Still hiding...

[lilT]

I don't know if this is "tortoise health" but I feel like this is the best category so...
I had written before about Sheldon (now Bernadette...I know, I know) wasn't coming out and was hiding all day. He/she is just a little hatchling and is a red foot tortoise. The enclosure is 80% humidity and the warm side is 90-95 degrees and the cool side is right around 80 degrees. I had to put a tiny humidifier in the enclosure to get the humidity up and that is staying pretty consistent. I am turning the temps down at night, as was recommended.
I also changed the water dish and now have a ceramic heat lamp instead of the infrared one. I have a long tube UVB light as well.
I just don't understand why she's hiding so much. I know she is just a little baby, but shouldn't she be coming out a little? She doesn't even come out to eat. I have to pick her up to put her by her food, then she'll eat like a champ but goes right back to hiding when done. What am I doing wrong here??

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

It's worth confirming your temperatures with another thermometer, but baby tortoises hide. If she's eating and she isn't too cold, I would give it more time. Hatchlings hide out of self preservation. It's hard to convince them it's safe at that size because they're easy prey.

 

[lismar79]

Can you post a picture of your enclosure? If its all glass and she can see out that might make her feel exposed. I don't remember if your was. But, babies do hide a lot especially in a new environment.

 

[lilT]

It is glass but I have the back covered up. I can most definitely try putting some on the sides as well. She has been with me for about 2 weeks now, is that still "adjustment time"? I just want to make sure she isn't sick. I have been trying to read everything I can.
I need to read more on how moist/wet the substrate should or needs to be. I know it shouldn't be wet or moist on the cool side but that's all I know so far.
Thank you for your insight! I'll try covering the other 2 sides or even all 4 and see how she does.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Two weeks is very much still in the adjustment period. It's good to confirm there are no other issues, but she'd likely be hiding at these stage anyway.

 

[lilT]

I cannot tell you what a relief that is to me! I do hold her a little every day but not too much so I don't stress her out. I just love watching her when she eats too. She's so darn cute!

 

[lismar79]

I taped newspaper a few inches up on mine so I could see in but he couldn't see out. He came out more after.