Hiya, sorry I don’t know your name but welcome and thanks for contacting us. The best way to check if temperature is correct is to check it directly under the hot spot and again in the cool area and log those temperatures and the best thermometer to use is either a digital gun type or the digital min/max probe like this one in the link. https://tinyurl.com/59ppdmvy And place the probe approx the same height as tortoises shell for an accurate reading. Those small round gauges that stick in the wall is no good and the reading will be very different than under the light. How long have you been us ..read more

My little horsefield male 3yrs old has been with me now for over a year , whilst weeds have been in short supply through the long winter he s been feeding mainly on lambs lettuce and some suitable salad leaves . He s now getting some helpings of plantain, navelwort and a few dandelion leaves. His poos have been plentiful and his wee is the right consistency. Yesterday i notice some undigested weed fibres sticking out of him bottom, about 2 inch trailing behind him. Giving him several warm baths to try and help but I m wondering if his temperatures aren't high enough or the uvb level has reduce ..read more

Ha, ha, well that's a relief. I'm still a bit concerned about the high temperatures that were recommended. If your hot area is 35C - 40C can you tell me what temperature the cool area is? How is he doing today? It's very sunny and warm here in Oxford today, and mine are really enjoying being in the garden. Nina Statistics: Posted by Nina — Thu May 09, 2024 11:41 am ..read more

Just to confirm, I wasn’t told to bath it in Red Bull! That was a flippant comment. The vet recommended Reptoboost. Sorry Statistics: Posted by Mrsrutty — Thu May 09, 2024 10:05 am ..read more

Hiya. I have just seen this and haven’t read the whole thread thoroughly- but I do agree with Nina in saying one so young will dehydrate quickly in those new temps, possibly with disastrous effects. I would keep them at what you had them to be safe. Red Bull!!! No, I can see it will give the glucose needed to tempt eating but I would never bath in red bull when there is the Reptiboost product that has been made specifically for the reason of boosting the tortoises energy and system to add the glucose, minerals and other important things. Just my thoughts. Lin Statistics: Posted by lin — Wed M ..read more

I'm really surprised (and slightly alarmed) at the temperatures that the vet recommended (I'm assuming that it is the vet in Morpeth you went to). I've never heard a vet recommend those temperatures, and my understanding has always been that once the temperatures are above 35 it is dangerous for tortoises and around 37 can be lethal for them. Small tortoises (like your 7 month old) will dehydrate very quickly in that heat. This is why in the wild they tend to come out to feed in the early mornings and early evenings when the temperatures are a bit lower. Obviously having baths during the day ..read more

Went to the vets yesterday. Advised me to change my lighting to fluorescent uv strip light with separate heat lamp. Also the temp should be nearer to 35-40 degrees apparently Also advised some ‘red bull’ power in the bath 3 times a day to rehydrate and absorb glucose etc to encourage feeding. It has been eating but only when I hand feed and appears slightly more active. Statistics: Posted by Mrsrutty — Wed May 08, 2024 6:07 pm ..read more

Nina wrote: > I think he will be fine -- and don't worry too much about quantity, as most > tortoises are fed far too much and grow too quickly. In the wild they live > in areas where there are long periods with little food, because all the > available plants have dried up or been eaten by other animals. As long as > he is well hydrated and has a little food he will be fine. And enjoy your > holiday! > > Nina I believe what you shared is true, please relax during your trip Statistics: Posted by tapper7565 — Wed May 08, 2024 9:03 am ..read more

Sometimes, animals may eat non-food items like rocks if they are experiencing a nutritional deficiency. Ensure that your tortoise's diet is well-balanced and includes a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and grasses. You may also consider adding a calcium supplement if she is not getting enough calcium from her diet. Statistics: Posted by DylanWalker — Wed May 08, 2024 7:20 am ..read more

Thanks Lin... And thanks for the link. I know Jane and Andrew but from another FB group. I've also seen Andrew's setup but he is using a shed for his with a, IIRC, a separate zone just for heating. I could go down that road but after the efforts to get this going then I don't think I'll go that route just yet. I also didn't join that group as up until this year our little shells have been going in the fridge and the reason they started that group was to get away from fridge based issues - which is a fair point. I don't want to long term use a fridge as it's only a small one so as they grow ..read more