The Tortoise Table

Hi Johnny, I’ve got a combi heat and UV bulb on an height adjustable stand. johnnysmith wrote: > Hi, can I ask what kind of heating lamp you use for Kimchi? I think the > temperature of the cage is very important, especially when the weather > changes erratically like the past few weeks. Hope your b...

Thanks everyone for the messages! Kimchi brightened up right after I wrote the original message here - I think he was just waiting for spring! He is so active and eating like mad now, so think it was just his natural rhythm kicking in. I will look to hibernate him this year as he clearly wants to! A...

Hi Nina, Thanks so much for your prompt reply :) I weighed Kimchi earlier today and he was 255g - so actually seems like pretty good growth over a 14 month period - although his weight has fluctuated a bit in that time. I also took him outside today as was lovely and sunny here too, and he seemed ha...

Dear Lin and Nina, I hope you are doing well :) I was hoping for some advice regarding my 4-5 year old Horsfield tortoise, Kimchi. I adopted him in November 2023 and since then, he has generally been in good health, aside from summer last year when he became progressively more lethargic, and stopped...

Thanks Nina, that's really helpful!! I will keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesnt start causing irritation. I'm really hoping to ensure his shell growth is good and he doesnt develop metabolic bone disease - he already had a bit of pyramiding when I adopted him so it is a worry. Thanks again...

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Photo of the tail end that I meant to attach as well!

Dear Nina and Lin, Kimchi, my 4yo Horsfield tortoise, has some sharp edges at the front and back end of his shell. I think they are longstanding (I adopted him in November) but starting to wonder if they are of concern. Please could you advise me if this is a normal phenomenon, and if so, should the...

Hi Lin, that's great - thanks! I just wasnt sure at one point you might considering getting them trimmed. He has a slate where I put his food, and a ramp up to an upstairs part of his table - as well as other logs and stones to clamber over, so hopefully they will stay at any appropriate length! Man...

Hi all, I have a general question about horsfield tortoise claws/nails - when do you need to consider cutting them? Kimchi's nails seem quite long - I've noticed he now can't fully put his front feet flat on the floor when he walks - although he's still able to walk comfortably and likes to dig and ...

Hi Nina, Thanks so much for your reply - so helpful! and really appreciate your kind off of sending plants and further info in our email chain!! Here is a pic of Kimchi's underside - let me know if its not an adequate picture! Steve - so exciting re your adoption - let us know how it goes! all the b...

Dear Steve and Nina, Steve - I'm so sorry I didn't realise you'd added messages to this thread! Any updates on your tort adoption? it sounds like you're really well prepared! Kimchi is doing well thanks! However, I do have a question for you, Nina, if ok. It seems that Kimchi might be growing too fa...

That's good to know, thank you very much Nina! He is a sweetie!

Truck and Doris also look lovely

Hi Nina and Amanda,

I'm sorry to jump in on this thread but I'm worried that Kimchi (my Horsfield whom I adopted a week ago) may have pyramiding of his shell. Please could I ask you to take a look at the attached photos and let me know what you think?

Thanks so much,

Emma

That's ok! Thanks so much Nina, so glad I can come to you for advice! appreciate it.

Yes, that sounds fine. If you can make the area where he sleeps a little drier that would be good, because although Horsfields are fine with warm and wet, they don't like cold and wet, and of course the temperature will drop in the night, although from what you described I don't think there should b...

Hi! I am wondering how damp the substrate should be within a tortoise table? I've just switched to a soil mix and I know it should be sprayed so it is not dusty, but when I opened the bag of soil it is actually quite damp. Is being a bit damp ok - I know that is there is too much moisture then this ...

Hi Nina, Not put off at all - really appreciate all the details! I've popped kimchi under the light this morning as you suggest. I only picked him up on Saturday so I'm sure he is still settling in! Will play around with light and temp too (I've ordered the thermometer you suggested) and his new sub...

Hi Nina! Thank you SO much - that was all so helpful, I really appreciate and so glad I have found this forum! I will definitely switch to the substrate you recommend next time and will order the thermometer you suggest. I really love the look of your set up and will think about how I could add an '...

Hi everyone! I have just adopted a Horsfield tortoise (Kimchi) and am looking for general advice about husbandry please :) Kimchi is 3-4 years of age (apparently hatched in 2020 but unsure of which month) and I have adopted him from a family who didn't have enough time for him. I have a table and se...