Red foot tortoise help?

[tupacliveson16]

I have two baby reds coming in and i need help. I read up on these creatures and i got a better understanding but i need help on the humidity in the enclosure. I was planning on constructing my own pen. I dont know how to keep it humid. I am afraid of getting them sick by overdosing the enclosure with moist and dampness. I planned on having one humid side with a hide and temperature area of 90 degrees. But i dont know how to keep humid. Do i spray the substrate itself or just the toetoises? On the other side its cooler, and it also includes a hide with a temperature area of 75-81. This side shouldnt be moist, and it should be dry, corrsct? Which aide should the food and water bowl/tub be at? Also how do i keep track of the humidity ranges? Thanks guys!

 

[FLINTUS]

Right I'm going to restructure this for you-hot and cold sides are not good for reds they need ambient temps
Temps: 80-85 AMBIENT temp, should be this throughout except for: Basking spots(include 2 for both your reds) should be about 90. One or two planted up, shady cool spots of just above 75.
Humidity: Should be 70% bare minimum throughout. Spray the WHOLE enclosure! If you construct your own pen put a lid on it as this will keep humidity and temps better. Ideally should be 85%-90%. I suggest having a large water bath near the heat lamp. Spray the torts as well. Having a good substrate will help with humidity, use soil as a base and then a top layer mix of orchid bark, moss and leaf litter. You may want to invest in an ultrasonic humidifier. Food bowl should be near the hide which should be in the ambient zone. To keep track of humidity use a hygrometer.

 

[tupacliveson16]

V

Right I'm going to restructure this for you-hot and cold sides are not good for reds they need ambient temps
Temps: 80-85 AMBIENT temp, should be this throughout except for: Basking spots(include 2 for both your reds) should be about 90. One or two planted up, shady cool spots of just above 75.
Humidity: Should be 70% bare minimum throughout. Spray the WHOLE enclosure! If you construct your own pen put a lid on it as this will keep humidity and temps better. Ideally should be 85%-90%. I suggest having a large water bath near the heat lamp. Spray the torts as well. Having a good substrate will help with humidity, use soil as a base and then a top layer mix of orchid bark, moss and leaf litter. You may want to invest in an ultrasonic humidifier. Food bowl should be near the hide which should be in the ambient zone. To keep track of humidity use a hygrometer.

Thank you SO much. This helped! What kind of plants do you advise? And how would i construct my own top?

 

[FLINTUS]

See some of the threads for closed chambers on here. Also just general vivariums. I will try an find my indoor viv for my reds on here. Plants:
Bromeliads
Spider
Weeping Fig
Bamboo
Hibiscus
Umbrella
Ferns
Strawberry
Raspberry
Tropical Ivy
Just to name a few, check out the tortoisetable site for more edible plants.

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Can't seem to link any pics to here

 

[tupacliveson16]

See some of the threads for closed chambers on here. Also just general vivariums. I will try an find my indoor viv for my reds on here. Plants:
Bromeliads
Spider
Weeping Fig
Bamboo
Hibiscus
Umbrella
Ferns
Strawberry
Raspberry
Tropical Ivy
Just to name a few, check out the tortoisetable site for more edible plants.

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Can't seem to link any pics to here

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Where can i find this closed chambers? Tropical ivy sounds nice! Man i wanted to see..

 

[FLINTUS]

Just do search for closed chambers, think there's a stickie on them in enclosures as well

 

[tupacliveson16]

Just do search for closed chambers, think there's a stickie on them in enclosures as well

I plan on making one. I wanted to have a plexi glass front so we can see them better and i can see humidity easier. Would that stress them out?

 

[FLINTUS]

Some reds don't like being able to see through. If you could, put it above a couple of inches above the headline of the tort so you can see him but he can't see you

 

[tupacliveson16]

Great thinking man. Thanks!