Alaskamike
Well-Known Member
Your new baby actually looks pretty good. Don't worry about his size or growth rate. They all are different.
The reason for the advice about humidity and warmth is the needs of the shell and bone structure as it grows. The simple explanation is that the keratin the shell is made of dries out quickly under overhead lamps. The drying out creates a response in the tortoise biology of an over proliferation on the keratin creating a pyramiding effect on the outer shell. This is not just cosmetic, it creates an abnormal stress on the underlying Skelton which is attached.
As Toms threads explain , you can mitigate for the drying effects of overhead UVB lamps with an enclosed table and high humidity.
Make sure your little guy gets a good soak every other day at least in warm water.
A temp gun helps allot to check temps. You can get on at Home Depot for $20.
I suggest you also rub some extra virgin coconut oil on his shell. You can research this in a thread in " debatable topics". But I am convinced the EVCO can reduce drying greatly in open tables.
You got him ( or her
. Very young. No reason he will not thrive.
Welcome.
The reason for the advice about humidity and warmth is the needs of the shell and bone structure as it grows. The simple explanation is that the keratin the shell is made of dries out quickly under overhead lamps. The drying out creates a response in the tortoise biology of an over proliferation on the keratin creating a pyramiding effect on the outer shell. This is not just cosmetic, it creates an abnormal stress on the underlying Skelton which is attached.
As Toms threads explain , you can mitigate for the drying effects of overhead UVB lamps with an enclosed table and high humidity.
Make sure your little guy gets a good soak every other day at least in warm water.
A temp gun helps allot to check temps. You can get on at Home Depot for $20.
I suggest you also rub some extra virgin coconut oil on his shell. You can research this in a thread in " debatable topics". But I am convinced the EVCO can reduce drying greatly in open tables.
You got him ( or her
. Very young. No reason he will not thrive. Welcome.
