Tortoise enclosure

[Ellie:)]

Hi all,

My tortoise is in a tortoise table with his mercury vapour bulb at one end and his hide at room temperature at the other end. I thought this was ideal for tortoises and just need a little bit more reassurance as I know I shouldn't listen to people in pet shops but someone who owns a reptile shop told me he should be in a viv that is warm all over as in the enclosure he is in at the minute he could try to hibernate in the cooler area and die.

I don't think I should believe this and definitely just want to make sure this information is not correct and I am housing him correctly. I do get him out every day and bathe him and ensure he eats to prevent hibernation for now as he is only 8 months and it is his first winter with me.

Please can someone just reassure me that the information given to me from the reptile shop man was wrong? Just for some piece of mind..

Thank you

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome, Ellie.
From south Florida U.S.A.

 

[Lyn W]

Hi Ellie and welcome - what species of tort do you have?
Many people do use vivs/closed chambers as it is their preferred way to contain and control temps and humidity, which may work out cheaper here in the cold UK.
My tort is a leopard and quite big and has his own room so my CH is on constantly as well as his MVB - and CHE at night, to keep him warm enough which as you can imagine is very expensive!!
There is probably a care sheet available for your tort in the Species Specific section; the Beginners Mistake thread (link below) is good for learning from the experiences of others and the Enclosures thread has some great ideas.
If you are open to suggestions and can post some pics of your set up members will be able to advise if there are any improvements you could make to ensure your tort has a safe and happy home.

 

[Ellie:)]

Thank you.

He's a horsefield and I've heard they don't really like a lot of dampness and humidity should be at around 60%-70%.

I have read them links and they are very helpful and useful but I just feel so confused now!!

 

[Lyn W]

Thank you.

He's a horsefield and I've heard they don't really like a lot of dampness and humidity should be at around 60%-70%.

I have read them links and they are very helpful and useful but I just feel so confused now!!

There is a lot of confusing information on the WWW but this is the best site for up to date information and advice from keepers with many years of experience who thankfully share their tried and tested methods with us, so if you find contradictory advice go with what you find you here. The caresheet will tell you about temps and humidity, diet and recommended substrates etc and you won't go wrong if you follow that.