Hi Carol,

This small document from the Tortoise Trust might help you some: -My thoughts follow-

. This tortoise typically avoids strong sunlight, and does not normally seem interested in basking facilities (although, given its wide distribution, regional preferences may exist). As in the wild, peak activity is often seen following heavy, warm, summer rain. Daytime environmental temperature should be maintained in the 26 - 30°C region during summer (78 - 86 °F). In winter, daytime temperatures can be reduced to 24 °C (75 °F) . At night, temperatures can be reduced to around 18 °C (65 °F). This tortoise regularly takes snails, slugs and worms in addition to green leafy material, fruit and vegetables. A bathing pool is essential, as Indotestudo elongata is known to drink copiously and likes to sit, half-submerged, for several hours at a time. In the wild, fallen fruits are believed to comprise a high proportion of its diet.

With that said I would probably reduce the length of the Florescent Fixture or use a Clamp on with a 2.0 - 5.0 UV Bulb mounted no closer then 14 inches from the substrate. I would suggest a little overhang that extends 8 inches or so and they can get out of the light if it is too much. Just a couple of bricks with a 1 X 6 on top of them would work. We use ceramic Tiles or plexi-glass to feed them on and a walk in water bowl like I had at the show. A heat mat on medium at night with no lights or you could opt for an appropriate size infra-red bulb so as not to disturb their rest. Good Luck Carol. Oh Yes I posted a picture of the parents to your two elongated babies below. This female often throws babies with reduced black on the carapace. Thanks so much...Richard









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Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

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