Have I got it right? Posted: 13/12/2010 by bigdave
Hello, Im getting ready to buy a one year old hermanns tortoise. I have a large tortoise table. have sealed the joints with fish tank silicone sealent. Mixed 50/50 top soil and play sand; will make this about 6cm deep. Have a sunglow 50 w basking heat and uva lamp; temp under this 30 centegrade (on a timer) over hanging uvb 10 compact lamp at appox 20 cm high. thermometer at heat end and another in bedroom. shallow water dish and food dish,vitamin and calcium powder.
What do I feed him or her on in winter when when no weeds are available? Have emergency supply of tortoise pellets.
Anything I am doing wrong? Thank you David
Re: Have I got it right? Posted: 13/12/2010 by tortoise7
Hi David Welcome and well done for doing all your research before hand. Sounds like you have everything ready to go. For all heating and lighting advice Dave from the TPG site will able to help. Try to get some weeds if you can,as you won't need loads for a little fellow. the Tortoise Table website will let you know of what weeds are available this time of year. I would ditch the pellets,In my opinion they shouldn't be sold for tortoises, they have too much protein which is not what torts should be having. For back up or a supplement to the weeds you can buy Florette Crispy salad it contains Frissee, Lambs lettuce and Radicchio, which is available from most super markets. I would give it a good wash before hand, even though it says washed and ready to eat. Not sure where you are planning to get your tort from, but can't help myself from saying please don't get from a pet shop or a reptile centre,you will probably end up with problems that you shouldn't be having with owning a new pet. There are some brilliant breeders which if you tell the TPG where you live, they can tell you your nearest one. Look foward to hearing about your new addition Jane, Keya & Molly
Re: Have I got it right? Posted: 16/12/2010 by TPGDave
Hello David,
Just a couple of minor things...
Try and aim for 32 to 34 C at the basking spot. Personally I'd have the UVB compact a little higher, around 30 cms. Im not overly keen on these, Arcadia are a good brand for compacts but others Im a little dubious of. In the long run it may be worth investing in a good mercury vapour lamp like a megaray, t rex or arcadia. Takes a lot of the hallse out of it.
