newbie seeking advice

[tash111986]

Thanks for the advice. Shellman loves baths and my kids are more than keen to do this everyday. Our garden is lacking in weeds which surprises me so we've planted lots of dandelion seeds etc. He's very greedy and always finishes what we put out for him. We live in Scotland at the moment and it's quite cold.... I wasn't sure if I could take him outside during the day because of the weather. Would he be warm enough?

[Suze65]

Have a look on http://m.thetortoisetable.org.uk/m/tortoise_home_1.asp
For weeds and flowers you can and can't feed and supplements

[Jan W]

Originally Posted by tash111986

Thanks for the advice. Shellman loves baths and my kids are more than keen to do this everyday. Our garden is lacking in weeds which surprises me so we've planted lots of dandelion seeds etc. He's very greedy and always finishes what we put out for him. We live in Scotland at the moment and it's quite cold.... I wasn't sure if I could take him outside during the day because of the weather. Would he be warm enough?

On the care sheet I was given it stated not to take them out below 63/16. So I carefully checked the temperature was above, did not take out if damp and then for a short while, as 10 mins in sun is beneficial. As I worried so much if the temperature was ok I started exercising them in the kitchen floor - which is warm in my house due to flooring and Rayburn always on in winter. This is what I am doing now they are out of hibernation. Also, if I was not OK in a T shirt that was my other measure. To date I have always had an outdoor and indoor home so that I can put them in the best place dependant on temperatures.

I'm sure there will some expert help in the next posts.

[CherryBrandy]

Tash, little ones heat up quicker and equally cool down quicker. Ground level is usually warmer than our height levels and if enclosed probably even warmer. I like Jan's thoughts re tshirt weather.

at 12 degrees for 3 days my rule of thumb is tortoises will come out of hibernation usually or in the least they will stir , another 2 days at 12 degrees their chemical reactions usually kick in. I know you aren't hibernating but if not damp and wet they can be out in (this) 12'c temperature but a little warmer is obviously lots more comfortable. I know they have survived thousands and 100 thousands of years but if it were my little 5 month Hermann wait til a lot lot warmer and nice and dry with a security blanket and safety grill in situ !

CB

Originally Posted by tash111986

Thanks for the advice. Shellman loves baths and my kids are more than keen to do this everyday. Our garden is lacking in weeds which surprises me so we've planted lots of dandelion seeds etc. He's very greedy and always finishes what we put out for him. We live in Scotland at the moment and it's quite cold.... I wasn't sure if I could take him outside during the day because of the weather. Would he be warm enough?

[tash111986]

Thanks all advice has been noted. He does have a daily run around the kitchen floor. I'll not be taking him outside for a while it's really quite cold here however once warm enough ill be taking him outside as much as possible. I am actually amazed at how much character he has. We are all truly bowled over by the little chap.

[Jan W]

Sounds like he is a real joy.

Perhaps I should have also said, mine were 2 years old when I bought them. So quite a bit older than Shellman. (What a great name)!

[CherryBrandy]

you may want to take the lead from Scottish members...I don't know if there is less sun or more sun spread over less days, or less spread over more days...and wind chill factors also for Scotland may be different. It always looks cold on the Shetland series even though the sun is out !! though I would say beautiful , if there weren't so many murderers on the looooos ah. CB