Heat is mentioned first because this the most
important requirement for a tortoise. Tortoises are cold blooded and must get their heat
from the environment in which they live. Therefore you need to provide them
with a source of heat.
The UV heat lamp (shown on the right) that we
recommend also allows the tortoise to make it's own source of vitamin D3,
an absolute micronutrient requirement that ensures the tortoise can convert
dietary sources of calcium into healthy shell and skin.
UVA & UVB helps to increase
appetite, activity and induces reproductive behaviour. To the right is an example of
a UV bulb
that we use for our tortoises.
The provision of high temperatures provided by the heat
lamp are also necessary for the correct functioning of the excretory
systems, specifically the kidneys. Without heat, the kidneys can accumulate
an excess of salts and minerals which ultimately damage the delicate
internal tissues.
If you ever notice a white precipitate in the urine of
your tortoise, do not be alarmed because this is normal. This is an
accumulation of urate salts that appear white when concentrated.
Heat determines how well a tortoises digestion works as
when the temperatures are lowered, their digestive tract starts to slow down
and can virtually stop. This is also the case when a tortoise approaches
hibernation.
Always place your hut/hiding place at one end of the
accommodation and position your heat lamp at the other end away from the
hut. By doing so, you are providing both a basking area (hot) and a cooler
area for your tortoise. They require an area in which they can take a break
and cool down.
You can provide an additional heat source for your
tortoise by using a heat emitter or a tubular heater like the one shown
below. These are two of the heaters that we use and find them to be quite
effective especially if you use them with a thermostat, like the one pictured on the right.
A 'Habistat' pulse proportional thermostat can help
control and maintain set temperatures through the day and night. On average,
you are looking to provide a basking area temperature of 32-35°C
and a cool spot temperature of 21-25°C.
Min/max thermometers are recommended for monitoring
temperatures as they do save lives.
Tubular
Heater
