Me again, Flash seems to be very quiet since moving into his new home and keeps going into the hide. I am worried that he is not warm enough as he is not sittting under his basking lamp at all. AAAgh not sure what to do! He is still eating but not as much.

Hi Colby, What are the temps under the basking lamp and at the cooler end of the new home? Can you tell me what species flash is, as some tortoise like Russians are more sensitive to the cold in the air? It could just be that he is a bit shy of the new set up, has he went from an enclosed area to a large open top area? Sorry for so many questions but it just gives me a better understanding of what has gone on.

TC

Elaine

Hi Flash is an18mth old Hermann. I rehomed him from an advertsement in my local paper they were unable to keep him. As he is my first tortoise I took their advice as they had over 15 tortoises and kept him in the vivarium set up they provided. I now know from researching and joining the tpg that this is not suitable housing. I have had Flash about 6 mths now and have been looking into a new home for him for a while hence the tortoise table. I think that he is used to it being a bit too warm in the viv and needs time to learn how to use the basking area! I HAVE BEEN GIVING HIM A WARM BATH EVERY MORNING TO WAKE HIM UP THEN HE IS EATING and having a wander. temps are about 20  cooler in the hide and about 25+ under the basking lamp. N ina has been great and my set up is very similar to hers from the photos she sent me. I do appreciate any advice as I have learnt so much from this site.

SARAH X

Hiya

You are quite right Sarah tortoises are creatures of habit and they can take a long time to adjust to a new environment.  You seem to be doing everything right for Flash he is so lucky to have found you and now you just have to be patient whilst he adapts. 

The only thing I would suggest is that if you could alter the height of the basking lamp so that the temp underneath it is nearer to 30 than to 25 I am sure Falsh would be happier.  A tortoises optimum basking temperature is 30°C.

Helen

Hi helen, glad you think i'm doing everything ok for Flash I will get my husband to lower the lamps and see if that helps thanks again for all your advice

Sarah x

Hi Sarah, Once the temp are adjusted to give a higher basking temp, leave them and all the other things in the area just as they are. Provide fresh food and water an allow hime to adjust. If you think about a viv, the temps are the same all over, so there is no need to bask. There is very little room for movement or exploring so eventually this natural instinct also dies. You have done SO WELL to read up and make changes to this little chaps life, I would say that giving him about 2 weeks and you will see a remarkable change in him, his instincts will return to a more natural pattern, It will be amazing to see, enjoy!

HTH

Elaine