Odd behavior?
- Thread starter maske
- Start date
Foggers, Misters, and sprayers are bad for your tortoise. They put droplets in the air, not humidity. The droplets are too large for the tortoise to breathe and can cause respiratory distress/infections. The best way to maintain humidity is, in your enclosed habitat, have a base of three or more inches of damp coco coir covered by a couple inches of fine orchid bark.
Get the coco coir that comes in compressed bricks (its cheaper than the loose type and far less dusty), then, using a very large (3-5 gallon) clean bucket that has no residue from soap or other chemicals, soak a brick until it falls entirely apart. Wring the water out by hand and pack it tightly into the bottom of your enclosure. There should be no standing water. If you see puddles it means you are not wringing enough water out of the coco coir. Once that is ready, pat down the layer of bark on top.
Whenever your gauges show the humidity starting to drop, you simply pour cups of warm water into the corners. Go slowly though. You don't want any standing water - its a real project to remove excess water. So, pour a cup into each corner then wait an hour or more to see what the humidity gauge has come up to. By pouring into the corners you keep most of the surface dry-ish for your tortoise to walk on while having a ice level of humidity. You don't want a swamp environment.
AND -
Moss is also bad. It can cause impactions in the digestive system that need remedied surgically by a Veterinarian. The blockages are painful and can kill your tortoise. No Moss, no sand, no toxic - or plastic - plants.
Get the coco coir that comes in compressed bricks (its cheaper than the loose type and far less dusty), then, using a very large (3-5 gallon) clean bucket that has no residue from soap or other chemicals, soak a brick until it falls entirely apart. Wring the water out by hand and pack it tightly into the bottom of your enclosure. There should be no standing water. If you see puddles it means you are not wringing enough water out of the coco coir. Once that is ready, pat down the layer of bark on top.
Whenever your gauges show the humidity starting to drop, you simply pour cups of warm water into the corners. Go slowly though. You don't want any standing water - its a real project to remove excess water. So, pour a cup into each corner then wait an hour or more to see what the humidity gauge has come up to. By pouring into the corners you keep most of the surface dry-ish for your tortoise to walk on while having a ice level of humidity. You don't want a swamp environment.
AND -
Moss is also bad. It can cause impactions in the digestive system that need remedied surgically by a Veterinarian. The blockages are painful and can kill your tortoise. No Moss, no sand, no toxic - or plastic - plants.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
You’ll need to read links provided before making purchases like this, as mentioned above these are no good for your tortoise and neither is the moss unfortunatelyPurchased one of these and now humidity is 80%. Also got a hideout with moss on it. He is definitely more active.
maske
Member
Well his dry head is better and is definitely more active. Thank you everyone so much. 
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
That’ll be because the humidity is up, but it needs to be maintained appropriately to avoid running into the issues mentioned.
Glad he’s feeling better, hopefully you can look into the lukewarm water pour method in a good closed chamber
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