Thank you thesmallpetshop for all the advice and useful tips! I am getting my Horsefields tortoise today and am very excited:) Thank you for being my tortoise helpline!!
im new to tortoises and was wondering if I could keep a 2year old hermanns outside permanently and if so, what would I have to do to make it a suitable living area.
Check out this care sheet, it has a section on housing torts outside: www.tortoisetrust.org/Downloads/Taking_care_of_pet_tortoises_web.pdf I'm also hoping to make a video about it soon :)
Thank you so much! That is why I have done more videos of Sheldon recently. I searched tortoise videos on TH-cam and there isn't very many, also some of the videos were advising dangerous things for tortoises so I thought I would make my own :) Even if it helps a couple of people, there are a couple happier torts in the world :D
Very good - it's nice to see someone who is well researched and passing that knowledge on. I love people who are kind to their pets by providing the most natural and healthy environment possible. Pets are not toys and yours looks really cute and properly looked after = a happy tortoise :). Great video.
I think this has to be the best all round tortoise care video on youtube. You give so much accurate information. An absolute must see for any newbies or people who need to improve their husbandary. Well done!!!!! you should totally make it a video response to any other video you see with a poorly kept torty. P.S. your tortoise seems as full of beans as mine. Cute!! x
Ill keep the Tortoise house in your video in mind.. I am trying to find an indoor enclosure for a tortoise, I am looking for something big and nice.. but seems to be hard to find tanks/enclosures for them.
How to make a perfect habitat for a red eared slider turtle? Please help. Do they need to bask under uvb lights too? I've got a basking platform where it sits and dries up under the fan and sometimes under sunlight. Is drying out under the fan bad?
I don't have any experience with keeping red eared slider turtles so I am not the best person to give you advice on their care. They will need both heat and UVB lights though, without uv they can develop metabolic bone disease which is a horrible condition. You can look at websites online, there are turtle forums too so you can take a look at other peoples set ups and ask other keepers questions.
It's funny because that also really put it in to perspective just how itty bitty he is! And that's how I feel about the bunnies! Hubby says it's time to cut the grass and I'm like, no wait let me put the bunnies out for a bit haha.
I am getting a Herman's tortoise and I was wondering what lighting and heating you use for Sheldon? I am researching but cannot seem to find much. I want to make sure I have the best things my tortoise will need!
Hi, I know large enclosures can be really expensive to buy but you can always make your own, I have a handy friend who built me this one: th-cam.com/video/oRPDLC2B4Lk/w-d-xo.html but it doesn't need to be as complicated if like me, you are a bit pants at DIY. Some people use an old bookcase, turn it on its back and take out the shelves. You can adapt all kinds of furniture, there are loads of ideas on Google and tortoise forums for inspiration :)
I love your videos and find them so helpful. I am getting a Hermanns tortoise in a few weeks hopefully and your videos have helped me so much with getting ready☺
Thank you :) I got mine from Pet's Corner for £60 I think. I haven't hibernated him yet because I brought him home at the beginning of last winter and when I got him he was on a poor diet. I didn't want to hibernate him while I was changing him onto a healthy diet because hibernation can be dangerous and I wanted to make absolutely sure he was the right size and weight...
they have been shown to cause/contribute to respiratory infection (a good reason to never use pine bark chips for substrate too). Side wall height depends on tortoise size and substrate. That's what I've found from research so I think all in all it just depends what the wood is treated and/or sealed with :)
I'm getting a baby Horsefeild tortoise in 2 weeks, I was wondering if you had any recommendations on what bedding to use? I know what I can and cannot use but is their any other beddings except sand and soil you find very good?
Thank you so much for the lovely comment :) I'm so glad you like it, I make sure to put a lot of reading and information into my care videos. Sheldon is definitely a feisty little man :) I have just found your diet video and I love how your tort came to you when you called him XD His outdoor enclosure is fab too, I am part way through building one for Sheldon :) x
Great video, very informative and you have a really straight to the point way of explaining things. Some of the pet channels on here confuse the hell out of me and often get off topic. Subscribed! Looking forward to your other videos.
Hi Jen, he lives inside and I just brought his enclosure outside to clean it, it makes such a mess inside. He goes out to play in the garden and much on weeds on nice days and comes in at night, this way I know he is safe and can keep an eye on the temperatures in his enclosure. Providing he is the right weight and size for his age I am planning to hibernate him this winter so I will be making videos on that soon :)
Hi. We have just acquired a tortoise, amd are very new to them. We put her out in the garden this morning to bask in the sun. While out there i noticed she kept opening and closing her month, like a big yawn. Is this normal practise for them?
Did you know that they no longer advice using play sand? Feeding of a slate tile helps keep beak trim. The largest log roll is very close to the side your tort could climb up and over the side.
Very cute setup..I have a pair of red eared sliders. They don't like to be in the water except their mealtime... all other time they love roaming in the house only. Running behind each other, fighting, climbing on the stuff lying on ground. Even at night they literally beg of me to take them in my bed while sleeping.
Could you help with examples of enclosures with Sulcatas please? I live in the UK and I am finding it hard to plan ahead for my Sully. I have plenty of time to make a bigger enclosure than I currently have.
You will need a much bigger setup with a Sulcata, they can easily get to 18 inches in length and 45kg, and have been known to reach a massive 2.5 feet carpace and a weight of 100kg. They are really strong too so you will need a really sturdy enclosure. They are from a different area of the world so they will have different housing, dietary and general care requirements to my species of tort. Try this web page: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html
for substrate, I use the 'Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate, 24 qts." Is that okay? Sometimes it gets on the food and my sulcata tortoise eats it. I read online that a lot of people use it and it works for them, but others say it might expand in the stomach of tortoises. However, I also read if it expand properly it pass right thru the intensines and will pose no threat and most of the fibers are very tiny. (some are thin and stringy or in a thin/straight line) What do you think?
Its not bad because hes bigger but dip his food in water. He gets hydration and it stays clean. I have a russian tortoise and that what i do and he doesn't need a water bowl.
All the research I have done is tailored towards Mediterranean species so I can't really say when it comes to Sulcatas but according to the tortoise trust, a suitable substrate can be made by mixture of topsoil (loam) and soft (play) sand, this can be mixed in varying amounts depending on the natural habitat of the species. For tortoises from an arid environment, they recommend a 30/70 loam to sand mix and for humid habitats, around a 60/40 mix. They recommend a 50/50 mix for Mediterranean species. This substrate is easy to clean, safe and non flammable. I would personally consider something else if there is a danger of an intestinal blockage. Soil and sand is the most natural thing and it can be bought cheaply too, bonus! :) Here is some more info: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html www.tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html
lavablood2014 All tortoises need access to a water bowl, not only to drink from but to help them to regulate their temperature. They also soak to keep themselves hydrated.
