Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just renovated my basement, and I wanted to set up a turtle table. The room keeps a constant temperature of 70-85 degrees, while a dehumidifier and below-floor heating keep the air quite dry.

Is this a decent temperature range to keep a tortise? What species would be best? I've had my eye on a "greek" tortise at the pet store. I believe it's a Golden Greek.

I understand that heat lamps and wet shelters are important. I'm less concerned about keeping the turtle warm than I am about fighting the humidity. I was hoping that the golden greek turtle would thrive in dry air with an occasional bath. Am I correct?

Also, I'm excited to grow a little garden to feed the guy. What seeds could I plant for him (kale? spinach?) Has anyone had luck with frozen greens in the winter, even ones that were home-grown and frozen?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Mike C

>>Is this a decent temperature range to keep a tortise? What species would be best? I've had my eye on a "greek" tortise at the pet store. I believe it's a Golden Greek.

That sounds OK - but is that the range during the day or over a season? If there is a period where the temperature is constantly over 80, that might stress out a tortoise. They would prefer some variation over the day. If the temps are constantly 70F, you can provide more warmth with a heat lamp during the day. But if it's always warm it's hard to provide a cooler spot.

As for which species - I'd recommend getting something that is captive bred. A Golden Greek from a pet store probably is wild caught. Wild caught specimens have a higher risk of illness and may not adapt well to captivity.

>>
>>I understand that heat lamps and wet shelters are important. I'm less concerned about keeping the turtle warm than I am about fighting the humidity. I was hoping that the golden greek turtle would thrive in dry air with an occasional bath. Am I correct?

Most houses with central heat and air are very dry - so we compensate by providing water bowls (tortoises need to drink) and humid (not wet) hide spots. I also give my tortoises a soak once a week.

>>
>>Also, I'm excited to grow a little garden to feed the guy. What seeds could I plant for him (kale? spinach?) Has anyone had luck with frozen greens in the winter, even ones that were home-grown and frozen?
>>

Spinach is not a good staple food. Weeds from a chemical free yard are often best. Dandelions (flowers and leaves), clover (ditto), plantain (plantago species), etc. As for greens I feed my russians collards, dark-leafed lettuces, turnip greens, kale. I just go to the grocery store, but if you can grow these things - go for it! I'd try to grow things that *you* also want to eat. One or two tortoises really don't eat that much. That's why I rely on my yard weeds through much of the spring and summer. Easy and cheap.

Once source on tortoise nutrition is www.tortoisetrust.org

>>Any advice would be appreciated.
>>
>>Mike C

Thanks Brad for the great advice,

Our basement is completely below ground, so it's always relatively cool. In the summer it could climb to at 85 degrees, but at night it would drop. I was more worried about the low humidity in winter. Seems like providing a bathing spot and a humid shelter is good enough.

In winter the basement stays at an even 70 degrees always. Would I need to run the heat lamp at night? Could I alternate that with a heating rock at night?

Finally, I'm getting conflicting advice on good bedding materials. Is there a recycled newspaper bedding that works well? I've read that sand mixed with soil works best, but I'm concerned that might make the basement musty.

If someone can recommend a good breeder in or near New York City, I would gladly give a call.

Mike C

I think a 70F overnight low would be fine for any of the Greek or Russian tortoises. You'll have to double-check for other species.

>>Thanks Brad for the great advice,
>>
>>Our basement is completely below ground, so it's always relatively cool. In the summer it could climb to at 85 degrees, but at night it would drop. I was more worried about the low humidity in winter. Seems like providing a bathing spot and a humid shelter is good enough.
>>
>>In winter the basement stays at an even 70 degrees always. Would I need to run the heat lamp at night? Could I alternate that with a heating rock at night?
>>
>>Finally, I'm getting conflicting advice on good bedding materials. Is there a recycled newspaper bedding that works well? I've read that sand mixed with soil works best, but I'm concerned that might make the basement musty.
>>
>>If someone can recommend a good breeder in or near New York City, I would gladly give a call.
>>
>>Mike C

It sounds like a great temp range for most tortoises. If size isnt much of an issue, leopard or red foot tortoises would be a good choice. I think most torts can take a night drop down to 60 without much problem. The leopards would definitely benefit from the low humidity. The redfoots would probably need a spray every other day or so a large shallow water dish. Their skin definitely gets ashy looking when too dry. The night temps sound fine too. I would provide them a basking light for the day around 90 degrees, and definitely UVB. Maybe a nice little combo heat/uvb bulb for the day basking area at one side of the cage. As far as substrate, I have good results using regular cypress mulch from a hardware store or plant nursery. Cheap, holds moisture if needed, drys quickly, and seems pretty absorbent for feces/urine. Looks nice too. It does get a bit dusty when kept dry, and I think any natural mulch or soil substrate will have the musty organic odor to it in an enclosed room. However, I dont find the cypress to get overpowering.

Good luck.