Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just adopted three tortoises. I have a leopard, red-foot and an indian star. I have never owned tortoises before. I have managed in the last week to read several books and surf a lot of sites. I have lots of questions.

First, I gave them Zoomed 5.0 bulbs. Is this sufficient?

Next, I have been feeding the same diet as my igs. They were eating only turtle pellets and not very well. I feed my igs a variety of veggies and the tortoises seem to be munching down on it. Lots of greens with some squash, peppers, green beans... From what I have read this seems to be a good thing, right? I did buy some meal worms for the red foot.

Third thing, heat. I am keeping them at between 75 and 85 degrees, depending on day or night. Sufficient?

Last, I am in the process of having larger enclosures built for them. They are in less than 4 sq ft enclosures right now. Which is what the lady was keeping them in. I know this is too small, but I keep reading different size requirements for them. How big do they need? I need help with their enclosure. I assume each need to be in their own enclosure. How high do they need to be?

You will have to pardon me for my ignorance. I didn't plan on getting these guys so soon, but once I saw their current setup I realized that they weren't that well off. At least now they have heat and UV. Plus, getting regular soakings in a tub. Which brings me to another question, how often should I soak them? My lizards would soak everyday almost all day if they could, what about tortoises?

On the Leopard and the Star you want to shy away from the fleshy veggies and focus on the leafy stuff. Broad leaf weeds and grasses are the best for these. I like supplementing this with a product called Mazuri Tortoise diet. I recommend this be fed once a week or so.
For the RF the fleshy stuff is ok with some low moisture type fruits (apples, pears...)
Soaking once a day or at least every other day is my suggestion. At least until they are settled in and then add a water bowl making water available at all times.
For all of them I suggest a temperature range of 75 to 95F at the substrate level.
and that should do it for my 2 cents.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

How tall should the cage be?

At least 8 inches (just to pick a number)
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Yes they do need thier own housing. All should be separated for best results. Were any of them imports? This would be a even bigger reason to separate, and thier needs are all diff.

How much was the adoption fee? And where did you get them?