I have a tortoise and is a young one is it ok take it outside to the sun for a while then wet them for a while then tortoise sleep 😴 is it normal for them to sleep after finish bathing 😁
Yes, natural sunlight is good for tortoises as they absorb heat and light through their shells. Shallow baths are good for tortoises too to keep them hydrated :)
I currently have a herman tortoise bowser, and i've been using woodchips but want to switch over to soil/sand mixture asap, how do you go about cleaning the soil if he wees in there or if its got wet from the water bowl, i had an old tortoise table on woodchips and although i cleaned him out regularly the wood still showed signs of rot, is there good ways to combat this any tips etc?
Yes, I would recommend switching to soil and sand, it's better suited to this species and is the most natural thing to use. I spot clean his enclosure daily so just pick out the soil he has pooped or peed on. I do the same with the water bowl, if the soil stays damp it can encourage bugs or mould so I just remove any soil that has been damp for a while. I make his soil/sand mix pretty deep (4 or 5 inches) so removing a bit daily doesn't made a difference :) The sand and soil substrate is really easy to maintain and shouldn't rot, go mouldy, smell ect as long as it is cleaned out fairly regularly. :)
TheSmallPetShop brilliant thank you! I've heard from other places too that you should water the soil to avoid dust? if so how often should that be lightly sprinkled, once a day? and ive also read somewhere you should use boiling water, it gave a me a mini headache reading all of it!
With the soil I use it takes a week or two to get dusty, you could mist it with a spray bottle and some water, but try not to make it too damp as it can potentially cause health issues and encourage bugs to move in. You shouldn't need to do it too often. I'm not too sure why boiling water. I know what you mean, there is so much information everywhere and all say different things! It can be really difficult to know what advice to follow, the Tortoise Trust is an amazing source :)
I personally wouldn't because it's not very natural and I haven't heard of anyone else using it, I prefer to go for tried and tested substrates recommended by trusted organisations such as the tortoise trust. 50/50 top soil and play sand seems to be the only substrate for Mediterranean torts that there aren't issues with.
I have some concerning questions regarding my hermann's tortoise. It all started when I started bathing him less and less frequently, to the point where some might even call it neglectful. It ended up being that all I did for him was provide weeds and water, and little else. Lately though, I gave him another bath, and several things occurred to me. He hadn't defecated to my knowledge in several weeks, until I bathed him. Also, one of his legs seemed to be soiled black, with traces of excrement up in one of his armpits (legpits?). I had resolved to make an immediate change and get things more cleanly and orderly for him, but I'd like to know if it sounds like he's at any real health risk? He seems his usual self in nature, but I'm worried about the health issues this neglect of mine may have caused.
What are his faeces and urates like? From that you can tell a lot about his hydration, diet etc. The uric acid should be anything from watery to the consistency of toothpaste and his faeces should be firm, well formed and not contain undigested plant matter. It shouldn't be runny. If the uric acid is hard or gritty it can indicate dehydration and he will need soaking daily until it returns to normal. There are several potential risks of dehydration including renal damage so it is a very important part of their care. The lack of defecation could definitely be caused by dehydration, maybe take a look at this webpage on dehydration: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/dehy.html Here are some links explaining about some of the common problems seen in tortoises: www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/shell-problems-for-tortoise-keepers.20451/ www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/commondisease.html www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/shellrot.html
TheSmallPetShop Based on your description, his feces seems to be okay. After a while it dries, but it initially firm with a wet-ish surface. I do provide water for him, but it usually ends up tipped out, somehow. I'm wondering if there's a way around that.
That sounds pretty good :) The only thing I could suggest would be a heavier water dish. The need access to fresh water so there's no real way around it, maybe just keep trying until you find one he can't tip over :/ Maybe if you half buried it in the substrate to make it more stable?
people recommend 6 foot X 6 foot so space is definitely important. I have come across a few websites that will custom build tortoise tables but they are usually very expensive. It might be worth giving building one a go :) I bought my table from a shop called Pets Corner for £60 but I have also seen them on ebay and amazon. I have been really pleased with mine, it's super easy to clean but it will need an upgrade soon. Hope this helps x
I do lots of research in my free time on all of my animals :) I think it is important because I have taken on the responsibility of looking after them and I want to make sure I look after them to the best of my ability :)
I have a small question, as I'm getting my Tortoise Shelby really soon, I want to know how much space would a Horsefield Tortoise need as a baby because I'm scared that I haven't given her enough space. And would I be able to use a glass virarium, though I'm going to use a bottom draw of my old dresser.
Thankyou :) I have done ALOT of research and I am pretty confident that I have what it takes to look after a tort! I will defenetly check that out! Thanks! :)
Asim M I bought it from a local pet shop with a reptile section, it is about 4 foot by 2 foot so is an okay size for a juvenile but will need upgrading soon. I have seen them online too, I believe I just searched 'tortoise table' :)
It's difficult as getting a pet normally needs to be a family decission and tortoises live for such a long time that you'd need to have a plan for if you went away for school or holidays. They can also work out quite expensive over their lifetime. I think I would make a video or a presentation about tortoises with cute pictures and facts, save up a fund for equipment and future vet bills to show that you are committed to caring for it but also winning her over with cute pictures?
so if I was to build an outdoor enclosure from scratch (I think I have a clear idea of the ideal shape, size etc I'm going to build them...) what durable and safe materials should I do? like what wood do you recommend, any type of nails I can use to hold the materials together? as I hear people use stainless steel nails for birds as stainless steel is a safe type of nails to use... would that work for tortoises? I know I should be googling this myself but so far google isn't exactly helping and I often find it hard to trust google the tortoises I have are spur thighed tortoises, they used to have a rather big indoor home a few years ago but we moved house and now I am desparately thinking of making them an outdoor enclosure so they can enjoy the sunshine
Hiya, I just built Sheldon an outdoor enclosure and made a video about it here which may give you some ideas: th-cam.com/video/adHD__LBM5U/w-d-xo.html I have seen lots of people using raised beds or a similar type of thing. You can build your own or buy pre-made ones from garden centres. I think Homebase have some reasonably priced ones (if you are in the UK). I have also seen lots of ideas on Pinterest which may help you. I'm not great at DIY haha but imagine you would have to use stainless steel nails for an outdoor enclosure as anything else would rust and any wood would need to be treated or it would rot away. We decided to build ours out of stone and bricks (just bits we had lying around), that way you can easily build any shape, height or size you want. Depends on budget and what you want in an enclosure really :)
Isn't a golden greek tortoise a mediteranian tortoise? And where did you get that cage? One exactly like this would be perfect for my golden greek that i am getting for atleast a couple of years maybe. And would just a exo terra solar glo uv/heating murcery vapor bulb work for my golden greek?
