Temporary heat options

[awioa]

I am now the proud owner of 2 baby African spurred tortoises. They hatched near Easter. Unfortunately it turns out my heat lamp/bulb are toast and my small southern New Mexico town does not have a replacement. I ordered replacements but they will not be in until Monday. I have a small heating stone and was wondering if it would be safe to use it until my lamp gets in. I originally had it buried under the dirt, until I saw post about not using them. When I felt the dirt, before pulling out the stone it was not as warm as the stone. My other options would be a heating pad on the outside of one of the corners or leaving as is. My house is at a consistent 70 degrees.

 

[JoesMum]

Does your local hardware store sell regular 100 Watt reflector bulbs? That’s all you need

 

[Tom]

I am now the proud owner of 2 baby African spurred tortoises. They hatched near Easter. Unfortunately it turns out my heat lamp/bulb are toast and my small southern New Mexico town does not have a replacement. I ordered replacements but they will not be in until Monday. I have a small heating stone and was wondering if it would be safe to use it until my lamp gets in. I originally had it buried under the dirt, until I saw post about not using them. When I felt the dirt, before pulling out the stone it was not as warm as the stone. My other options would be a heating pad on the outside of one of the corners or leaving as is. My house is at a consistent 70 degrees.

You don't need most products marketed for reptiles. Please give these a read through:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

 

[DeanS]

Skip the lights altogether! I NEVER installed lighting for the 8s...and they turned out to be the biggest, best-looking babies I've EVER seen! I used a BOA MASTER 4 x2 pvc cage...with NO drilled holes...therefore no vents! Air exchange occurs everytime the sliders are open for cleaning or whatever! The sole heat source was a Reptile Basics Radiant Heat Panel...set at 90ºF...which means it would fluctuate from 85-95º Nothing fancy...better than the Sahara I'd say! They were outside for two to six hours a day...and NO supplements! Here's the link if you want to research their upbringing in depth!

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/8-new-babies-from-tom-aka-the-bond-girls-maybe.118641/