Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently bought 3 baby hermann's tortoises. I have them in a 5' x 3' enclosure on a newspaper substrate. Twice now I have found 1 or more of them flipped over--today it was under the basking light. They are usually in the middle of the enclosure--there is no furniture for them to flip on, so I am guessing they flip over on each other. Anyone have any good ideas on substrate I could use that would allow them to right themselves if they flip over? I heard bath towels are good, and I am seriously considering that. I was also thinking of putting some pieces of tile in the enclosure for better footing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

A coulple things to consider on flipping: rounded corners on your enclosure reduces it(I like concrete mixing tubs for this reason), 90/angle corners will increase it.

I have used towels for hatchling substrate effectively but at least one word of caution. I once used some worn out dog towels and threads were hanging out. A hatchling caught its tiny foot in loop of thread, and started walking in circles, tightening the thread like a ligature. I cut it free with very tiny and sharp scissors, but it was a close call for sure.

I put flat pieces of slate tile around to give them a variety to walk on and prevent them from hiding under towel. Change the towel frequently, they will get stained and "ratty". Good luck, Vic H.