A few redfoot questions.

[neildunne]

I got a couple of redfoot babies on Sunday from Darren, i was wondering if any redfoot keepers can give me a little advice and pointers please. This previous post is how i have got along so far http://forums.shelledwarriors.co.uk/...ic.php?t=15917 But there is just a couple of things i could do with some advice with please

1- The little guys haven't eaten since i got them. Monday and Tuesday=weeds, today Weds=grape, plum, and pear. But they dont seem interested. I am offering the correct fruits aren't i ? I am also bathing them daily

2- The daytime temps i am having trouble getting past 80-81f, but its ok at nightime though as i can raise the ceramic bulb to get mid 70s. Would it be ok to use a heat mat at the warmer end of the enclosure? or is this a no-no? or will this probably not raise the ambient temperature?

Any help appreciated

[linda]

your day time temps are a little to low 80f = 26.6c you need nearer 30/32c 89f

this will discourage the torts from eating

can you lower your light to increase heat

or add an additional spot bulb

you could use a heat mat as long as the torts cannot touch it

however im not sure how effective it would be

[neildunne]

Hi Linda, and thanks for the reply. I dont really want to add another spot bulb as the 160w Solar Glo i am using for the babies( and for phil, my old horsfield living next door ) is already to bright for the babies i have been informed. To cut the direct glare from the solar Glo i have put plants in the direct path of the light to create dappled/shaded areas, and removed my original spot bulb and replaced it with a 100w ceramic bulb to keep the light low. I think i may have to try a 150w ceramic bulb instead. I think you may have seen my table pics in my other post......p.s. Looking forward to seeing you at the meet in a couple of weeks

[linda]

yes im also looking forwards to meeting you

i fully agree with you on having to much light for the reds

are you using a reflector with your ceramic

this may help direct the heat towards the table

[gatoruss]

Neil -

My baby RF likewise seems uninterested in fruits...he is all over greems (romain, turnip, etc). Today I offered only mellon and pinapple..he nipped at it then lost interest.

Although I am trying to readjust his lighting and heating...so maybe temps were not to his liking?

[linda]

my reds seem to prefer their fruit over ripe

melon and papaya rasberries kiwi being firm favourites

i havent tried pineapple thinking it would be to acidic

[gatoruss]

Originally Posted by linda

i havent tried pineapple thinking it would be to acidic

My initial thought as well...but then I saw this http://www.tortoisetrust.org/article..._redfoots.html.

[DAISY]

I'm new to these reds also
I agree with Linda they seem to prefer their fruit over ripe (I presume wild Rf eat old fallen fruit on the ground) and mine seem to be enjoying berries the most, they went mad for a piece of strawberry, water melon and mango comming a close second.
I am avoiding acidic fruit and havent even botherd with apple.

[gatoruss]

Originally Posted by DAISY

I'm new to these reds also
I agree with Linda they seem to prefer their fruit over ripe (I presume wild Rf eat old fallen fruit on the ground) and mine seem to be enjoying berries the most, they went mad for a piece of strawberry, water melon and mango comming a close second.
I am avoiding acidic fruit and havent even botherd with apple.

I will give some berries a try and find some mellon that is more ripe.

My tort turned its nose up to apple at first...but I feed in the morning and leave the food in the enclosure until the evening...in the evening he chowed down on the apple - albiet it was somewhat "aged" at that point (which might be consistent with your observation that in the wild they eat what is lying around on the ground )

[neildunne]

Hi again Linda. Im not using a reflector at the moment, but i will get one tomorrow or friday and report my temps back to you.