Hi I thought I had a golden Greeks as well, I've had mine for a 1 1/2 yr. now they were as small as a match box when I got them now they are bigger than my hand , I've just managed to identify them today (Testudo graeca nabeulensis) with the help of Chris Leone he is an expert also keeper of Herman's and Greeks also the owner of (hermannihaven at garden state tortoise,) go to his amazing site as you have many different species of tortoises, I went on this great website they are so very helpful, I so do recommend its good to know what species your tortoise is as they all are different with different needs. BTW I use the terra 125w solar glow mercury bulb I believe its a good one its been great for mine they are healthy torts I also do not over do the calcium dust as it can cause pyramiding of the shell I really do not want that for them, so I don't use at all often about 12 times in one yr. that I've had them, I think they get enough off the cuttle fish when they need to. I have got lots of good tips off the smallpetshop videos but I am wondering how you managed to carry Sheldon's table outside into the garden mine weighs a Ton!
Afshan Shaikh She is a Hermann tortoise. She came from a small local pet shop but I would now always recommend adopting or finding a reputable breeder. I can always link you to tortoise rescues.
Hiya, it's not a suitable bedding because it is dehydrating, it can also cause impaction if it is ingested. The best bedding is a mixture of top soil and play sand. It's natural, safe and cheap :)
Most Mediterranean species do well on a 50:50 mix as they come from dry, arid and often sandy environments in the wild. I'm trying to keep it as natural and safe as I can for him and this is also recommended by all the top tortoise organisations. There is more information on the Tortoise Trust website :)
I have watched your videos which have really helped me - thank you so much. I bought two Horsfield tortoises ten days ago from Basildon, and did no research prior to buying them, thinking I knew all there was to know as I had two when I was growing up who lived for 20 + years - in shoe boxes in the garage!!!! Unfortunately, I fell for the "You need the entire starter kit, vivarium, strip UVB lamp, red heat bulb etc..." So I am now stuck with a £139 Vivarium.... Since watching your video, I have purchased a lovely tortoise table and an outside run. We have named them Indie : Indiana Jones as he likes to explore, and the other is Timmy as he is very timid and spends 99% of the time with his head in the soil/sand mix. Timmy shows no interest in food, but Indie has a healthy appetite. Lollo Rosso, cucumber, radish, broccoli, dandelion leaves, daisies etc. I have a cuttle fish for their beaks which they seem to enjoy. I have placed flat slates under the heat lamp for them to bask in and also have a couple of tunnels, the same as Sheldon's. :) I keep the strip lamp on for approx. 12 hours per day. How long should I keep the basking lamp on for? The table is set up in my son's bedroom, so the temperature is a steady household temperature. I bathe them each morning in the bath and they are both having regular motions. I suppose I am just feeling a little out of my depth and just need some reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I think I might change the bulbs for 1 x D3 Arcadia - what do you suggest. I look forward to hearing from you. Kindest Hilary
Great video which will help lots of beginners. 1 thing I disagree with you on is using bark. Bark is great for them. It keeps the heat down. I understand if we are talking about baby's but 1+ is fine. Mine is nearly 2 and he's fantastic with bark. Never had an issue but it's everyone to the own I guess haha. Great video though 👍
Thank you for watching :) I made a substrate video explaining a bit more about why I don't recommend other beddings but it also depends on species and all the research I have done is aimed at med species, specifically Hermanns. I use a lot of information from the tortoise trust and they have a good article here about substrates: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html Feel free to send me any links so I can look into it further, I try to research all my videos well before uploading. I'd hate to think I was putting across poor information. x
Thank you for your reply. That website really helped me out a lot. I have a Hermann tortoise and recently he's been put on dirt. The bark was getting stuck between his legs and shell xx
Thanks very much for this - very useful. I have two questions - 1) Do you keep the substrate wet / damp? 2) how do you keep the temperature up inside his sleeping area? We don't like it too warn while we sleep - but that may be too cool for Arty. Thanks. Graham
Hiya, we use our central heating to get the right background temperature and her heat lamp to get the right basking temperature. If you have a really large enclosure or keep it in a cool area, you may need more than one lamp. Just make sure you have a warm and a cool end so Arty can move between the two to regulate his temperature. It depends on what species he is too as different torts need different environments. In regards to the substrate, I keep a humidity meter in Sheldon's enclosure to make sure it's not too dry or damp. I don't soak the soil as she doesn't need a humid environment but I lightly squirt it with a spray bottle a couple of times a week to prevent it from becoming too dusty. Thank you for watching. I hope this helps. The tortoise trust website has loads of tips too :)
Hey! I have been thinking of cleaning my tortoise enclosure myself. (I've been taking my enclosure to the reptile shop I bought my tortoise from to clean it because they can clean it for you.) But the downside is that it costs a lot of money for something I can do myself now that I have watched this video. 👍 My one question is what do you use to sanitize or spray the enclosure with before you put the new substrate in? Thanks!!
My enclosure was bought from Pets Corner although I have seen the same ones online. Sheldon was bought from a small local pet shop before I knew about all the tortoise re-homing programmes from people like the tortoise trust and the tortoise protection group. Thank you :)
I would personally avoid using anything that has been treated with any chemicals. I'm not sure in what way it would affect them but the soil gets heated up under the light and I don't know if it could give off fumes and sometimes tortoises accidentally eat some of the substrate and it can't be good for them if the happened to ingest some. I can't back any of this up with research because I've never come across any but better to be safe than sorry :)
Hello Again! When feeding Timothy hay, does it have to be soaked in water or can it just be fed as is?! Thank you so much for all of your advice, really is very useful!
I am so confused about what to use for its substrate I got mulch for my tortoise because I have seen multiple people use it but I also see people use the dirt stuff what in the world do I use
I went to a reptile specialist and he told me to get a vivarium, the tortoise im getting is a Horsefield, and because reltiles dont understand the concept of glass im going to put some black tape along the bottem of the glass so not to course snout damage, plus im spending around £400 for the reltile specialist to set the vivarium up properly plus me and mum will be building a safe outside enclosure for sunlight, also even though my tortoise is smaller than the size of my hand I'm buying a 4ft vivarium, so I think as long as you take the proper precausions Vivariums are fine, also a vivarium would be better because it will fit in my room properly. xx
+lauurennx It is a beak, not a snout. You are not getting a dog. Be aware of that fact. They can sometimes be way harder to have (dog's go out on their own, eat on their own), but Turtles and Tortoises rely on us to give them a bath soak every day so they can go to the bathroom, they rely on us to feed them the proper nutrition (and believe me, it is not cheap), and they rely on us to keep them healthy, strong, and to also have outdoor enclosures. I hope you pick a pet that is right for you :) PS, They live for over 50 years (if taken care of).
Yes, you can adjust the ratio of soil and sand for different species :) For tortoises from an arid environment, the Tortoise Trust recommend a 30/70 top soil to sand mix and for humid habitats, around a 60/40 mix :)
For the warm side use an heat emitter it only provides heat no light. I recommend one I use one. Or a nocturnal incadesent infrared bulb will work too it emmits heat and light but the light is red so reptiles can't see red light and it wont affect sleeping patterns. Both are very useful and recommended. Hope I helped u!
