You have a new baby Marginated tortoise and you want everything to go perfect. The four most important things to remember when raising a Marginated baby with a smooth shell is:
Housing: Warm and Humid conditions with a place to hide (more info)
Diet: Primarily Leafy Green Plants (more info)
Lighting: Sunlight when possible. If indoors, a good Reptile Bulb (more info)
Temperature: 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit primarily
A basking spot can be offered that stays in the 90s
A warm, humid hide should be in the high 70s low 80s
Other important baby tips:
To ensure your tortoise's optimal health, it is recommended to soak them regularly during their first year. At least four times a week, allow them to soak in shallow, warm water that covers the bottom of their shell. Daily soaking is also acceptable. This time is not only for drinking but also for your tortoise to excrete urine (a toothpaste-like substance) and feces.
It's best to avoid handling them too frequently during their first year, as they are naturally wary of larger predators, and you look like that predator.
I would suggest purchasing a temperature gun for your enclosure. It is reasonably priced at $20 and will allow you to accurately measure the temperature of specific areas. You can do this with a temperature gauge in the enclosure, but I like the preciseness of these.
Put your lights on a timer and automate everything you can. Besides a reptile light timer, a smart outlet may work better for you.
