Hello !

[Torto07]

Hi guys my name is Fermin and i'm southern California, just purchased 2 sulcata tortoises from the reptile expo. They are 3 months old (from what i was told) and they are awesome ! Any way i also had a question, my tortoises shell look good at least i think so (I'm new to tortoises) i did noticed the shell being rough towards the edges don't know if that is normal or not can any one help me thanks !

 

[TechnoCheese]

Welcome to the forum!
I don’t know about the shell, but there are a few things you should probably keep in mind.

-Tortoises, especially Sulcatas, are solitary, territorial animals that should never be kept in pairs. If your two are being housed together, they need to be separated.

-Red lights should not be used. Tortoises can see both the color and the light, so not only does it keep them up at night, but it can make them eat their substrate. You should be using a ceramic heat emitter for night, along with a flood light for basking and tube fluorescent UVB.

Please give these a read and come back with questions-
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/

Could we see a picture of your enclosure?

 

[LaLaP]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Torto07]

@LaLaP Thanks !! @TechnoCheese Ok so after some reading on the threads i know i'm doing wrong here, i already placed an order for a fluorescent UVB tube and also i'm going to go to my local hardware store to buy a bigger container for lost more space. but here are a few more pictures thanks for all the help guys well appreciated.

 

[Ray--Opo]

Hi Fermin and welcome. The way you have lights it looks like you are using the clamps. The lights and when you get a 60 w flood light and the CHE should be pointed directly down. Those clamps have a tendency to fail and you could end up with a burnt tort or fire hazard. You need to build a frame over the enclosures to hang the lights then use something to drape over it all to totally enclose the container to hold heat and humidity. Humidity should be 80 to 90 % the heat shouldn't drop below 80 anywhere and put a flat stone big enough for them to sprawl out under the flood light and maintain a temp of 95 to 110 degrees there. Soak your little buddy's everyday for 30 min. in warm water (dont let it cool down ). Water up to where the top and bottom shell meets. Look at enclosure ideas here there are good ones.
The person who sold them to you should have told you they can't live together.
And for future reference look at the large outside enclosures they will need in the future so you know what to expect. Because that will be in about two years. You will also need to get them outside everyday if warm enough SUPERVISED. I lost Opo for three days and it really was a miracle where Opo ended up. Good luck you will fall in love with them.
Oh yeah dont feed them fruit as of now and you can it to them as a very limited treat later

 

[Ray--Opo]

Sorry for the rambling I can't sleep lol

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Fermin, and welcome to the Forum!

Just to add to what's already been said, it looks like you're using a compact fluorescent bulb (curly shaped bulb)? These have been known to harm baby tortoise's eyes. I would turn that one off immediately and just wait until you get your new UVB bulb.

 

[Torto07]

Sorry guys been at work all day and finally got off rushed to my local pet store and purchased some well needed equipment for now i plan to keep improving, but for now i got a ZML HOOD REPTISUN T5 HO 24 in uvb fluorescent bulb, ZML CERAMIC 30-40G 100W HEATER and a LAMP STAND as well. Plan to get bigger tub and have a lid as well, but people at the reptile and pet store have told me that just to have a humid hid will work but most people here say lid is best way so that's what i plan to do. UPDATE :

 

[Chasen]

Welcome.. I've had fantastic success by following the direction given to me on this forum..

 

[Ray--Opo]

Sorry guys been at work all day and finally got off rushed to my local pet store and purchased some well needed equipment for now i plan to keep improving, but for now i got a ZML HOOD REPTISUN T5 HO 24 in uvb fluorescent bulb, ZML CERAMIC 30-40G 100W HEATER and a LAMP STAND as well. Plan to get bigger tub and have a lid as well, but people at the reptile and pet store have told me that just to have a humid hid will work but most people here say lid is best way so that's what i plan to do. UPDATE : View attachment 262016 View attachment 262017

Hello Fermin, get a terracotta dish that goes under a flower pot for a water dish. You need a top for your enclosure to hold heat and humidity in. The temp should never get below 80/85 anywhere. Humidity 80/90%. You can look at threads here on enclosures that are completely closed.Some members have found a tent type cover. Your thermometer and hydrometer need to be the digital type with external wire probes. They are more accurate. With the top open your enclosure is dry. I sent a pic of what I ended up doing because had done the same things you have.
I put a webcam inside so I could keep a eye on Opo from my phone.

 

[Torto07]

Nice !!! i plan to separate the two babies i got i got two thinking my little guy would get lonely but i guess they like the solo life. I saw a you tube video where some guy put saran wrap on half of his enclosure and the humidity was in the mid 80 % do you guys think its a good idea ?? just wondering, i plan to get a bigger container with a lid. Thanks for all the help and advise guys really thankful !

 

[Ray--Opo]

Saran wrap or tin foil will work