龜龜屬於冷血動物，需要外來熱力供身體運作。在大自然中，牠們會借用太陽的熱力，移到不同的位置，進出地洞等來調節體溫。晚上較涼時則會躲藏在日間被太陽曬暖的泥土中。牠們亦非常喜歡掘地洞，每天花大量時間掘出長長的地洞。
Tortoises are cold blooded animals and they require heat for their body to function. In nature, they regulate their body temperature by moving in and out of the sun or staying in their burrows during daytime. When it is cooler at night, they maintain their temperature by digging into soil which has been heated by the sun during the day. African Spurred tortoises spend much of the time digging their long burrows.
Tortoises are cold blooded animals and they require heat for their body to function. In nature, they regulate their body temperature by moving in and out of the sun or staying in their burrows during daytime. When it is cooler at night, they maintain their temperature by digging into soil which has been heated by the sun during the day. African Spurred tortoises spend much of the time digging their long burrows.
To mimic their natural environment, provide a cold spot and a hot spot for the tortoise. We mounted our lamps on two sides near Tun Tun's level. Each time we only turn on one lamp. There is also a cave so the tort can hide inside for cooler temp. Put up at least two thermometers near the tortoise level (make sure they cannot reach it though), one near the cold spot and one near the hot spot.
For me, the daytime temperature for the hot spot is around 30 – 33, cold spot is around 26-28C. For nighttime, hot spot around 26-29C, cold sport is around 25-27C. You may adjust the temperature by using different wattage ceramic heating bulbs or varying the height (put on top of the tank or mounted on the ceiling of the tank).
And remember, the temperature inside the cave is cooler unless you put the cave directly under the lamp. That will serve as another cold spot.
Tun Tun moves around to find a spot with temperature she likes. Sometimes she sleeps outside of her cave. Usually she stays inside though.
There are times I move sleeping baby Tun Tun into a colder or warmer spot. They suppose to do it on their own but she falls asleep after grazing (I can see her being very tired chewing the hay and fell asleep at her eating place). After she reached 100 g+, she is not as sound asleep and will move around to find a good spot.
Never use Heating pads and hot rocks for your tortoises as they may overheat. In nature, the heat source comes from the sun and the overhead heat is absorbed more effectively. Overheating is dangerous for your tortoise especially if you have a small tank. There is no way for the tortoise to move around to manage his body temperature.
For me, the daytime temperature for the hot spot is around 30 – 33, cold spot is around 26-28C. For nighttime, hot spot around 26-29C, cold sport is around 25-27C. You may adjust the temperature by using different wattage ceramic heating bulbs or varying the height (put on top of the tank or mounted on the ceiling of the tank).
And remember, the temperature inside the cave is cooler unless you put the cave directly under the lamp. That will serve as another cold spot.
Tun Tun moves around to find a spot with temperature she likes. Sometimes she sleeps outside of her cave. Usually she stays inside though.
There are times I move sleeping baby Tun Tun into a colder or warmer spot. They suppose to do it on their own but she falls asleep after grazing (I can see her being very tired chewing the hay and fell asleep at her eating place). After she reached 100 g+, she is not as sound asleep and will move around to find a good spot.
Never use Heating pads and hot rocks for your tortoises as they may overheat. In nature, the heat source comes from the sun and the overhead heat is absorbed more effectively. Overheating is dangerous for your tortoise especially if you have a small tank. There is no way for the tortoise to move around to manage his body temperature.
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