I personally have the heating on in my house to keep it a suitable temperature for him but that can be really expensive in the winter so it's not for everyone
Hi there! I was wondering, is the calcium supplement the white thing Sheldon was munching on in his tortoise table? :D Also, could you maybe make a video on hibernation? Especially since you're from the UK, all the sources I find are mainly for an American year.
All my tortoise does is sleep I want him to be active and friendly also I have NO IDEA what my tortoises species is DAMN U PETCO all I know is that be is either an acid or Mediterranean tortoise he looks a lot like your tortoise also what is a good substrate
where else can i buy top soil, for my hermann tortoise, besides the tortoisetrust.org ( I couldn't find info ) about soil there. Can I just buy organic soil???
You can buy it online or from garden centres, yes you can use organic soil. The tortoise trust has a section for care sheets, all the info can be found in the med species care sheet. Go to here: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/care.html and click on 'download your free copy now' just above all the pictures.
A pesticide and fertiliser free top soil, not a potting soil. There are lots of brands but I’ve only tried a couple of different ones. I’ve never had one that smells of anything other than damp soil, maybe I’ve been lucky.
i am currently building a tortoise table... what are the dimensions of yours?? My baby tortoise is just a little smaller than Sheldon and i believe that these dimensions are great! :)
I believe it is about 2 foot by 4 foot which is great for a baby tort but as they grow they would need a bigger table, I am going to have to upgrade Sheldon's as he gets older :)
Box turtles are from a different climate and cannot tolerate a dry environment so you will need to do your own research about the right kind of environment for them, here is a webpage that might help: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/avoidbox.html and there are care sheets available here: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/care.html
They were from a variety of shops and websites and as the video was filmed about 7 years ago I can’t remember where everything came from. I buy a lot of my tortoise supplies from www.reptiles.swelluk.com though.
Sorry if this has already been asked, but will you be bringing Sheldon inside for the winter months? I don't know much about torts as I'm a bunny mum! Lol
Hmmm that's a good question, this is what I have read: The wood used should not be treated with arsenic or other hazardous chemicals - beware of outdoor ready treated lumber (some will use such woods but seal them first with epoxy) Use only finishes sealants that dry to be completely non-toxic. stay away from cedar - really any aromatic woods are dangerous to tortoises...
Hi. I have a box turtle and a red footed tortoise. Would some of the things in this vid be good for them or did I take a billion notes for nothing? lol
Edie Puig This video focuses on Mediterranean tortoises such as Hermanns and Horsfields, Redfoots are tropical tortoises originating from South America, this means it will need a more humid environment, as will box turtles. Which species of box turtle do you have? The care varies on the species, they will need a humid environment and a substrate that retains moisture, unlike my tortoise which needs quite a dry environment. They are also omnivorous so most aspects of their care will be pretty different, you have to be really careful with box turtles as they have a low tolerance to incorrect environment and care, they also need live food. Basically everything will be different because they come from a different area in the world and eat different things so I would really recommend doing a lot of research into those species. If their care isn't right, they can become really sick and even pass away. I recently had a tortoise come to live with me who had been cared for wrong and he ended up passing away at only 8 years old :( Let me know if you would like me to send any links in regards to care of those species x
Isla Bateson It really depends on the size of the enclosure, whether it is indoors and the type of bulb. Are you using a mercury vapour bulb or separate heat and UV bulbs, strip lights? Most people recommend a minimum of a 10,0 tube. I use a 100 watt mercury vapour bulb at the moment (the Arcadia D3) but I imagine I will have to upgrade to the 160w when I upgrade her table.
We used to have three large tortoises living in the garden and when we would hang the clothes they would slowly come up to us and try eat our toes! We fed them ground beef though so perhaps we turned them into flesh-loving killers haha. Yours is so cute :)
I bought mine for £60 from a shop called Pets Corner but I would recommend building your own as then you can make it as big as you can, this is a good starter enclosure for small species of tortoises but would need to be upgraded as they get older. Tortoises need a lot of room for good bone density and general health :)
Love the video!! I just adopted a greek tortoise and your explanation really helps me understand their nature. Thanks Becky!
Hello. Where did you get your tortoise table. I have two horsefields and from seeing your video their home might not be as big as I thought it was 😳
Thank you thesmallpetshop for all the advice and useful tips! I am getting my Horsefields tortoise today and am very excited:) Thank you for being my tortoise helpline!!
You're very welcome, good luck with the new addition to the family :)
im new to tortoises and was wondering if I could keep a 2year old hermanns outside permanently and if so, what would I have to do to make it a suitable living area.
Check out this care sheet, it has a section on housing torts outside: www.tortoisetrust.org/Downloads/Taking_care_of_pet_tortoises_web.pdf I'm also hoping to make a video about it soon :)
Thank you so much! That is why I have done more videos of Sheldon recently. I searched tortoise videos on TH-cam and there isn't very many, also some of the videos were advising dangerous things for tortoises so I thought I would make my own :) Even if it helps a couple of people, there are a couple happier torts in the world :D
Thank you so much 🥰💗 god bless
Very good - it's nice to see someone who is well researched and passing that knowledge on. I love people who are kind to their pets by providing the most natural and healthy environment possible. Pets are not toys and yours looks really cute and properly looked after = a happy tortoise :). Great video.
Thank you so much, this comment means so much to me! I try really hard to provide the best for all my animals and it's so lovely to hear nice feedback
I think this has to be the best all round tortoise care video on youtube. You give so much accurate information. An absolute must see for any newbies or people who need to improve their husbandary. Well done!!!!! you should totally make it a video response to any other video you see with a poorly kept torty. P.S. your tortoise seems as full of beans as mine. Cute!! x
Ill keep the Tortoise house in your video in mind.. I am trying to find an indoor enclosure for a tortoise, I am looking for something big and nice.. but seems to be hard to find tanks/enclosures for them.
I have a Hermann tortoise called Sheldon too! He's only just over 1 year :-) looks like mine has a similar set up to yours x
How to make a perfect habitat for a red eared slider turtle? Please help.
Do they need to bask under uvb lights too? I've got a basking platform where it sits and dries up under the fan and sometimes under sunlight. Is drying out under the fan bad?
I don't have any experience with keeping red eared slider turtles so I am not the best person to give you advice on their care. They will need both heat and UVB lights though, without uv they can develop metabolic bone disease which is a horrible condition. You can look at websites online, there are turtle forums too so you can take a look at other peoples set ups and ask other keepers questions.
TheSmallPetShop thank you so much. And yes, your tortoise is super cute and so are you! ;)
I like seeing the tort chilling in the grassed in fence area hehe
It's funny because that also really put it in to perspective just how itty bitty he is! And that's how I feel about the bunnies! Hubby says it's time to cut the grass and I'm like, no wait let me put the bunnies out for a bit haha.
I am getting a Herman's tortoise and I was wondering what lighting and heating you use for Sheldon? I am researching but cannot seem to find much. I want to make sure I have the best things my tortoise will need!
My tortoise has gotten huge since I got him. He still has the same enclosure as when he got it because they are soooo expensive! Any recommendations?
