Suggests please on my habitat?

AmordeAbba

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I just set this enclosure up for my cdt hatchling. It's a 54 gal tub & I'm not sure if the little stones are too much. I haven't got plants in it yet either. I am not sure if the thermometer is good where is is or if the heat lamp is okay where it is. I didn't want it anywhere that he could flip over or next to the food. He has already flipped a few times so I'm worried about how to place all this. I am open to all suggestions. 1416372639839.jpg1416372652887.jpg1416372665898.jpg
 

Jodie

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That looks like a nice size and the substrate is great. The thermometer should be at tort level. I would sink the water dish into the substrate so it is easy to get in n out of. The rest I don't know for CDT's. What kind of bulb are you using in the light?
 

G-stars

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Looks good. I agree with Jodie temps should be taken at tortoise level. What are the temps under the light?

Regarding the flipping issue. I would look into what's causing him to flip himself and fix that issue. It's not good for them to be on their backs for long periods of time. During the summer time try setting him up in a large outdoor enclosure.

Why don't you tell us what his diet is like? Maybe we can recommend a few different things.
 

ZEROPILOT

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That tunnel/hide is a flip hazard. Pile up some substate on the sides and sink the whole thing down a bit. Also, notice where he flips and make sure to NOT have a light there. Flipping under a heat source will cause a fast death.
 
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Maggie Cummings

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Looks like your substrate is not damp enough. What are you using for night heat? I'd cover over at least half of the top. That's a big open area and CDT babies are VERY fragile. What kind of a basking light are you using? What is the temp on the substrate under the light, put one end of your half log against the wall and scoop substrate up the sides. I recently had a baby die under the light on his back after trying to climb a cave I have. They die fast under the light, and it's pretty damn horrible for tort and person a like. I think you will have trouble stabilizing any kind of heat in such an open area. Keep asking questions, and keep us posted...
 

cmacusa3

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I had to take those hides out of my enclosure because Abrams was flipping climbing on it.
 

Tom

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Great job!!! Your set up is better than 99% of the DT hatchling set ups I've seen. You've done a great job.

I would only change a couple of things.
1. Add a flat piece of slate or sand stone sunk into the substrate right under the lamp for basking and temp checking. I get mine at a local landscape supply place for .10 cents a pound.
2. You need a humid hide in addition to, or instead of the half log hide. Any dark colored opaque plastic tub will do. Flip it upside down and cut out a door hole. Dampen the substrate under it a little more than the rest. I use black dish washing tubs from Walmart. They work great and only cost about $1.82.

How cold does your house get at night? As long as its low to mid 70's I think your baby will be fine without night heat.
 

Yvonne G

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I don't think your light is low enough, but checking the temperature would tell you for sure. Good job on the habitat. You may have to cover or partially cover it to keep the warm air inside.
 

TortMomma

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Wow great snag! What exactly is it used for (well before you made it a hide)? Is it just a plastic plant pot?
 

AmordeAbba

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Hey everyone yes. I took out the log hide because he kept flipping over, I put a plastic dish tub and cut a little door so he can hide in there. He doesn't go under it though, he stays under the lamp. I moved the thermometer to the tortoise's level & the temps stay around 84-90. During the night it goes to about 75 (I keep the heater on at night in my house). Before I put the coco coir in I soaked it in water and I squeezed out the excess water so that it was all a little damp. I also cover it at night with a white board to keep the heat in and I do keep the lamp on , but I dim it down since it's a light dimmer. (I only put the white board on in the picture to show you how it looks at night.
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cmacusa3

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Be patient and give it a few days, Abrams would barely go in his and now the last 2 nights he's slept in it all night. Maybe put yours in there a few times a day just so it feels comfortable and is safe.
 

Tom

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Sounds like you need either a higher wattage bulb or to move it closer. Watching the tortoises behavior is just as important as taking thermometer readings. If he's staying under the bulb for hours a day, that is in indicator that ambient temps are too low and/or basing temps are too low.

It needs to stay dark at night. If your house is heated and staying 70ish or more, then you should not need night heat, but you also need to get your day time temps warmer.

Many of them are reluctant to use a pre-existing "burrow". Most likely to avoid whatever made the pre-existing burrow. If you put the baby in there each night an hour or two after lights out, he will learn to use it on his own and get comfortable with it.
 
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