Hi there!  I was hoping someone could give me some advice please?  I bought a horsefield tortoise 3 days ago which has been very exciting!!  However i feel the lady who sold us Betsy didn't really advise us very well.  She sold me an infrared uv lamp which gets very hot and also a uv basking lamp.  I am very confused!  Should i be using both or just the uv basking lamp?  And leaving it on all day night?  I have been using the uv basking lamp for past few days which seems to suit Betsy but really want to make sure!  I was also sold bark chippings but after reading some advice on this wonderful site i have swapped that with 50/50 soil and sand.  To be honest i haven't really noticed Betsy eating very much and am hoping its just me being a worrier.  At the moment i have her in a large plastic dog bed until my hubby makes her proper table and we have made little hides in plant pots etc.  Please can someone give me some advice as to whether or not i am looking after her properly or not?  Thankyou very much.

Ali

Hi Ali,

If you have a UVB tube, you will also require a basking lamp for heat like this:-

http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/basking-spot-lamps-p-124.html

The UVB tube is for the vitamin D3 which a tortoises requires for good shell and bone growth. The basking lamp is to enable your tortoise to raise it's body temperature and this should create a basking area of around 30deg C

May I please suggest you have a read through our caresheets:-

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/87.asp

Ideas for enclosures:-

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/58.asp

Diet:-

http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/tortoise_home_1.asp

HTH
Kindest Regards

Darren

Hi Darren thankyou for your reply!

The lamp i have at home is basking lamp so i must need to get a light strip?  I have been reading the care sheets tonight and think i have my head round it now!!

Thanks for your help

Ali