New Horsefield Tort owner!!!

[ReptileLover369]

Thank you @Pastel Tortie & @JoesMum

I've noticed something unusual today as I was soaking Rocket. There seems to be two small, fine pieces of skin protruding from her neck. I'm really concerned and don't know whether she has hurt herself or whether it is totally normal?

Any guidance around this matter please?

 

[JoesMum]

Without a picture I cannot be 100% sure, but it is almost certainly harmless old skin being shed and nothing to worry about.

Snakes shed skin tidily all in one go. Humans shed skin in tiny pieces that become house dust. Torts do it in patches and look downright tatty at times.

Resist the temptation to pick or pull at the loose skin. It requires no potions or treatment and will just rub off as your tort bumbles about its business

 

[ReptileLover369]

Thanks so much @JoesMum!!!! I was so worried I will keep an eye out anyway! xxx

 

[ReptileLover369]

Hi guys, what's everyones advice regarding hibernation? x

 

[JoesMum]

Hi guys, what's everyones advice regarding hibernation? x

Your baby is too small. Personally, I don't like hibernating a tort weighing less than 500g. You shouldn't hibernate them in the first year of ownership in any case as you need to understand your tort's behaviour, what is normal for that tort, and be certain of health.

 

[ReptileLover369]

Hi everyone!

I've had my 18month old tort for 1 month now and I have checked the temp at night for her when the heating mat is on I feel like it drops to cold for her for whatever the reason whether my home is poorly insulated or I have a weak heating mat. I have been advised that Kane/Stanfield heating mats are the best ones around. Is this so? I have also been advised to get a ceramic heat emitter. Any other suggestions or advice on how to tackle this issue please?

Please do have a look at the one I have already, image provided.

 

[JoesMum]

We don't recommend heat mats like that as they're largely ineffective. If you need extra heat at night, get a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) and use it with a thermostat. It can be left on 24/7 as the thermostat ensures it only cuts in when needed

 

[ReptileLover369]

Thanks @JoesMum ! Can you send links if possible?

Also, I need to purchase some more substrate, is there a particular brand or mix you recommend? I've seen many people use different ones on here

 

[JoesMum]

These aren't necessarily the best prices, but Amazon is easy to search:

Coco coir (soften with water carefully. You want it damp not wet)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natures-Footprint-650g-Coconut-Coir/dp/B007US3HOQ/

Ceramic Lamp hanger (plastic ones will melt!)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Fluorescent-Tubes/Exo-Terra-PT2057-Light-Fixture/B0041OU75O/

Adjustable lamp stand
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Komodo-Adjustable-Height-tortoise-tables/dp/B00PX4AYDQ/

No particular brand recommended for the CHE, but I would avoid the cheap Chinese ones.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoo-Med-Ceramic-Heat-Emitter/dp/B0002AQCPK/

No particular brand for the thermostat, but something like this. Again avoid cheap Chinese ones and make sure it can handle the wattage of the CHE you use.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inkbird-IT...r=8-2-spons&keywords=reptile+thermostat&psc=1

 

[ReptileLover369]

Thanks ever so much @JoesMum !!!! Do you suggest mixing the coco coir with anything else? Cypress mulch?

 

[JoesMum]

Thanks ever so much @JoesMum !!!! Do you suggest mixing the coco coir with anything else? Cypress mulch?

No just use it on its own