new enclosure

[heyprettyrave]

so im geussing basically any kind of dirt would work if i mixed it in, right? and also, for those who know about the hydro balls is this a good idea?

and actually i already had her to the vets awhile ago, although i plan on going again shortly to the actual reptile specialist to make sure everything is in order.

i do plan on getting more plants in there, i plan on going to the pet store again today ha ha, if i change anything drastic i will post a photo again.

 

[tortoisenerd]

As long as the dirt is organic (no added chemicals, pesticides, unnatural fertilizers) that is good. Also look that it doesn't have those little white balls in it, Pearlite I think? Someone else also said to avoid lime in it, but I am not knowledgeable on that.

For the vet, besides a basic health check up, the most important thing is a fecal test for parasites. Make sure the person doing it actually knows ho to identify different types of parasites, and if they say you need to treat something, they should give you the exact parasite name/type, and say that they are moderate to severe (typically mild cases aren't treated and you just re-test to keep an eye on it as all reptiles have small amounts of parasites to keep their gut flora in check). They should give you a med to treat that exact parasite. Ivermectin is toxic to torts so make sure they don't give that. They should check the tort's weight to get the correct dosage--I like to see them look it up in a book. I don't like to treat parasites un-diagnosed because meds are tough on the tort.

 

[heyprettyrave]

okay. i plan on talking to the reptile specialist at the vet that i go to on Thursday of this coming week, and in a few weeks i plan on taking ophelia in for a thorough check up. thank you, ill right ivermectin down so that i wont ever forget

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Oh also, along with the plants i planted tnght i also put in irish moss as a ground cover and im hoping it will spread..is this ok to use as a ground cover?

 

[tortoisenerd]

Mosses are great groundcovers. You just want to make sure you have some sort of drainage set up so its not soaking wet, but a nice warm moist. Be sure to keep checking the temps as you add humidity as it will cool the enclosure down--you likely will need to lower your heat bulb, and possibly add a second one depending on the enclosure size now that you took the basking light out. What are your temps looking like in the enclosure now? Looking forward to pics! Sounds like you've made some great improvements.

 

[terryo]

I put the Itish moss around the water dish on the cooler side where the UVB was, when Pio was a baby. Mist it to keep it moist but not "mud wet".

 

[tortoisenerd]

Awww is that baby Pio? So cute.

 

[terryo]

Yes, I can't believe it's the same tort. Awwwww he was so cute.....and LITTLE. LOL

 

[tortoisenerd]

They grow up way too fast!

 

[heyprettyrave]

what sort of drainage should i have? and i have those hydro balls still? should i do something with those?

and i just adore your photos, your setups look so awesome. hopefully mine can look like that someday

heres the photos of my new enclosure, i still need to do a lot, and now i feel its sorta small. but i think its better.