Hi, I know large enclosures can be really expensive to buy but you can always make your own, I have a handy friend who built me this one: th-cam.com/video/oRPDLC2B4Lk/w-d-xo.html but it doesn't need to be as complicated if like me, you are a bit pants at DIY. Some people use an old bookcase, turn it on its back and take out the shelves. You can adapt all kinds of furniture, there are loads of ideas on Google and tortoise forums for inspiration :)
I love your videos and find them so helpful. I am getting a Hermanns tortoise in a few weeks hopefully and your videos have helped me so much with getting ready☺
Thank you :) I got mine from Pet's Corner for £60 I think. I haven't hibernated him yet because I brought him home at the beginning of last winter and when I got him he was on a poor diet. I didn't want to hibernate him while I was changing him onto a healthy diet because hibernation can be dangerous and I wanted to make absolutely sure he was the right size and weight...
they have been shown to cause/contribute to respiratory infection (a good reason to never use pine bark chips for substrate too).
Side wall height depends on tortoise size and substrate.
That's what I've found from research so I think all in all it just depends what the wood is treated and/or sealed with :)
Love the tortoise eating in background as you filled the top soil. I have a Russian and a Leopard Tortoise and I love them.
I'm getting a baby Horsefeild tortoise in 2 weeks, I was wondering if you had any recommendations on what bedding to use? I know what I can and cannot use but is their any other beddings except sand and soil you find very good?
Thank you so much for the lovely comment :) I'm so glad you like it, I make sure to put a lot of reading and information into my care videos. Sheldon is definitely a feisty little man :) I have just found your diet video and I love how your tort came to you when you called him XD His outdoor enclosure is fab too, I am part way through building one for Sheldon :) x
How often do you change the terrarium? Also, did you build the terrarium? And what was that thing that you poured into the terrarium after the soil?
Great video, very informative and you have a really straight to the point way of explaining things. Some of the pet channels on here confuse the hell out of me and often get off topic. Subscribed! Looking forward to your other videos.
Thank you so much, I'm so glad you found it useful :)
I couldn't help but stare at the little tortoise walking around on the left side at 2:32
Hi Jen, he lives inside and I just brought his enclosure outside to clean it, it makes such a mess inside. He goes out to play in the garden and much on weeds on nice days and comes in at night, this way I know he is safe and can keep an eye on the temperatures in his enclosure. Providing he is the right weight and size for his age I am planning to hibernate him this winter so I will be making videos on that soon :)
Hey! I was wondering if you could do some more videos on your tortoise. I'm looking into getting one.
Hi. We have just acquired a tortoise, amd are very new to them. We put her out in the garden this morning to bask in the sun. While out there i noticed she kept opening and closing her month, like a big yawn. Is this normal practise for them?
Did you know that they no longer advice using play sand?
Feeding of a slate tile helps keep beak trim. The largest log roll is very close to the side your tort could climb up and over the side.
Very cute setup..I have a pair of red eared sliders. They don't like to be in the water except their mealtime... all other time they love roaming in the house only. Running behind each other, fighting, climbing on the stuff lying on ground. Even at night they literally beg of me to take them in my bed while sleeping.
Could you help with examples of enclosures with Sulcatas please? I live in the UK and I am finding it hard to plan ahead for my Sully. I have plenty of time to make a bigger enclosure than I currently have.
You will need a much bigger setup with a Sulcata, they can easily get to 18 inches in length and 45kg, and have been known to reach a massive 2.5 feet carpace and a weight of 100kg. They are really strong too so you will need a really sturdy enclosure. They are from a different area of the world so they will have different housing, dietary and general care requirements to my species of tort. Try this web page: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html
Could you do a video on different tortoise breeds?
for substrate, I use the 'Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate, 24 qts." Is that okay? Sometimes it gets on the food and my sulcata tortoise eats it. I read online that a lot of people use it and it works for them, but others say it might expand in the stomach of tortoises. However, I also read if it expand properly it pass right thru the intensines and will pose no threat and most of the fibers are very tiny. (some are thin and stringy or in a thin/straight line) What do you think?
Its not bad because hes bigger but dip his food in water. He gets hydration and it stays clean. I have a russian tortoise and that what i do and he doesn't need a water bowl.
All the research I have done is tailored towards Mediterranean species so I can't really say when it comes to Sulcatas but according to the tortoise trust, a suitable substrate can be made by mixture of topsoil (loam) and soft (play) sand, this can be mixed in varying amounts depending on the natural habitat of the species. For tortoises from an arid environment, they recommend a 30/70 loam to sand mix and for humid habitats, around a 60/40 mix. They recommend a 50/50 mix for Mediterranean species. This substrate is easy to clean, safe and non flammable. I would personally consider something else if there is a danger of an intestinal blockage. Soil and sand is the most natural thing and it can be bought cheaply too, bonus! :) Here is some more info: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html
www.tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html
lavablood2014 All tortoises need access to a water bowl, not only to drink from but to help them to regulate their temperature. They also soak to keep themselves hydrated.
Care can always be tailored towards what works best for your tort, I'm glad you have found something that works for her :)
I have a tortoise and is a young one is it ok take it outside to the sun for a while then wet them for a while then tortoise sleep 😴 is it normal for them to sleep after finish bathing 😁
Yes, natural sunlight is good for tortoises as they absorb heat and light through their shells. Shallow baths are good for tortoises too to keep them hydrated :)
I currently have a herman tortoise bowser, and i've been using woodchips but want to switch over to soil/sand mixture asap, how do you go about cleaning the soil if he wees in there or if its got wet from the water bowl, i had an old tortoise table on woodchips and although i cleaned him out regularly the wood still showed signs of rot, is there good ways to combat this any tips etc?
Yes, I would recommend switching to soil and sand, it's better suited to this species and is the most natural thing to use. I spot clean his enclosure daily so just pick out the soil he has pooped or peed on. I do the same with the water bowl, if the soil stays damp it can encourage bugs or mould so I just remove any soil that has been damp for a while. I make his soil/sand mix pretty deep (4 or 5 inches) so removing a bit daily doesn't made a difference :) The sand and soil substrate is really easy to maintain and shouldn't rot, go mouldy, smell ect as long as it is cleaned out fairly regularly. :)
TheSmallPetShop brilliant thank you! I've heard from other places too that you should water the soil to avoid dust? if so how often should that be lightly sprinkled, once a day? and ive also read somewhere you should use boiling water, it gave a me a mini headache reading all of it!
With the soil I use it takes a week or two to get dusty, you could mist it with a spray bottle and some water, but try not to make it too damp as it can potentially cause health issues and encourage bugs to move in. You shouldn't need to do it too often. I'm not too sure why boiling water. I know what you mean, there is so much information everywhere and all say different things! It can be really difficult to know what advice to follow, the Tortoise Trust is an amazing source :)
Do you know if treated wood is safe to use when building a tortoise table, your advice is really helpful:) thanks
hi thnx for your amazing video and i've a question i read about tortoise drinking water, it says tortoise can get water with their tales is it right?
