. And the UVB on for 4 hours and off for 20 hours.
View attachment 388641

How warm is your room temperature? You might need additional heating for the tortoise enclosure, especially if the tortoise is a baby.

Usually about 19/20 ‘c I’m in the uk

 

[samluvstorts]

You din't need them both, just get which one is cheaper. Down the line the tubes are interchangeable.

I will get the Arcadia one I think..

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Usually about 19/20 ‘c I’m in the uk

How old is your tortoise? For a baby you would want it a bit warmer.

 

[samluvstorts]

How old is your tortoise? For a baby you would want it a bit warmer.

12 weeks old… I’ve got the temp at 32c in his enclosure.. hope that’s correct

 

[samluvstorts]

I’m scared to post a picture of my set up in case I’ve done it all wrong

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

12 weeks old… I’ve got the temp at 32c in his enclosure.. hope that’s correct

You want the overall temperature in the enclosure to range from 24 c to 26 c. Under the heat lamp aim for 35 to 37 c.

 

[samluvstorts]

View attachment 388644

You want the overall temperature in the enclosure to range from 24 c to 26 c. Under the heat lamp aim for 35 to 37 c.

great news, mine are correct

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

View attachment 388644

great news, mine are correct

The biggest thing I see here is that the lamp you currently have is too harsh and needs to be replaced by the ones discussed above. You also need to remove the hay and the wood chips since they can mold very easily in the humidity needed for a 12 week tortoise. Do you have some kind of cover over the enclosure or is it an open top one?