You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise Protection Group Forum > new Horsefield owner |
|
| new Horsefield owner Posted: 10/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Hi new Horsefield owner here. Anxious. He is one year old. I have indoor table & outdoor pen for when its sunny and I'm home. Fresh water daily and small amount of food. He sleeps almost all the time. He is eating. I have bathed him regularly. I'm just concerned he is not active, therefore not happy and healthy. General advice would be great. thank you | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 10/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
Hello, Can you post pics of both setups pls. What is the temp. range in the indoor one. A "year old" - is it from a breeder ? Regards, Tom | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 10/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Was bought just under two weeks ago from well known online shop. no problems with their service, been brilliant. Will post photographs later. Ive had advice not to add anything to table such as stones, rocks, plants for six weeks to let Tortoise settle Temp under combination light is 35 approx. and 25 at cooler part of table | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 10/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
I'm sorry I cant download photographs. It is a standard beginners tortoise table | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 10/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
OK thanks for trying. The TPG advises against buying horsfields, also to avoid buying from shops, & the use of couriers. So it was from The Tortoise Shop I assume. This species are all wild caught, so it's not necessarily 1yr old. I'd click on "The Tortoise/ / " box & print off a Caresheet. While it feeds daily that is positive. Minimum handling & careful monitoring are advised. Weigh weekly & keep records. Drop temp at the hotspot to 32C, this will help to drop the cool end, which is too hot. It doesn't need to be sunny for it to be outside. once at optimum temp., torts retreat to shade. Their 6 week comment is bizarre. Regards, Tom | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 11/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Thanks Tom - so how old could tortoise possibly be? Would you start introducing pebbles/stones/rocks, plants etc now to the table and outdoor enclosure? To make it more interesting? Any other general advice would be appreciated. I just want to look after him best we can. thanks | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 11/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
Sorry to have been negative Paul, In your hands I would hope it will do well eventually. I've seen many at dealers shops/centres, I estimate that most are 2yrs upwards. Yes add interest, but minimise stress. No plastic plants !! Something eatable. Re. general advice - have you downloaded the TPG Caresheets on horsf's ? Invaluable. Regards, Tom | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 12/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Morning Tom Yes ive downloaded care sheet, excellent. I'm going to introduce a spider plant and some stones this weekend. I gave him a bath last night, how warm can it be? He seemed a little stressed because I had to wake him. Seems a little lethargic. However, weekend is here so can give him some more attention and see how things go many thanks | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 12/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
Tepid Paul, Only place in water when active, let it relax - nothing else. Update us. Was it from Tort. shop ? | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 12/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Yes from Tort shop just bought a spider plant! | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 13/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
Despite their "great service" you've had to seek help from the TPG. Keep all receipts, dates, etc.. It shows how good they are - NOT. Best wishes, Tom | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 13/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
What would you advise about stones & rocks? Buy them or collect them from the seaside etc? | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 13/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
Don't buy ! Look round the garden. | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 18/08/2016 by Paul S |
|
Hi Tom. Have added a spider plant, pot and also a medium size stone to tortoise table. However Tort is nibbling on the stone? Is this ok??? | |
| Re: new Horsefield owner Posted: 21/08/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
|
No it isn't. | |