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| Just got a Horsefield tortoise and worried it is behaving abnormally Posted: 22/07/2014 by Ejo83 |
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Hi All, I have just bought a Horsefield tortoise and I am a bit worried about him. He is in a tortoise table with a 150w heat lamp at one end and wood chippings for sub straight. Temperatures in the enclosure range from around 35-38 degrees C under the heat lamp when on to around 21-24 degrees C at the cooler end of the table. The problem is, he just buries himself and sleeps all the time and I don't think he is eating or drinking properly. The other day we got him out and let him play in a box with my mums horsefield and he seemed fine then he was active, he devoured quite a few rose petals, had a drink and was quite active. In his tortoise table he just sleeps. Is he too hot? I have moved his enclosure out of the lounge and into a cooler room (room temperature in this warm weather is around 28 degrees in the new room, it was nearly 32 in the other). Is that the right thing to do? I am getting quite worried now! | |
| Re: Just got a Horsefield tortoise and worried it is behaving abnormally Posted: 23/07/2014 by Tom |
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Hello, Yes it's far too hot!!! * Also it's not a good idea to allow it with another tort.. If it enjoys the company - then equally it will miss it. It 's summer!! It should be outside in a wooden sided enclosure, with plenty of shade available. Click on "The Tortoise" box (left) & download a Horsfields Caresheet. Regards, Tom *This is the result of buying from a pet trader. | |
| Re: Just got a Horsefield tortoise and worried it is behaving abnormally Posted: 23/07/2014 by Ejo83 |
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I do take him outside in a box as much as possible while the weather is good but he is very young and small (he can't be more then 3 inches long!) so letting him roam around the garden freely I may lose him! I am hoping that over the winter months i can make an area of the garden into an outdoor enclosure for him so that next year he will have a sizeable area to live in. | |
| Re: Just got a Horsefield tortoise and worried it is behaving abnormally Posted: 23/07/2014 by Tom |
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In a box isn't much use. He's not "very" young at nearly 3 inches. I didn't suggest you let him roam freely. He needs a wooden sided pen, with wire mesh laid on top & access to shade. I expect you are aware that they burrow. See if you can get a DIY friend to make something. I don't think he's ill - it has been far too hot with the UVB bulb on. I realise that you were doing your best, with the limited advice you were given. Best wishes, Tom | |