28-10-2014, 03:54 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1
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Unexpected new family member!
Hi everyone.
I have unexpectedly had to adopt my brother's horsfield/Russian tortoise who was being neglected I have read a lot online and I think I know the basics. I don't think I have everything I need for him yet but will be getting what he needs as soon as possible. When I brought him home he was in a guinea pig cage with a heat mat, sawdust and hay. They had been feeling him only on cauliflower and grapes. As far as I have read he can't have fruit, only as an occasional treat? I have been pointed in the direction of some wonderful websites that tell me what he can and can't eat. I've found some suitable garden weeds. I know the heat mat is a no no so that's been binned. I used to keep guinea pigs and they weren't supposed to have sawdust because it is bad for their eyes and lungs. So I assumed it's the same for tortoises? That seems to be what I have read anyway. I had nothing in last night so used shredded paper but I have managed to get some top soil today (from a garden centre). I spoke to the vet who mentioned some special sand? However I can't remember what they called it. I also had a light but it didn't have a label. The websites I have been looking at seem to all say that he needs either a full spectrum light (?) or separate uv-a and uv-b lights and a basking lamp. I've been told that the light I have is just the UV light so I have bought another holder and a basking lamp. He seems quite happy under the basking lamp. I am unfortunately unable to get him a better home straight away (I wouldn't know where sells them so will need to order one online today) so have managed to find a large drawer at a used furniture shop. I've set him up in there with some topsoil (enough so he can dig about), a shelter type thing, the lights on one side and a cooler side. He has some lettuce and some safe leaves from the garden. Umm I think that's it. Am I doing OK? I've been so worried about him. I want to do the best for him. Is there anything else I need to know/do/buy? I'm trying to get the essentials for now then will get the other non-essentials as soon as I can. |
28-10-2014, 09:52 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ammanford, South Wales
Posts: 1,481
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Hello and welcome Sounds like you are doing a grand job - out with the sawdust, hay, fruit etc and in with the topsoil, heat, UV, weeds Many of us convert bookcases, wardrobes etc to make a home for our tort/s - it so much cheaper than buying a tortoise table which is quite often a bit small and the sides aren't high enough once you have a good depth of soil in. If you post a pic of your set up we can try and offer helpful suggestions He will need access to water, ideally should be bathed at least once a week, have a piece of slate or similar to eat off (keeps the beak trim), nutrobal/limestone flour dusted on his food and a piece of cuttlefish.
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Lynne TG Terresteris 1:3:1 Apollo & Layla, Santa, Helpa & Unig TG Iberia 2:3:0 Tonka, LJ, Persephone, Cleo & Clyde Saffron TGG RIP Jaunary 2019 Jasper, Harry & Ruby pussy cats 4 ex bat hens. |
28-10-2014, 09:57 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 4,186
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Hi, welcome and I agree with Lynne!
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1:1:1 Horsfields (Misha, Amber and Teabag) 1:0:0 Dog: Rocco, Rottweiler cross 1 husband (Russ) |
29-10-2014, 02:23 PM | #4 |
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Adult
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 6,769
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Welcome and well done, sounds like your doing a great job.
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Suze. 3 THB, Sammy, Jemima, & Phoebe 7 Marginated, Tabitha, Ptolome, Tatiana, Noah,Lottey, Lulu & Poppy 1 TGG (Emma) RIP Feb 2012 |
29-10-2014, 05:41 PM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 12,144
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Quote:
Your doing great. I wouldn't worry to much about a larger home just yet. Getting his conditions is just as important. And sometimes to many changes all at once can stress a tortoise out. So changing things slowly can be good. Feel free to ask any questions even if they seem silly, the only silly question is the one not asked:0)
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