New Tortoise

[Nomad]

Hi, I am expecting my first tortoise tomorrow, it is a baby hermann's. I have researched tortoises for years and decided it
is time to start, I live on 5 acres and eventually want to adopt desert tortoise or sulcata. When my little guy arrives tomorrow should i soak him right away?
Thanks:

 

[jorrow]

Congrads and welcome, I soaked my Redfoot right away. I figured it would help distress him. But there are much more knowledgeble members than I. I'm sure they will chime in with a advice for you soon

 

[Jentortmom]

I soak mine right out of the box for a few, then I put them in there enclosure and walk away. I leave them alone to get adjusted to there new home. It may take your new little guy a little while to become adjusted to his new surroundings (It's normal). You might want to offer some food as well when he first gets in his new home. Congrats!! Can't wait to see pictures.

 

[Nomad]

Thanks for the reply's , I think i understand about saking several times a week to help with dehydration, how much water
has to stay in the enclosure at all times.

 

[jorrow]

Thanks for the reply's , I think i understand about saking several times a week to help with dehydration, how much water
has to stay in the enclosure at all times.

Nomad... I use a coffee can lid in my enclosure and keep it full... I would say you would need to have enough water in whatever container you use to reach where the torts plastron meets his carapace.

 

[Jentortmom]

I agree w/ Josh, You want a small container so they don't drown. I use a tiny saucer, you want to make sure it is easy for them to get in and out of.

 

[Jacqui]

So today is the big day?????? Can you tell I am excited for you?

 

[egyptiandan]

Hi Craig,
I like to wait about an hour before I soak any tortoise I get shipped to me. That way they get readjusted to being in the light and not being bounced around. The hour lets them get there bearings and they will be more likely to drink.
I always offer food, like Jen said, after I soak.

Danny

 

[Isa]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on you Hermann . I can't wait to see him, I love Hermann tortoises, I have one , they are so full of personality and so adorable!

 

[Nomad]

Here he/she is. He arrived around noon today, he looked a little confused when i got him, but i soaked him which he seemed to enjoy, he drank what i thought was a lot. He is eating a lot also
and still checking out the new surroundings.
My daughter says that i am like a kid with a new toy. LOL

 

[Crazy1]

Congratulations on the new tort Craig. And welcome to the forum.

 

[sendie]

What a little sweetie! We have one that is a couple years old, and one at the breeder's that is about 3 weeks old now waiting until its a bit older to be shipped to us. Please share more stories and pictures of your baby even though I'll be jealous until mine gets home.

 

[Nomad]

I am a little worried about the little guy, he has not moved much
at all today, he does eat and drink when you place him near the food and water other than that he has not moved, the temp is around 84. Is this normal or something to worry about, I just soaked him again and he does seem to like that.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Here he/she is. He arrived around noon today, he looked a little confused when i got him, but i soaked him which he seemed to enjoy, he drank what i thought was a lot. He is eating a lot also
and still checking out the new surroundings.
My daughter says that i am like a kid with a new toy. LOL

You are so lucky that he is eating for you. Usually they are too stressed out to eat right away. He's beautiful...Did you name him yet? OK now I see your latest post. Babies don't generally move around much in the daylight because out in the real world they are prey so they stay hidden much of the time. As long as he's eating and drinking I wouldn't worry too much. You need to form a routine so that you and he do the same thing around the same time everyday. So he needs to be soaked then fed and then it's playtime...I am thinking that 84 degrees is not hot enough, but I don't keep that species. I keep desert type tortoises so I have a hot basking spot of 95 degrees and the other side of the habitat is about 75...so I would suggest that you do a little research and see what basking temps should be for him.

 

[desertsss]

Hi Nomad. When I first got my torts I was very worried about them. However, mine came from a very neglectful home. The stress of them being moved around, not fed, unhealthy all that stuff...made it to where they didn't want to do anything. They were very lethargic. However, with love and attention I am sure your little guy will be fine. Just keep an eye on him, soak, offer food, and make sure he has the right lighting. Just so you know....I found out that my torts were too cold. As soon as I got a better heat lamp, they were active like crazy. Anyways, good luck..and congrats.

 

[Nomad]

With what I have learned in the past couple of days, I do not
believe I have anything to worry about, With your information and the information from the breed I think everthing is ok. Thanks a bunch for the input.

 

[Ozric]

Please do have a look at the Care Sheet that Chris has done for us on these pages. Sorry I only know centigrade but you can easily convert. I find a hotspot of approx 32C, the tortoise must be allowed to move away to a cooler place at about 20C. These are daytime temps. They beneft from lower temperatures at night. Most tortoises are a bit unsure after a change of surroundings and take time to feel confident.

 

[Weloveourtortoise]

Craig,
He is so adorable! Congrats and welcome to the forum.