I believe they soak up water from both their mouth and their bum, it's why they need a shallow dish of water to soak themselves in :)
Can you use astro turff for a substrate so it's less messy and use soil at the basking area?
I personally wouldn't because it's not very natural and I haven't heard of anyone else using it, I prefer to go for tried and tested substrates recommended by trusted organisations such as the tortoise trust. 50/50 top soil and play sand seems to be the only substrate for Mediterranean torts that there aren't issues with.
I have some concerning questions regarding my hermann's tortoise.
It all started when I started bathing him less and less frequently, to the point where some might even call it neglectful. It ended up being that all I did for him was provide weeds and water, and little else.
Lately though, I gave him another bath, and several things occurred to me. He hadn't defecated to my knowledge in several weeks, until I bathed him. Also, one of his legs seemed to be soiled black, with traces of excrement up in one of his armpits (legpits?).
I had resolved to make an immediate change and get things more cleanly and orderly for him, but I'd like to know if it sounds like he's at any real health risk? He seems his usual self in nature, but I'm worried about the health issues this neglect of mine may have caused.
U NEED TO BRING HIM TO A VET!
Shiny Hunter pokemans
I went to, but none of my local vets have any understanding of reptiles.
What do you think the risks are?
What are his faeces and urates like? From that you can tell a lot about his hydration, diet etc. The uric acid should be anything from watery to the consistency of toothpaste and his faeces should be firm, well formed and not contain undigested plant matter. It shouldn't be runny. If the uric acid is hard or gritty it can indicate dehydration and he will need soaking daily until it returns to normal. There are several potential risks of dehydration including renal damage so it is a very important part of their care.
The lack of defecation could definitely be caused by dehydration, maybe take a look at this webpage on dehydration: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/dehy.html
Here are some links explaining about some of the common problems seen in tortoises:
www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/shell-problems-for-tortoise-keepers.20451/
www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/commondisease.html
www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/shellrot.html
TheSmallPetShop
Based on your description, his feces seems to be okay. After a while it dries, but it initially firm with a wet-ish surface.
I do provide water for him, but it usually ends up tipped out, somehow. I'm wondering if there's a way around that.
That sounds pretty good :) The only thing I could suggest would be a heavier water dish. The need access to fresh water so there's no real way around it, maybe just keep trying until you find one he can't tip over :/ Maybe if you half buried it in the substrate to make it more stable?
how big was this table? and when he gets larger what size will the table u get be? is this 36x18"
people recommend 6 foot X 6 foot so space is definitely important. I have come across a few websites that will custom build tortoise tables but they are usually very expensive. It might be worth giving building one a go :) I bought my table from a shop called Pets Corner for £60 but I have also seen them on ebay and amazon. I have been really pleased with mine, it's super easy to clean but it will need an upgrade soon. Hope this helps x
I do lots of research in my free time on all of my animals :) I think it is important because I have taken on the responsibility of looking after them and I want to make sure I look after them to the best of my ability :)
I have a small question, as I'm getting my Tortoise Shelby really soon, I want to know how much space would a Horsefield Tortoise need as a baby because I'm scared that I haven't given her enough space. And would I be able to use a glass virarium, though I'm going to use a bottom draw of my old dresser.
StillHere Now The minimum for a baby is 2 foot by 4 foot although this will need to be upgraded when she grows. Bigger is always better though :)
okay thank you!
what kind of cuttlebone is that? I've never seen a tortoise so eager to chomp on one of those--can you make a recommendation?
It's just a regular cuttlefish from the bird section in my local pet shop. Sheldon will ignore it for ages and then go to town on it haha :)
Thankyou :) I have done ALOT of research and I am pretty confident that I have what it takes to look after a tort! I will defenetly check that out! Thanks! :)
Hi, I was wondering where you got the enclosure and if it was handmade, can you tell me the measurements? Thanks
Asim M I bought it from a local pet shop with a reptile section, it is about 4 foot by 2 foot so is an okay size for a juvenile but will need upgrading soon. I have seen them online too, I believe I just searched 'tortoise table' :)
Hi, do you know how to make my mum get me a hermanns tortoise ? I've really wanted one for a few years!
It's difficult as getting a pet normally needs to be a family decission and tortoises live for such a long time that you'd need to have a plan for if you went away for school or holidays. They can also work out quite expensive over their lifetime. I think I would make a video or a presentation about tortoises with cute pictures and facts, save up a fund for equipment and future vet bills to show that you are committed to caring for it but also winning her over with cute pictures?
so if I was to build an outdoor enclosure from scratch (I think I have a clear idea of the ideal shape, size etc I'm going to build them...) what durable and safe materials should I do? like what wood do you recommend, any type of nails I can use to hold the materials together? as I hear people use stainless steel nails for birds as stainless steel is a safe type of nails to use... would that work for tortoises? I know I should be googling this myself but so far google isn't exactly helping and I often find it hard to trust google
the tortoises I have are spur thighed tortoises, they used to have a rather big indoor home a few years ago but we moved house and now I am desparately thinking of making them an outdoor enclosure so they can enjoy the sunshine
Hiya, I just built Sheldon an outdoor enclosure and made a video about it here which may give you some ideas: th-cam.com/video/adHD__LBM5U/w-d-xo.html
I have seen lots of people using raised beds or a similar type of thing. You can build your own or buy pre-made ones from garden centres. I think Homebase have some reasonably priced ones (if you are in the UK). I have also seen lots of ideas on Pinterest which may help you. I'm not great at DIY haha but imagine you would have to use stainless steel nails for an outdoor enclosure as anything else would rust and any wood would need to be treated or it would rot away. We decided to build ours out of stone and bricks (just bits we had lying around), that way you can easily build any shape, height or size you want. Depends on budget and what you want in an enclosure really :)
How do you know all this stuff? Free-time research or school or how, haha?
Isn't a golden greek tortoise a mediteranian tortoise? And where did you get that cage? One exactly like this would be perfect for my golden greek that i am getting for atleast a couple of years maybe. And would just a exo terra solar glo uv/heating murcery vapor bulb work for my golden greek?
Hi I thought I had a golden Greeks as well, I've had mine for a 1 1/2 yr. now they were as small as a match box when I got them now they are bigger than my hand , I've just managed to identify them today
(Testudo graeca nabeulensis) with the help of Chris Leone he is an expert also keeper of Herman's and Greeks also the owner of (hermannihaven at garden state tortoise,) go to his amazing site as you have many different species of tortoises, I went on this great website they are so very helpful, I so do recommend its good to know what species your tortoise is as they all are different with different needs. BTW I use the terra 125w solar glow mercury bulb I believe its a good one its been great for mine they are healthy torts I also do not over do the calcium dust as it can cause pyramiding of the shell I really do not want that for them, so I don't use at all often about 12 times in one yr. that I've had them, I think they get enough off the cuttle fish when they need to. I have got lots of good tips off the smallpetshop videos but I am wondering how you managed to carry Sheldon's table outside into the garden mine weighs a Ton!
which tortoise is on 5:41 ??? where did you buy it from???
