Tortoise enclosure

[ChloeD]

Hi,
I have a 2 year old Hermann called Maggie. She has a tortoise table with everything she needs for nightime and when I'm at work. But in the evenings/ the days I have off work she has alittle play pen to give her lots of space to roam around in. However, it has small metal bars and she's constantly trying to climb up them. I know that tortoises can get stressed out by glass, can bars do the same thing?
Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Chloe, and welcome to the Forum!

In my opinion, tortoises should have their own space, a nice habitat that's big enough for exercise, and safe so they feel secure in there. It provides them with the heat and UVB they need to be healthy. I don't believe tortoises should be moved unless it's from indoors to outside. I don't think the bars are stressful, I think moving the tortoise out of its safe tortoise table is what's stressful. If you feel the need to allow your tortoise more exercise room, then maybe the tort table really isn't big enough.

 

[ChloeD]

Thanks Yvonne! She does have a large tortoise table so I'll take your advice and keep her in her safe place

 

[Heather H]

hi Chloe can you show us pics of your baby and the table? welcome to the forum

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome! ! !

I also love to see a photo of your enclosure.

 

[ChloeD]

Her house, Maggie and Maggie's dinosaur outfit I crocheted for her!

 

[ChloeD]

Thank you for the welcomes!

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't know why they mount the light holder at one end like that. If I were to use that table, I'd buy another fixture and have another heat source either in the middle or at the other end. Get a temperature reader, one of those point and shoot things, and measure the temperature all over the floor of that habitat. I'll bet it's pretty cool down at this end.

 

[ChloeD]

I always thought that they needed a warm end and a cool end? So do they need heat to cover their whole house? I'm a newbie so still learning!

 

[Jodie]

That's a cute table. Replace the water dish asap though. That one is a flip hazard. Terra cotta saucers are great. Sink it down level with the substrate so it is easy to get in and out of.

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I always thought that they needed a warm end and a cool end? So do they need heat to cover their whole house? I'm a newbie so still learning!

To a degree, yes but too cool isn't helping, and makes that side very unappealing, and forces your tort to spend all day under the light trying to stay toasty enough.
Here's the Hermann's caresheet-
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sticky-hermanns-tortoise-care-sheet-updated.101410/

 

[TortsNTurtles]

Welcome!

 

[Jacqui]

To me, the open wire light socket allows too much of the heat to escape before ever getting down to the tortoise. You really do need to actually check the temps to see what they are in the different areas and change things as needed.

P.S. I love that shell.

 

[ChloeD]

Thank you!

 

[ChloeD]

Would something like this to put across the top if the table be a good idea?

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Would something like this to put across the top if the table be a good idea?

Those are GREAT UVBs, and it's what I use the most.
Keep in mind, these only provide UVB and light, so you'll still need a heat bulb.

 

[ChloeD]

Sooooo, the lamp I have at the moment is a UV lamp. So I'll need to add a heat bulb too? Would you be able to suggest a good one? Sorry about all of the questions! You've all been so helpful though!

 

[Jodie]

What kind of UVB bulb? If it is a tube yes. If it is mercury vapor type, it also produces heat. You need to add heat bulbs to maintain the correct temps. Does that make sense?

 

[Jodie]

Normal bulbs produce heat. Don't use any kind of cfl or coil bulbs. They cause eye damage sometimes.

 

[ChloeD]

I'm using this lamp at the moment.