Hi everyone!

have just joined the group and need some advice. Have made the fatal mistake as many novices to tortoise care do.  I was bought a horsfield tortoise for my birthday, and it came as a set up. The past week he has become very unhappy, so i have decided to change his environment. Was just asking if the preference for two separate lights or a combined light would be best?  All advice most welcome as want the best for my tortoise Albert.  Thanks everyone

Hi And

Unfortunately people are still being sold tortoises with the "complete set up" which is usually totally wrong and inhabitable for the tortoise so luckily you can correct this as you have done. Can i ask have you got him in a "tortoise table"? Horsfields do best in a mixture of sand/soil and i find the combined light/uv bulbs are better than the tube lights, they are more expensive but last alot longer.

Good luck and let us know how your tortoise is adjusting to the change.

Ali

 Hi Ali,

Thanks for getting back to me.  I  have him in a viv, but I am not happy with the set up. even thought I asked a reputable reptile/hydroponic shop, they insisted that it was ok. Hence why I decided to do further research, and now I have built Albert a tortoise table. I still have him in the viv at the moment, awaiting a new light as the ones I have, I have been informed by the tortiose trust they are not adequate. The weather still ok at the moment, so getting him out as much as possible so he can get the correct vitamins etc... Although I was concerned about his mood, he still eating ok, and he has perked up since I have had him outside.  So keeping up with that until i can transfer him when i get the correct lighting.  I am furious that shops are allowed to get away with this kind of thing, but have to take some of the balme myself also for not fully researching.  Hopefully all will be well and I havent stressed Abert out too much   Thanks for your advice and I will keep you posted......