I dunno how to turn an imagine into a URL lol
I understand this is a temporary setup I'll be getting a bigger cage and a headlamp this week. Any tips on pyramiding?Damien: Nice picture. Glad you were able to figure out how to post a picture.
You young tortoise is just starting to pyramid. It is very young, so plenty of time to correct and get proper growth started now.
I have read your other thread on asking for "nitpicking". It was great you provided so much detail, but I am afraid most of what you are doing is needing a change. Temperatures need to never drop below 80°. A basking area of around 95°. Humidity of 80%. And please read the posts on raising sulcatas and correct the diet ASAP. Most all of the items you listed are not good.
So for the best start - please read these posts. Two different ways of saying the same thing. One by Tom and one by me. I wrote mine to apply to any tortoise I call a "monsoon tortoise". That definitely includes sulcatas.
Read these and come back with questions.
AND... WELCOME to the forum and Sulcata keeping!
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-star-tortoise.159167/
Also I am planning on getting a larger tank, better lighting, etc. Sometime Later this week. Is this okay temporarily or should I change it sooner? (These are general questions im reading the posts RN)Damien: Nice picture. Glad you were able to figure out how to post a picture.
You young tortoise is just starting to pyramid. It is very young, so plenty of time to correct and get proper growth started now.
I have read your other thread on asking for "nitpicking". It was great you provided so much detail, but I am afraid most of what you are doing is needing a change. Temperatures need to never drop below 80°. A basking area of around 95°. Humidity of 80%. And please read the posts on raising sulcatas and correct the diet ASAP. Most all of the items you listed are not good.
So for the best start - please read these posts. Two different ways of saying the same thing. One by Tom and one by me. I wrote mine to apply to any tortoise I call a "monsoon tortoise". That definitely includes sulcatas.
Read these and come back with questions.
AND... WELCOME to the forum and Sulcata keeping!
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-star-tortoise.159167/
Also I am planning on getting a larger tank, better lighting, etc. Sometime Later this week. Is this okay temporarily or should I change it sooner? (These are general questions im reading the posts RN)
In providing the proper enclosure - To me if we are talking urgency and inability to do everything at once:Also I am planning on getting a larger tank, better lighting, etc. Sometime Later this week. Is this okay temporarily or should I change it sooner? (These are general questions im reading the posts RN)
In providing the proper enclosure - To me if we are talking urgency and inability to do everything at once:
First. THE FIRST DAY. Get the "climate" correct. I think of it as the 80/80 rule = It is absolutely necessary to have proper temperatures and humidity correct as that allows for proper metabolism and health. So at least provide a space where temps never dip below 80° and humidity stays at 80% and give a basking area with a high temp in the 95°-100° range. This allows for the tortoise to maintain a correct core body temperature and the immune system to work.
Second. THE FIRST WEEK. Get the lighting correct. A good daylight period that is longer than the night period. 13-14 hours of good "sunlight" type lighting with some shade retreats. Ideally, a good 5500k ambient with a CRI of at least 90. A DARK nighttime period with a secure hiding spot.
Third. THE FIRST WEEK. Get the "landscape" correct. A proper substrate that holds moisture, does not mold, and does not pose an injury or impaction risk. I don't think anything comes close to fine grade orchid bark for this. Put in some potted plants that will do well in the enclosure to provide sight barriers and overhanging branches/fronds to hide beneath and partial shade for light gradients. A hide to go into. A "watering hole" big enough for the tortoise to walk into and easy to get in and out of.
Fourth. WITHIN A MONTH. Proper UVB exposure. If outdoors is possible with proper temps - at least a few hours a week. If not, a good UVB light mounted correctly.
Fifth. WITHIN 6 MONTHS. Get it to the size the tortoise should really have. If the above is correct, a smaller enclosure will not hurt your tortoise in the short term. But for proper health, bone and muscle development, gastro intestinal heath, as well a stable mental state, a tortoise will need enough room to walk, explore and exercise.
You need to change it as soon as possible. And also, what is that substrate? It looks very dry.