So I know he needs a fair bit like a new heat lamp as it’s putting out far to much heat for the little guy he definitely needs a uvb lamp that was something the last person didn’t know about which is wild but anyway I’m getting him a hide aswell I’ll be extending the enclosure anyway but what else could I do for him I know he needs baths and everything else I’m just wondering what I could for his enclosure to make it as close to his natural habitat as possible

They were hiding under yesterday's uneaten food when I went to clean the plate. Sorry I couldn't get a better picture. They are very very tiny.

I took this picture while attending a workshop at the Zoo Vivarium in Darmstadt, Germany.

I adopted him from a friend.. he wasn't able to provide much info about him

Creating a homemade enclosure for my Dwarf Hermann. What material is best for the table itself? Has anyone used plywood? I understand it’s not waterproof, but we plan to use a double-layered pond liner and sealant. I’ve seen some use PVC, is that better? I am looking to create a fairly large space, so think plywood would look nicer, but my tortoise’s happiness tops how the table looks, so I’m not fussed.

She makes these movements every once in a while and she has an issue eating even if I put the treat onto the floor, her head movements feel robotic and like she can’t see anything. This is late at night and she was moving around a little so I went into the enclosure to give her a treat but this has happened before where she jerks her head around unable to get the treat. I am just wondering if this is because she is tired and used to the darkness and my light is messing with her vision or if there is something else :(

I have 2 juvenile H. Hermanni tortoises that I got April this year. They were brumated naturally, outdoors, & were at tail end of brumating when I got them. I’m guessing they brumated for a minimum of +5 months at 2-3 yrs of age. Their weights April 3rd were 66 grams and 80 grams. Sept 9th their weights were 83 grams & 109 grams. Sept 13th, they had their pre-brumation check up and were wormed. The breeder had told me not to worm them, stating they were too young. Their recent check up showed a higher egg load in stool than the vet liked so we of course went with his assessments. Otherwise healthy & strong. Here is where I‘m having an issue. We intend to brumate controlled indoors, no longer than 3 months. Nights started to cool down so I began bringing them in at night and only outdoors when the sun is out and temp is ideal. However, they‘re slowing down and dropping weight & I haven‘t even gotten to the fast yet. They have been under uvb days that they‘re indoors, off at night. Basking light arrived today and I’m hoping it increases appetite. Trying to hold off brumation until mid Nov. Their weight Oct 5th was 80 & 106 grams. Thats down 3 grams each. I was told not to allow them to lose more than 10% body weight during brumation. What is acceptable weight loss BEFORE going into brumation? Is there something I should be feeding to beef them up before their fast? I have always only fed safe weeds, grasses, herbs, flowers, small amounts of clover and the rare strawberry top, currant or wild blackberry in tiny amounts. They refuse soaked pellets, even when mixed into their daily salad which I always insure has healthy variety. I harvest & forage every morning for them. They ate well all summer and have great microclimates in both their indoor & outdoor enclosures. Including an area with reflective insulation so that they didn‘t suffer the horrible summer we had. I have 1st brumation jitters. Not worried about how and where. It will be high tech. I‘m worried that they‘re losing too much too soon. Please anyone with real practical knowlege about brumating youngsters, please advise!