Franklin04
New Member
Our Sulcata hatchling has been thriving in its home for the last couple months. As of yesterday it’s movement has slowed down and it has not been eating as much. Any ideas?
New Sulcata mommy
- Thread starter Franklin04
- Start date
daniellenc
Well-Known Member
Post pics of your setup, temps, and heat sources. He’s probably too cold.
Along with posting pictures and your cool side, night, and basking temperatures, be sure to give these a read-
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php...ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/
For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/
Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
How To Raise A Healthy Sulcata Or Leopard, Version 2.0 https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php...ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/
For Those Who Have a Young Sulcata... https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/For-Those-Who-Have-a-Young-Sulcata....76744/
Beginner Mistakes https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
Franklin04
New Member
Temp is about 35C we have the heat lamp on all the time and the uv light on for 12 hours a day.
daniellenc
Well-Known Member
First order of business is swapping out the temp gauge as the dial ones are severely inaccurate. Any digital model will work and here is a cheap one for ideas: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1R0K68/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
The wood shavings you're using appear to be aspen which is toxic. Instead replace with coco coir, fir/orchid bark, or cypress and keep it moist at all times.
Next that water bowl is a death trap. Either replace with a cheap plant saucer or sink into the substrate so it is flush with the ground. Reducing flipping and makes getting in and out much easier.
I know by now you're annoyed.....we all were at first and know you have been given this information as "proper" care by a pet store or uneducated breeder. This is not your fault you have done what was in your mind the right thing, but hankfully these changes are cheap and easy to make.
Lastly, what is your heat and bulb source? Some are better than others but his behavior and that temp gauge indicate your baby is cold and probably too dry. Read the sulcata links posted above for additional help and start looking at larger cage options now. The one he is in is already much too small
The wood shavings you're using appear to be aspen which is toxic. Instead replace with coco coir, fir/orchid bark, or cypress and keep it moist at all times.
Next that water bowl is a death trap. Either replace with a cheap plant saucer or sink into the substrate so it is flush with the ground. Reducing flipping and makes getting in and out much easier.
I know by now you're annoyed.....we all were at first and know you have been given this information as "proper" care by a pet store or uneducated breeder. This is not your fault you have done what was in your mind the right thing, but hankfully these changes are cheap and easy to make.
Lastly, what is your heat and bulb source? Some are better than others but his behavior and that temp gauge indicate your baby is cold and probably too dry. Read the sulcata links posted above for additional help and start looking at larger cage options now. The one he is in is already much too small
Your enclosure is also much too small for him to thermoregulate, and he needs total darkness at night. Be sure to give those links a read.
Franklin04
New Member
Thank you. The store we got him from has been no help. Every time we talk to someone they tell us something differently, contradictory to the last.First order of business is swapping out the temp gauge as the dial ones are severely inaccurate. Any digital model will work and here is a cheap one for ideas: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1R0K68/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
The wood shavings you're using appear to be aspen which is toxic. Instead replace with coco coir, fir/orchid bark, or cypress and keep it moist at all times.
Next that water bowl is a death trap. Either replace with a cheap plant saucer or sink into the substrate so it is flush with the ground. Reducing flipping and makes getting in and out much easier.
I know by now you're annoyed.....we all were at first and know you have been given this information as "proper" care by a pet store or uneducated breeder. This is not your fault you have done what was in your mind the right thing, but hankfully these changes are cheap and easy to make.
Lastly, what is your heat and bulb source? Some are better than others but his behavior and that temp gauge indicate your baby is cold and probably too dry. Read the sulcata links posted above for additional help and start looking at larger cage options now. The one he is in is already much too small
Well, you've come to the right place to get up-to-date care info. I agree with what's been said in the above posts.
Franklin04
New Member
Do you recommend a tortoise table? Where is a good place to get one?
He is going to need an 8 by 4 enclosure for now. It might last a year or two. Then he will need a much much bigger one.
Do you soak your baby ? The enclosure looks very dry. Please begin to soak your baby right now or the kidneys can be damaged. Soak for 30 min every twice a day in warm water ( 98,6 F )
You need asap a ceramic heat emitter. A che produces warmth but no light. Tortoises need it dark when they sleep. The night temps should be 80 F. Not higher and not lower.
And please do asap the changes the other members told you before. A bigger enclosure, another soil ( I prefer fine orchid bark ) another water bowl ( a terracotta flower pot saucer will be fine ).
Franklin04
New Member
I have made most of the changes suggested. In the process of getting a bigger enclosure. Is there one you suggest? We have been soaking twice a day since we have had it.
No, your tortoise needs a closed chamber with very little ventilation to hold the 80-100% humidity it needs. That is very hard to achieve with an open top.
You’ll have to build your own closed chamber, but I would recommend using the biggest tub you can find(50 gallons or 4x2 Christmas tree tub) until you get it finished.
It is good you soaked your baby tort. Well done. Pet stores do not have the newest informations about raising a tortoise baby healthy.
I prefer big vivariums for my growing torts. It is a closed chamber but you can observe the tort very well through the glas.
But a Christmas tree tub like @TechnoCheese had suggested makes a good enclosure too.
