Tortoise keepers?

[Yorkshire Coop]

I’m looking at getting a tortoise. Any keepers out there? Tips or advice? I’ve been planning a while so think I have the basics covered as in what equipment I need. I’m looking at getting an Ibera Spur-thigh tortoise. So far my list includes ~

Deluxe Pro Large Tortoise Table (4ft x 2ft x 8in) with mesh cover

100watt Combination Bulb (this provides heat and UVA/UVB) + 1 spare

200mm/21cm Clamp Lamp

Lighting Bracket

Water & Food Tray

2.5kg Bedding substrate

Cuttlefish Bone/Calcium Powder

Thermometer

Fake desert plants for decoration

Reptile cave for hiding in

Grow your own food kit as below ~

• Propagator
• Seed insert trays
• 2 Litre bag of soil or Coco Coir
  
• 40g Bag of Seeds

Tortoise wormer

Small shallow bowl for bathing

Insulated hibernation box for the fridge


Anything I’ve missed? Are those combination bulbs any good?

 

[HuffleClaw]

I don’t. But one of my friends did! I won’t see him until Tuesday, so I’d you don’t have an answer by then, I’ll be sure to reply!

 

[AlleysChicks]

Make sure your bulbs are compatible with the lamp. Mine kept blowing and it was because the watt was too high for the lamp. Both were purchased from a pet store.

York do you guys have Black Friday shopping over there? I’d check online to see if prices drop and buy your stuff then if so. I think amazon usually is cheaper than stores.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

I don’t. But one of my friends did! I won’t see him until Tuesday, so I’d you don’t have an answer by then, I’ll be sure to reply!

Thanks, that sounds great

Make sure your bulbs are compatible with the lamp. Mine kept blowing and it was because the watt was too high for the lamp. Both were purchased from a pet store.

York do you guys have Black Friday shopping over there? I’d check online to see if prices drop and buy your stuff then if so. I think amazon usually is cheaper than stores.

I will be sure to ask that. I’m thinking of ordering from a place called the “The Tortoise shop” that I’ve found online. That’s all they sell and they have good reviews. They are just down the road from me too so I can go collect the tortoise & everything I need from there rather than having the tortoise delivered by an animal courier.
But on the other hand I’ve seen some really cool handmade to order tables here ~ http://www.petandtortoiseworld.co.uk/tortoise-tables.html

Yes we do have Black Friday here & Manic Monday Although I love Amazon and I do order a lot from there I’m sometimes a bit wary of their animal products incase they are cheap knock off chinese ones. But I will def be checking it out. Thank you

 

[Tortoise]

As you can see from my avatar I have tortoises. Leopards and a Russian. First, the correct advice for raising a healthy tortoise is found only on tortoiseforum.org. Many long time tortoise owners that have don't all the trials of what works and what doesn't. Be sure to buy from a reputable place that raises/starts the tortoise out with humidity, not dry. So not use the coil/cfl bulbs they cause eye problems and the smalles enclosure exceptabke for the smaller species is a 4x8 foot. They are a pet to keep trapped in a house 24/7. They need and should be able to be outside in warm weather.
Join the forum mention and learn everything ahead of time.

 

[Tortoise]

And don't forget pet stores will tell you anything to sell you things. Most of it is wrong or unsafe or not needed.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

As you can see from my avatar I have tortoises. Leopards and a Russian. First, the correct advice for raising a healthy tortoise is found only on tortoiseforum.org. Many long time tortoise owners that have don't all the trials of what works and what doesn't. Be sure to buy from a reputable place that raises/starts the tortoise out with humidity, not dry. So not use the coil/cfl bulbs they cause eye problems and the smalles enclosure exceptabke for the smaller species is a 4x8 foot. They are a pet to keep trapped in a house 24/7. They need and should be able to be outside in warm weather.
Join the forum mention and learn everything ahead of time.

Thanks I will check that forum out. I’ve checked the tortoise shop out and they are licensed breeders that hatch and rear them themselves so they are not being bought in to sell. What is a coil/cfl bulb please? Is that the combination? For sure when the weather is warm I will be putting my tortoise outside. I already have an enclosure I can use.

And don't forget pet stores will tell you anything to sell you things. Most of it is wrong or unsafe or not needed.

Yes I’m aware of this thank you but I’m quite savvy in that respect and know of the tactics they use. I could go tomorrow and get a Horsefield from my pet store at the end of my village but they are not specialists so I won’t be purchasing from them.

 

[Tortoise]

CFL is compact flourescent also coiled, U shaped and coiled around. Pic above.
The best lighting for uvb is Arcadia tube flourescent. Then use either CHE (ceramic heat emitter) or radiant heat panels for heat. No red bulbs. You can use regular incandescent bulbs for added day heat and light but should be dark at night which the Che is good for.

 

[Tortoise]

Also all hatchlings do best with a closed chamber enclosure for 2-3 years. This keeps the humidity high and prevents pyramiding. Then an open table with a humid hide will work.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Thanks, that sounds great



I will be sure to ask that. I’m thinking of ordering from a place called the “The Tortoise shop” that I’ve found online. That’s all they sell and they have good reviews. They are just down the road from me too so I can go collect the tortoise & everything I need from there rather than having the tortoise delivered by an animal courier.
But on the other hand I’ve seen some really cool handmade to order tables here ~ http://www.petandtortoiseworld.co.uk/tortoise-tables.html

Yes we do have Black Friday here & Manic Monday Although I love Amazon and I do order a lot from there I’m sometimes a bit wary of their animal products incase they are cheap knock off chinese ones. But I will def be checking it out. Thank you

Isn’t manic Monday every Monday?Oh those are very cool! I better be careful or I’ll start shopping too. I usually check the seller on amazon to make sure they are an approved one for the product. Good luck shopping! Don’t forget to post a pic of your new baby when you pick him/her up!