Hi

I have just bought a 1year old hermanns, had him since Wednesday. I am just a little worried as he spends most of the time in his hide, is this normal for a new baby?

I have him in a rabbit hutch with an overhead uv lamp and spot lamp. Temp range is 24-32.

I have got him out for breakfast at about 10am the last two days. He is eating quite happily (fresh weeds plus nutrabol) and I have bathed him daily as he has not been near his water tray. He has been to the toilet also.

I am just a little worried that he is not getting enough uv or that he might be unhappy.

Any suggestions please?

Tammy

Hi Tammy and 
Firstly congratulations on your first tortoise, these little creatures steal your heart.
All these surroundings are very new to him and different from where he came from, so it will take a week or two for him to settle down.
What substrate are you keeping him in? when you said you have him in a rabbit hutch, is that a wooden enclosed one or the part plastic/cage type?
You certainly have him on the right diet, and the daily baths are essential at this age, they don't only keep the tort hydrated but you get to se what they are passing and if it is ok.
What make of lamp are you using? as the weather has turned good I would put him in the garden(supervised) for the natural UVB as much as you can, 2-3 hrs natural UVB is worth more than 12hr simulated.
Anyway will wait for your reply, have you had a read of the care sheets on the left?
Jane

Hi Jane

Thanks for your reply. Winston is in a large indoor rabbit cage (plastic and wire type) on 50/50 soil sand substrate. It has a 10.0 uv lamp.

I did put him out yesterday but he just stayed in his hide all the time. Should I remove the hide for a while so he can get some sun? Also do you think I should wake him up and give him a bath in the morning? At present I bath him about 5pm before he has some supper.

I have read all the care leaflets and most of the posts on the forum but still worry when it's your own.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards

Tammy

So long as he is getting the supplements when he eats, there is no problem with the uvb levels. If the substrate is watered then it will be damp at the bottom and he can dig down for days without any problems re hydration. He will come around when he settles down. I keep all my babies areas watered and then there is no need for daily bathing ;)

Ok thanks. I had read that the substrate should be kept dry, so is it ok to water? Winston doesn't seem to be drinking much at present.

Tammy