New parent to 3yr old Horsfield
Posted: 03 Jul 2020, 10:42
I have recently become a very proud parent to a 3yr old Horsfield whom I've named Jemima.
[attachment=1]Snapchat-334715643.jpg[/attachment]
It was a very quick acquisition due to housing issues regarding her previous owner.
Therefore I'm happy I've got the basics sorted, but there are certain areas I still can't get definitive answers for....and I want this little lady to have the best life I can give her.
1. Sexing - I've read its around 5 years of age that sexing of a Horsfield is accurate. Yet from her lady bits it looks very clear to me. Is it a case of if you know, you know!!
2. Soaking - I'm currently soaking her 3 times a week but I was wondering if this should be increased in particularly prolonged hot weather, and reduced when colder?
3. Basking light duration - I have a combined UVB/heat lamp and I am unsure if my current 10 hrs per day is sufficient. I've settled on 10 hrs as it matches her waking and bedding down time. Would this be increased in the winter months as she won't be outside?
4. Warm but damp outside - I've read Horsfields are more susceptible to damp conditions. I obviously only let her go outside if I'm warm enough in a t- shirt, but I worry if the grass her pens on is possibly damp from a prior rain storm...and concerned the neighbours think I'm becoming unwell as they whitness me sticking my fingers into my lawn.
5. Play time - If theres no question she can go outside, Jemima has a playpen inside. Obviously shes only in for a few hours supervised, but I still stick to the mantra shes ok temp wise if I've got a t-shirt on!! I do like her to be able to exercise, or would she be as happy left in her table on rainy day?
6. Hibernation - I've seen that you should not hibernate any tortoise in your first year of ownership, regardless of their age. Is this true?
7. I live in a former limestone quarry producing town, so our soil is very calcium rich. As her diet is mainly wild leaves and flowers does Jemima need her current calcium supplement every day, with a sprinkle of vitamins every other?
[attachment=0]Snapchat-1939428824.jpg[/attachment]
So these are my most pressing issues at the minute. I'm afraid my name may become imprinted on peoples brains in time. Any answers to any of these would be greatly appreciated.
Just like to add this site has been instrumental in my picking of food for Jemima.
[attachment=1]Snapchat-334715643.jpg[/attachment]
It was a very quick acquisition due to housing issues regarding her previous owner.
Therefore I'm happy I've got the basics sorted, but there are certain areas I still can't get definitive answers for....and I want this little lady to have the best life I can give her.
1. Sexing - I've read its around 5 years of age that sexing of a Horsfield is accurate. Yet from her lady bits it looks very clear to me. Is it a case of if you know, you know!!
2. Soaking - I'm currently soaking her 3 times a week but I was wondering if this should be increased in particularly prolonged hot weather, and reduced when colder?
3. Basking light duration - I have a combined UVB/heat lamp and I am unsure if my current 10 hrs per day is sufficient. I've settled on 10 hrs as it matches her waking and bedding down time. Would this be increased in the winter months as she won't be outside?
4. Warm but damp outside - I've read Horsfields are more susceptible to damp conditions. I obviously only let her go outside if I'm warm enough in a t- shirt, but I worry if the grass her pens on is possibly damp from a prior rain storm...and concerned the neighbours think I'm becoming unwell as they whitness me sticking my fingers into my lawn.
5. Play time - If theres no question she can go outside, Jemima has a playpen inside. Obviously shes only in for a few hours supervised, but I still stick to the mantra shes ok temp wise if I've got a t-shirt on!! I do like her to be able to exercise, or would she be as happy left in her table on rainy day?
6. Hibernation - I've seen that you should not hibernate any tortoise in your first year of ownership, regardless of their age. Is this true?
7. I live in a former limestone quarry producing town, so our soil is very calcium rich. As her diet is mainly wild leaves and flowers does Jemima need her current calcium supplement every day, with a sprinkle of vitamins every other?
[attachment=0]Snapchat-1939428824.jpg[/attachment]
So these are my most pressing issues at the minute. I'm afraid my name may become imprinted on peoples brains in time. Any answers to any of these would be greatly appreciated.
Just like to add this site has been instrumental in my picking of food for Jemima.