Afshan Shaikh She is a Hermann tortoise. She came from a small local pet shop but I would now always recommend adopting or finding a reputable breeder. I can always link you to tortoise rescues.
I was wondering if shredded aspen bedding is ok for Mediterranean tortoises
Hiya, it's not a suitable bedding because it is dehydrating, it can also cause impaction if it is ingested. The best bedding is a mixture of top soil and play sand. It's natural, safe and cheap :)
+TheSmallPetShop ok thanks so much I'll get as soon as possible:)
+Lucy spencer chihuahua yy👆👊👊👊👊👊👊
+Lucy spencer chihuahua yy👆👊👊👊👊👊👊
Most Mediterranean species do well on a 50:50 mix as they come from dry, arid and often sandy environments in the wild. I'm trying to keep it as natural and safe as I can for him and this is also recommended by all the top tortoise organisations. There is more information on the Tortoise Trust website :)
TheSmallPetShop would you say loose coconut fiber is healthy for a Russian tortoise
I have watched your videos which have really helped me - thank you so much. I bought two Horsfield tortoises ten days ago from Basildon, and did no research prior to buying them, thinking I knew all there was to know as I had two when I was growing up who lived for 20 + years - in shoe boxes in the garage!!!!
Unfortunately, I fell for the "You need the entire starter kit, vivarium, strip UVB lamp, red heat bulb etc..." So I am now stuck with a £139 Vivarium.... Since watching your video, I have purchased a lovely tortoise table and an outside run. We have named them Indie : Indiana Jones as he likes to explore, and the other is Timmy as he is very timid and spends 99% of the time with his head in the soil/sand mix. Timmy shows no interest in food, but Indie has a healthy appetite. Lollo Rosso, cucumber, radish, broccoli, dandelion leaves, daisies etc. I have a cuttle fish for their beaks which they seem to enjoy. I have placed flat slates under the heat lamp for them to bask in and also have a couple of tunnels, the same as Sheldon's. :)
I keep the strip lamp on for approx. 12 hours per day. How long should I keep the basking lamp on for? The table is set up in my son's bedroom, so the temperature is a steady household temperature.
I bathe them each morning in the bath and they are both having regular motions.
I suppose I am just feeling a little out of my depth and just need some reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I think I might change the bulbs for 1 x D3 Arcadia - what do you suggest.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest
Hilary
What a lucky and happy guy : D
Any recommendations on table size or do you have any places where I could buy a good sized one for a Hermann.
Nice areangment...
Impressed from your love for aminals...
I have also pet a turtle and like to do lot and more for him...
Great video which will help lots of beginners. 1 thing I disagree with you on is using bark. Bark is great for them. It keeps the heat down. I understand if we are talking about baby's but 1+ is fine. Mine is nearly 2 and he's fantastic with bark. Never had an issue but it's everyone to the own I guess haha. Great video though 👍
Thank you for watching :) I made a substrate video explaining a bit more about why I don't recommend other beddings but it also depends on species and all the research I have done is aimed at med species, specifically Hermanns. I use a lot of information from the tortoise trust and they have a good article here about substrates: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/substrates.html
Feel free to send me any links so I can look into it further, I try to research all my videos well before uploading. I'd hate to think I was putting across poor information. x
Thank you for your reply. That website really helped me out a lot. I have a Hermann tortoise and recently he's been put on dirt. The bark was getting stuck between his legs and shell xx
Thanks very much for this - very useful. I have two questions - 1) Do you keep the substrate wet / damp? 2) how do you keep the temperature up inside his sleeping area? We don't like it too warn while we sleep - but that may be too cool for Arty. Thanks. Graham
Hiya, we use our central heating to get the right background temperature and her heat lamp to get the right basking temperature. If you have a really large enclosure or keep it in a cool area, you may need more than one lamp. Just make sure you have a warm and a cool end so Arty can move between the two to regulate his temperature. It depends on what species he is too as different torts need different environments. In regards to the substrate, I keep a humidity meter in Sheldon's enclosure to make sure it's not too dry or damp. I don't soak the soil as she doesn't need a humid environment but I lightly squirt it with a spray bottle a couple of times a week to prevent it from becoming too dusty. Thank you for watching. I hope this helps. The tortoise trust website has loads of tips too :)
Pleas can you do a video for beginners on owning a tortoise I'm getting one and I'm not Sure on what To buy before I get him
What are the dimensions of the enclosure and how often do you change the bedding
Hey! I have been thinking of cleaning my tortoise enclosure myself. (I've been taking my enclosure to the reptile shop I bought my tortoise from to clean it because they can clean it for you.) But the downside is that it costs a lot of money for something I can do myself now that I have watched this video. 👍 My one question is what do you use to sanitize or spray the enclosure with before you put the new substrate in? Thanks!!
Where did u get ur enclosure and tortoise? Gret vid
My enclosure was bought from Pets Corner although I have seen the same ones online. Sheldon was bought from a small local pet shop before I knew about all the tortoise re-homing programmes from people like the tortoise trust and the tortoise protection group. Thank you :)
Do you hibernate your tortoise? I decided not to hibernate mine so do i just keep on doing what I normally do?
I would personally avoid using anything that has been treated with any chemicals. I'm not sure in what way it would affect them but the soil gets heated up under the light and I don't know if it could give off fumes and sometimes tortoises accidentally eat some of the substrate and it can't be good for them if the happened to ingest some. I can't back any of this up with research because I've never come across any but better to be safe than sorry :)
Do you need a night bulb for sulcata tortoises?
+GinaChins Don'tLie You need a UV bulb for their shells, and a heat lamp for 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
asiankid512 -.- if there out in the sun a lot like everyday he she should be fine
I believe so, Greek tortoises are one of five species of Mediterranean tortoise. You might want to check on the tortoise trust website though :)
Hello Again!
When feeding Timothy hay, does it have to be soaked in water or can it just be fed as is?! Thank you so much for all of your advice, really is very useful!
I am so confused about what to use for its substrate I got mulch for my tortoise because I have seen multiple people use it but I also see people use the dirt stuff what in the world do I use
I went to a reptile specialist and he told me to get a vivarium, the tortoise im getting is a Horsefield, and because reltiles dont understand the concept of glass im going to put some black tape along the bottem of the glass so not to course snout damage, plus im spending around £400 for the reltile specialist to set the vivarium up properly plus me and mum will be building a safe outside enclosure for sunlight, also even though my tortoise is smaller than the size of my hand I'm buying a 4ft vivarium, so I think as long as you take the proper precausions Vivariums are fine, also a vivarium would be better because it will fit in my room properly. xx
£400 to setup the vivarium for you??? Jesus, that's daylight robbery!
