Thank you for your reply and all the information! This will be tonight’s bedtime reading.Hello! Gorgeous baby Herman you have there
If referring to those white squiggly lines/circles, no one 100% knows why they occur in some tortoises, but they’re nothing of concern don’t worry! Your species isn’t prone to shell rot or anything like that
I’m sorry you’ve been sold the wrong starter set it, it’s a running theme with pet shops unfortunately
Hopefully you find this useful to go over, I’m from the uk too so you might find some of my product suggestions easier, this thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers
Housing young Russian/Herman
Hello there! In this thread, I’m going to include some information on an effective way to tackle a starter set up/a way you can build a bigger size once your baby is an adult. I know it looks a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered, I’m happy to break down any information...tortoiseforum.org
This includes different closed chamber options, some do tend to work better than others, vivs that have been sealed well are a good choice
Visual inspiration
Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...tortoiseforum.org
Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying
Common keeping errors
Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...tortoiseforum.org
Really hope they help! Sorry it probably all feels a lot to go over and a little overwhelming, but fear not, we’re happy to answer any further questions/break down information where needed, we can help step by step! Welcome to the forum, so glad you’ve made your way here!![]()
Some say it might be hydration related but there isn't a definitive answer. Most tortoises with this pattern are completely healthy. Mine got this when I upped his soaks to daily, but it faded away over the course of a few months.If referring to those white squiggly lines/circles, no one 100% knows why they occur in some tortoises, but they’re nothing of concern don’t worry! Your species isn’t prone to shell rot or anything like that![]()
Yeah I’ve seen that, there just doesn’t seem to be anything for absolute certain, I’ve definitely never seen it where it’s been bad for them in any way thoughSome say it might be hydration related but there isn't a definitive answer. Most tortoises with this pattern are completely healthy. Mine got this when I upped his soaks to daily, but it faded away over the course of a few months.