Hi Everyone!

kreacher · 27-03-2009, 09:16 AM

Hi I've got myself my first tortoise and am after a bit of advise from the experts!

He is a 2 year old hermans called Kreacher (hense my name lol)

I have 'rescued' him from my friends daughter who didn't look after him at all

...we have built him a table to live in instead of his viv but are not sure of the best substrate/bedding to put in there...he has always been housed on sand so far so want to make it intersting for him? there is so much info on the net i got confused as to what is best!!

He has never had a uv light in his viv...it doesn't seem to have effected him really (his shell is fine and i can't seem to find any other problems)...will he be ok now that he does have one or will he need extra supplements or anything to make up for not having one?

Also there was a cactus growing in a pot in the viv...is this ok to be in with his or will it hurt him? it's obviously very spikey and at his head level which makes me cringe everytime he goes near it but it doesn't seem to bother him at all...

hope to speak to you all soon

thanks...Amy

**Alan1** · 27-03-2009, 09:27 AM

Hi Amy, there's some info here on EDITED BECAUSE OF DAFTNESS

Nutrobal should be sprinkled on their weeds. It contains supplements

**Alan1** · 27-03-2009, 09:32 AM

I forgot to mention that many people now just use topsoil instead of a mix with sand as people have found the sand irritates their eyes at times.

EDITED BECAUSE OF DAFTNESS

I'm a novice but there are others on here who will help.

As for the cactus, I personally wouldn't have it but I've seen pics on the Tortoise Trust site of a very spikey cactus in an enclosure

ME SHELL · 27-03-2009, 09:54 AM

Hi Amy
Congratulations on your new little friend. I have a hermann and my substrate is 70% soil and 30% sand. My tort finds no problem with the sand, but some have had to change to all soil. Your tort should be fine with the soil and sand mix tho as he has been on sand for a while. Readigrass is also good for bedding, my Torty loves it and it smells devine

I would take the cactus out, even if it is for your peace of mind.
Can't wait to pics of your little Guy
Welcome to the forum
Michelle x

**Alan1** · 27-03-2009, 12:06 PM

oops sorry Amy

I misread your post and thought it said Horsfield

nicnic · 27-03-2009, 12:48 PM

Hi and welcome from me and mine.

linda · 27-03-2009, 12:54 PM

hi amy

a big warm welcome from me

i would recomend that you sprinkle nutrobal on his weeds and flowers
also give him a cuttle fish
and or a saucer containing limestone flour / calcium carbonate

this will ensure he has sufficient calcium and vitamins

sky · 27-03-2009, 07:31 PM

Hi Amy, i have Hermann's I use readigrass, hemp and topsoil. Welcome to the nutty world of tortoise keeping. lol

dugy · 27-03-2009, 07:37 PM

hi amy, welcome to the most addictive forum you will come across!

hope to see some pics of the little guy soon!

dugy
x

Jazzotang · 27-03-2009, 10:52 PM

Hello amy warm greetings from me!

27-03-2009, 09:16 AM	#1
kreacher Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,718	Hi Everyone! Hi I've got myself my first tortoise and am after a bit of advise from the experts! He is a 2 year old hermans called Kreacher (hense my name lol) I have 'rescued' him from my friends daughter who didn't look after him at all ...we have built him a table to live in instead of his viv but are not sure of the best substrate/bedding to put in there...he has always been housed on sand so far so want to make it intersting for him? there is so much info on the net i got confused as to what is best!! He has never had a uv light in his viv...it doesn't seem to have effected him really (his shell is fine and i can't seem to find any other problems)...will he be ok now that he does have one or will he need extra supplements or anything to make up for not having one? Also there was a cactus growing in a pot in the viv...is this ok to be in with his or will it hurt him? it's obviously very spikey and at his head level which makes me cringe everytime he goes near it but it doesn't seem to bother him at all... hope to speak to you all soon thanks...Amy

27-03-2009, 09:27 AM	#2
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	Hi Amy, there's some info here on EDITED BECAUSE OF DAFTNESS Nutrobal should be sprinkled on their weeds. It contains supplements Last edited by Alan1; 27-03-2009 at 12:10 PM. Reason: Idiocy

27-03-2009, 09:32 AM	#3
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	I forgot to mention that many people now just use topsoil instead of a mix with sand as people have found the sand irritates their eyes at times. EDITED BECAUSE OF DAFTNESS I'm a novice but there are others on here who will help. As for the cactus, I personally wouldn't have it but I've seen pics on the Tortoise Trust site of a very spikey cactus in an enclosure Last edited by Alan1; 27-03-2009 at 12:08 PM. Reason: Idiocy

27-03-2009, 07:31 PM	#8
sky Senior Member Adult Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Wales Posts: 2,901	Hi Amy, i have Hermann's I use readigrass, hemp and topsoil. Welcome to the nutty world of tortoise keeping. lol __________________ Kayx 2.7.4 THB 0.3.0 Gpigs 1 grumpy husband

27-03-2009, 09:54 AM	#4
ME SHELL Senior Member Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,484	Hi Amy Congratulations on your new little friend. I have a hermann and my substrate is 70% soil and 30% sand. My tort finds no problem with the sand, but some have had to change to all soil. Your tort should be fine with the soil and sand mix tho as he has been on sand for a while. Readigrass is also good for bedding, my Torty loves it and it smells devine I would take the cactus out, even if it is for your peace of mind. Can't wait to pics of your little Guy Welcome to the forum Michelle x

27-03-2009, 12:06 PM	#5
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	oops sorry Amy I misread your post and thought it said Horsfield

27-03-2009, 12:48 PM	#6
nicnic Member Hatched Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wigan, Manchester Posts: 309	Hi and welcome from me and mine.

27-03-2009, 12:54 PM	#7
linda Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: west midlands Posts: 17,134	hi amy a big warm welcome from me i would recomend that you sprinkle nutrobal on his weeds and flowers also give him a cuttle fish and or a saucer containing limestone flour / calcium carbonate this will ensure he has sufficient calcium and vitamins

27-03-2009, 07:37 PM	#9
dugy Member Juvenile Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 958	hi amy, welcome to the most addictive forum you will come across! hope to see some pics of the little guy soon! dugy x

27-03-2009, 10:52 PM	#10
Jazzotang Member Hatchling Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: near Canterbury Kent Posts: 610	Hello amy warm greetings from me!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)