+lauurennx It is a beak, not a snout. You are not getting a dog. Be aware of that fact. They can sometimes be way harder to have (dog's go out on their own, eat on their own), but Turtles and Tortoises rely on us to give them a bath soak every day so they can go to the bathroom, they rely on us to feed them the proper nutrition (and believe me, it is not cheap), and they rely on us to keep them healthy, strong, and to also have outdoor enclosures. I hope you pick a pet that is right for you :) PS, They live for over 50 years (if taken care of).
***** agreed
I love your animals so much
Please can you tell me what you added to the top soil was it play sand
Cheryl Kershaw yes
2:05
Also where did you get your tortoise table??☺
Crazy Thistle I think she made it
Oh top soil ok lol but should I put the playsand on the bottom or on the top
Mons Gaming mix it up
Do you think I can use the same soil for a sulcata tortoise?
Yes, you can adjust the ratio of soil and sand for different species :) For tortoises from an arid environment, the Tortoise Trust recommend a 30/70 top soil to sand mix and for humid habitats, around a 60/40 mix :)
At night when it's cold, what should i use to keep it warm?
For the warm side use an heat emitter it only provides heat no light. I recommend one I use one.
Or a nocturnal incadesent infrared bulb will work too it emmits heat and light but the light is red so reptiles can't see red light and it wont affect sleeping patterns.
Both are very useful and recommended. Hope I helped u!
I personally have the heating on in my house to keep it a suitable temperature for him but that can be really expensive in the winter so it's not for everyone
I love the beware of tortoise sign . I'll see if they sell them on Amazon. My herman tortoise burrows in her cave by her heat mat 👍🤣
Hi there! I was wondering, is the calcium supplement the white thing Sheldon was munching on in his tortoise table? :D
Also, could you maybe make a video on hibernation? Especially since you're from the UK, all the sources I find are mainly for an American year.
All my tortoise does is sleep I want him to be active and friendly also I have NO IDEA what my tortoises species is DAMN U PETCO all I know is that be is either an acid or Mediterranean tortoise he looks a lot like your tortoise also what is a good substrate
What is the white thing which was tortoise was eating?
where else can i buy top soil, for my hermann tortoise, besides the tortoisetrust.org ( I couldn't find info ) about soil there. Can I just buy organic soil???
You can buy it online or from garden centres, yes you can use organic soil. The tortoise trust has a section for care sheets, all the info can be found in the med species care sheet. Go to here: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/care.html and click on 'download your free copy now' just above all the pictures.
what is that white rock thing that the tortoise in the beggining was eating?
Dallas And Zero I think it was a calcium block to trim his beak area or mouth
Thank you so much I’ve been thinking of getting a tortoise!
What substrate do you use?! Also do you know if you can use treated wood for building a tortoise table?!
What kind of topsoil exactly? Every one I know I'll of smells horrible... I'm going to use a mix. Just got 2 tortoises today
A pesticide and fertiliser free top soil, not a potting soil. There are lots of brands but I’ve only tried a couple of different ones. I’ve never had one that smells of anything other than damp soil, maybe I’ve been lucky.
i am currently building a tortoise table... what are the dimensions of yours?? My baby tortoise is just a little smaller than Sheldon and i believe that these dimensions are great! :)
I'm from India,I have a turtle, from where did u get that solid rock from which website,can u guide plz. He is 1 year old.
I believe it is about 2 foot by 4 foot which is great for a baby tort but as they grow they would need a bigger table, I am going to have to upgrade Sheldon's as he gets older :)
Does this work for box turtles? I may be getting ornates, I may be getting a mix.
Box turtles are from a different climate and cannot tolerate a dry environment so you will need to do your own research about the right kind of environment for them, here is a webpage that might help: www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/avoidbox.html
and there are care sheets available here: www.tortoisetrust.org/care/care.html
TheSmallPetShop
Well yes, I know they need water and stuff. But thank you for your help! I will deffinatly check these sites out!
is it necessary to put a mixture of top soil and clay
From where did we got all these things please can you tell the website or address
They were from a variety of shops and websites and as the video was filmed about 7 years ago I can’t remember where everything came from. I buy a lot of my tortoise supplies from www.reptiles.swelluk.com though.
Sorry if this has already been asked, but will you be bringing Sheldon inside for the winter months? I don't know much about torts as I'm a bunny mum! Lol
I think he is :) He's going outside most days, I can't get over how much he eats :D
How big would an adult Herman tortoise table need to be dimensions please
Hmmm that's a good question, this is what I have read: The wood used should not be treated with arsenic or other hazardous chemicals - beware of outdoor ready treated lumber (some will use such woods but seal them first with epoxy) Use only finishes sealants that dry to be completely non-toxic.
stay away from cedar - really any aromatic woods are dangerous to tortoises...
Hi. I have a box turtle and a red footed tortoise. Would some of the things in this vid be good for them or did I take a billion notes for nothing?
lol
Edie Puig This video focuses on Mediterranean tortoises such as Hermanns and Horsfields, Redfoots are tropical tortoises originating from South America, this means it will need a more humid environment, as will box turtles. Which species of box turtle do you have? The care varies on the species, they will need a humid environment and a substrate that retains moisture, unlike my tortoise which needs quite a dry environment. They are also omnivorous so most aspects of their care will be pretty different, you have to be really careful with box turtles as they have a low tolerance to incorrect environment and care, they also need live food. Basically everything will be different because they come from a different area in the world and eat different things so I would really recommend doing a lot of research into those species. If their care isn't right, they can become really sick and even pass away. I recently had a tortoise come to live with me who had been cared for wrong and he ended up passing away at only 8 years old :( Let me know if you would like me to send any links in regards to care of those species x
How many watts do you recommend for the uvb bulb?
Isla Bateson It really depends on the size of the enclosure, whether it is indoors and the type of bulb. Are you using a mercury vapour bulb or separate heat and UV bulbs, strip lights? Most people recommend a minimum of a 10,0 tube. I use a 100 watt mercury vapour bulb at the moment (the Arcadia D3) but I imagine I will have to upgrade to the 160w when I upgrade her table.
Okay thankyou so much for yor help
Isla Bateson Thank you so much :)
We used to have three large tortoises living in the garden and when we would hang the clothes they would slowly come up to us and try eat our toes! We fed them ground beef though so perhaps we turned them into flesh-loving killers haha. Yours is so cute :)
this video is very informative and Sheldon is adorable. I love how you take care of your animals :D what are the two names of substrates you use?
Thank you so much :) I use top soil and children's play sand :)
I was wondering were did u get your Tortoise wooden box
Dream Animations I think she made it
I'm building a enclosure for my tortoise and I was wondering what wood is safe to build it with
Oak
churchy 32 & cedar
Where did you buy your tortoise home ? because I am thinking about getting one or build one myself :)
I bought mine for £60 from a shop called Pets Corner but I would recommend building your own as then you can make it as big as you can, this is a good starter enclosure for small species of tortoises but would need to be upgraded as they get older. Tortoises need a lot of room for good bone density and general health :)