Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am setting up my Tortoise setup for this winter. I am in Miami, Florida. Winters arn't too bad here, but the temp can drop below 60. I have large African Torts (sulcatas and leopards) I have always used overhead basking lamps. I had understood that heating pads were not good for their shells. I was designing a radient floor to maintain a ground temp around 80.

Does anyone have experience with pads and tortoises? Which ones are safe? It would probably be cheaper than what I have planned.

I use a ceramic heating element on a thermostat for nights,
and I also have a small hot air heater mounted 2ft. high to
maintain a room temperature at night in my tortoises cottage.
His walls, ceiling and floor are well insulated.
I've heard that Kane heat mats are very good, and sturdy.
Depends on the size and construction of your tortoise
shelter.
Theodore my Sulcata Tortoise

Matortoise!

Just wondered whether you were able to get the torts shipped down to Miami? Which shipper finally came through?

Thanks!

Shipping was a nightmare, DHL Said yes, I set it up and accont, later called for pickup and they denied shipping. It turns out that DHL and AirborneExpress have corporatly merged, but the companies are still independant. AE will ship tortoises. We setup a pickup yesterday, they came for pickup an hour earlier than they said they would, and of course the guy shipping wasn't home.

Apparently they are in transit as we speak, they were shipped this morning at 8:00, I'm sure I'll have a long winded post tomorrow either elation because they got here or fear they are stuck somewhere. Thanks alot for caring, (or at least acting like you care) I'll post a pick if possible.

I'm extra excited, the female is gravid, so this is an exciting, but delicate time.
thanks
matt

>Shipping was a nightmare, DHL Said yes...and they denied shipping.

PITA

>AE will ship tortoises. We setup a pickup yesterday...

Some folks had reported that "pickup" is better since the driver doesn't care what's in the package; but, if packaged animal is "dropped off," the guy behind the counter will deny shipping! All very confusing and FRUSTRATING!

>Apparently they are in transit as we speak, they were shipped this morning at 8:00...

!!OMG!! They **will** deliver on Saturday??? Can you pick up at AE office so no dependence on driver?? Man, I'd be worried about Saturday delivery!

>Thanks alot for caring, (or at least acting like you care)...

Gees, Matt, not too sure how to respond; why would I bother to ask if I were not concerned about the torts AND interested in your solution to shipping them?

>I'm extra excited, the female is gravid...

VERY best of luck! Track that shipment every minute till you get it!!!!!

I have had very good luck with snakes shipped to me via Airborne. One I did pick up at their local shipping office, and the other 2 were delivered to my home. All were in my hands by 10:30 am. If you've seen an Airborne truck around your neighborhood, you'll know approx. what time your tortoises should arrive. Do they have online tracking? Then you could at least make sure they get to the local office.

I hope they make it to you in fine shape!
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko