Would this work in a pinch
- Thread starter brandikeira5
- Start date
Absolutely
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
You’d have to think about how you’d mount your heat bulbs and uv in there, make sure you have the enclosure up and running before you bring baby home
brandikeira5
Active Member
I understand that. Upon further research I realized that what I had planned wasn't going to work( closed chamber). This is my first time as a turtle parent and I am trying to get it right. Maybe don't be so hard on people trying to do the right thing and get the right information. I am going to have one custom built and unfortunately it won't be ready in the same time frame. I just came across this and thought this may work better than the sterling tote examples I have seen but wasn't sure and wanted some feedback. If you didnt have anything to answer my question or anything positive to help you shouldn't have answered. Just trying to learn and get this right.
brandikeira5
Active Member
Ok thank you, I'm thinking I can drill a small hole and have the lights suspended with chains from an eye hook. Do you think that may work?
Welcome to the forum and all the best setting up properly for your little one.
It will need enough closed space, correct lights and humidity, reptibark substrate, soaking pool, hides and the right Redfoot diet.
It will need enough closed space, correct lights and humidity, reptibark substrate, soaking pool, hides and the right Redfoot diet.
Don't pay attention to him, he's grumpy to everyone...I know.
There's cheaper ways for you to set it up..but they have serious heat and humidity requirements that mean your baby needs to live in a closed chamber for 3 to 4 maybe more years. Especially in your state...Have you considered a species of tort that doesn't have such serious and important requirements like a RF? A Hermanni? A Russian, Leopard...ad infinitum...lots of other species...
brandikeira5
Active Member
Yes! I am sorry that I didnt update all my post I guess! We are going to get a red footed tortoise. My family has their heart set on this one and I just want to give it the best life I can. I am brand new to all of this so I am just trying to find exactly what I need. I want to make sure I have the closed chamber, and I would love recommendations of EXACTLY what kind and what brand of all lights it will need. I am gathered from here that fine orchid bark is the best substrate for them. Please include any other items that are a must to get him started. Links would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to help a newbie!!!
I don't think it will work because it is too small. A large 50+ gallon tote from Home Depot or Walmart will be cheaper work similarly, and be much larger. Hopefully you can find something around 48x24 inches. Note that you don't need a basking lamp for a RF. Just over all warm ambient temps day and night.
Here is a thread showing what to do:
How to make a closed-chamber baby habitat out of a 55gal Sterilite bin
Since several folks have asked about how to make a closed chamber baby enclosure out of a 55gal Sterilite tote, here are some pics and description of how I do. This is not the most beautiful option, but since the babies will only be in here for 9-12 months, I'm okay with that. My own Russian...
tortoiseforum.org
brandikeira5
Active Member
Awesome! I think that's a better idea too! Can you tell me exactly what brand and kind of lighting i need for a red footed hatchling?I don't think it will work because it is too small. A large 50+ gallon tote from Home Depot or Walmart will be cheaper work similarly, and be much larger. Hopefully you can find something around 48x24 inches. Note that you don't need a basking lamp for a RF. Just over all warm ambient temps day and night.
Here is a thread showing what to do:
How to make a closed-chamber baby habitat out of a 55gal Sterilite bin
Since several folks have asked about how to make a closed chamber baby enclosure out of a 55gal Sterilite tote, here are some pics and description of how I do. This is not the most beautiful option, but since the babies will only be in here for 9-12 months, I'm okay with that. My own Russian...
Not really. There are too many variables and options. You need some LED lighting for daytime brightness, but there are many ways to do this. I use LED under cabinet mount type LEDs in my closed chambers, and I also use the types of LEDs that screw into light sockets. Both ways work. Set this on a timer for 12 hours a day.
Then you need ambient heat. Radiant heat panels work the best, but ceramic heating elements can also work. Either needs to be controlled by a thermostat to maintain the correct temperature. I use and prefer Vivarium Electronics RHPs, but I also have Sweeter Heaters, and you can get chicken heat panels from Tractor Supply that work too.
UV can be omitted from the indoor enclosure if you give the tortoise some outdoor time with dappled shade during nice weather a few times per week. If this is not an option for you, then get the Arcadia 6% HO Pro T5 Kit and mount it about 18 inches from the tortoise. Run the UV tube on its own timer for 2-3 hours a day mid day.
The main thing is to set it all up and run it for a few days BEFORE you bring the tortoise home. Delay shipping on the baby until you are ready for it. You don't want it too hot or too cold, and you don't want to be making adjustments while the baby is in the enclosure. That is a recipe for disaster. Any seller should be happy to hold on to the baby for a week or two extra to ensure that the baby is arriving to a tried and tested ready enclosure. I hold babies for weeks and sometimes months for customers that are to ready yet. If this seller isn't wiling to do that, cancel the sale and find a decent human being to buy from. What conscientious person would insist on you taking the baby before your enclosure is set up and ready. That is just unethical, unkind, and demonstrates where that person's priorities are. Hopefully this will not be a problem for you. If it is a problem for this seller, then you will know you have bought a baby from the WRONG source and you can cancel the sale before getting into an even bigger problem with a sick or unhealthy baby.
brandikeira5
Active Member
Thank you so much for all that information!!! That's perfect and just what I needed. We are going to work on getting this right, we have 2 weeks. But I will also speak with them and let them know if we arent ready in time! Thanks again for all your help and information!
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Hopefully you find these threads useful to go over!
This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, definitely double check these because people are often sold the wrong ones), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for red foots(only way to maintain the humidity you need indoors), appropriately maintaining the humidity(they are prone to shell rot so this is important! No misters or humidifiers), safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, a diet list 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
tortoiseforum.org
This includes different closed chambers, some definitely work better than others
tortoiseforum.org
Lastly, this one here is good 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
tortoiseforum.org
Hope they help!
This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, definitely double check these because people are often sold the wrong ones), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for red foots(only way to maintain the humidity you need indoors), appropriately maintaining the humidity(they are prone to shell rot so this is important! No misters or humidifiers), safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, a diet list 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
Young red foot/ cherryhead set up
Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information on an effective example of a starter enclosure for a red foot/cherry head😊 Care advice for these guys is painfully behind, fb pages, YouTube, pet stores, they’re all repeating the same outdated advice, this forum is made of...
tortoiseforum.org
This includes different closed chambers, some definitely work better than others
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 good 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
Hope they help!
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