Redfoot experts please help!

[kreacher]

Ok guys thanks for replying but I'm even more confused now lol

Are they ok with just standard uv bulbs? I don't do combined bulbs so would have a separate heat lamp...

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by kreacher

Ok guys thanks for replying but I'm even more confused now lol

Are they ok with just standard uv bulbs? I don't do combined bulbs so would have a separate heat lamp...

I'm not surprised your confused , if there young red foots use a 5%uv tube about 6 inches above the tortoise turrn it on for about6 hours aday.

[kreacher]

Originally Posted by red foot marg

I'm not surprised your confused , if there young red foots use a 5%uv tube about 6 inches above the tortoise turrn it on for about6 hours aday.

Thank you very much

He hatched last year so he's only a baby one! How quickly do they grow? Do they have uv all day when they are older?

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by kreacher

Thank you very much

He hatched last year so he's only a baby one! How quickly do they grow? Do they have uv all day when they are older?

It takes about 10 years to get them to a good size ( if there not grown to fast ) , the hatchlings dont seem to like very strong light so thats why you use a 5% uv , once there 3/4 years old just treat them the same as med tortoise regarding the uv.

[kreacher]

Originally Posted by red foot marg

It takes about 10 years to get them to a good size ( if there not grown to fast ) , the hatchlings dont seem to like very strong light so thats why you use a 5% uv , once there 3/4 years old just treat them the same as med tortoise regarding the uv.

Sweet that's pretty straightforward then
I don't suppose you've got pics of your setups that I could see?

[EJ]

As you learn a little more it gets a little less confusing. The confusing part is mainly based on the idea that there is only one way to raise and keep a tortoise. This is not true. You have many options to choose how you raise your tortoise. As mentioned earlier, every method has its advantages and disadvantages.

In this case UVB lighting is not a necessity. You can raise a tortoise perfectly without UVB lighting if you use supplements such as calcium with D3.

This is why I suggest the use of some pelleted diets. Most of these diets are relatively complete which allows for less nutritional errors.

UVB lighting is only one means of many that allow calcium to be metabolized.

Originally Posted by kreacher

Ok guys thanks for replying but I'm even more confused now lol

Are they ok with just standard uv bulbs? I don't do combined bulbs so would have a separate heat lamp...

[Jackrat]

I agree, Ed.I have never used any UV lights indoors.I give them a little moistened lowfat dry cat food once a week when they are inside for the winter,and they are doing great-just quit laying for the year as a matter of fact.

[pagan queen]

Originally Posted by EJ

In this case UVB lighting is not a necessity. You can raise a tortoise perfectly without UVB lighting if you use supplements such as calcium with D3.

Ed, is that the same for all breeds of tort?

[EJ]

This is true for all tortoises.

Originally Posted by pagan queen

Ed, is that the same for all breeds of tort?

[pagan queen]

I am glad you have clarified that for me Ed.

I decided a while ago that I am not going to use UV lights for my torts. I figured if I was supplementing their diet then why do they need anything other than heat to convert the D3. They are outside when we have good weather and in winter I feed Komodo pellets. If they are unable to go outside during the summer when the weather is bad they have weeds with supplements.

I provide them with regular calcium in various forms too. So far I have not seen any change in the my oldest torts health. His shell is still growing a small amount and he has no signs of softness in his shell etc. I also have an 8 month old hatchling. It was hard to make the decision not to use UV lighting for her as I got her in September which meant her first winter would be with supplements only. I am pleased to say she has grown very well on her diet and seems to also be in good health.

Now I will sit back an wait to be "advised" on my decision.