Hello, I just got my first baby Cherry head today, and the breeder recommended that they only be kept under the UVB for 1-3 hours since they would not be exposed to sunlight on the Forrest floor. Does anyone know how accurate this is? Any other general advice would be welcome! I have been researching for awhile but so many care sheets have some differences.
UVB Exposure
- Thread starter Nikkic
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That sounds about correct.
Use the same caresheet as for a "regular" Redfoot.
Use the same caresheet as for a "regular" Redfoot.
BastionDad
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So Zero, for the enclosure, would you recommend turning the UVB off then after some time?
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You can. Or if you use a "5.0" or 6% you can leave it on a timer for a 12 hour daytime cycle.
BastionDad
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we recently changed from a mercury spot bulb to a t8 tropical tube, should we keep that on 12 hours as well?
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A T8 is what we used long ago. (Or in MY case, 5 years ago)
A T5 HO is about 3 times as powerful.
A T8 can work for a Redfoot since it requires less UVB. But it needs to be no more than 8" away from the tortoise to provide any real UVB.
And a T8 that has to transmit through a screen top is even less effective. About 50% less. So it would only provide negligible amounts, if any.
If your T8 is not transmitted through a screen. Place it close and leave it on for 12 hours a day. Replace the bulb every 6 to 10 months or invest in a 6.5 SOLARMETER like the one JOSH'S FROGS sells to see how much UVB your tube has and when to reach it.
Optimally you want a T5 HO.
Aside from that you want a 12 hours of simulated daytime and 12 hours of dark night time.
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BastionDad
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Roger that, its about 10 inches away, ill work on getting it closer
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A Redfoot is one of the very few species in which a T8 can actually provide enough UVB.
Use a varied diet for proper nutrition.
Green leafy. Fruit. Mushrooms. Edible flowers and protein in the form of meat or egg.
Avoid bright lights.
Provide hiding areas.
Humidity over 70%
Temperature between 80 and 87.
83 is ideal
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