Clorenzo85
Member
Hi, we picked up Donatello from his previous owner only a couple of days ago. His owner allowed us to keep his tank. Donatello was kept in his tank all his life, with the occasional (vary rare) unsupervised outings. When I first saw Donatello, he was walking against his small glass tank. I knew then that I needed to take him in and give him a better life. I have three dogs, so it took me a few months to finally take the plunge. I knew nothing about reptiles, but I was motivated to learn as seeing him in that condition depressed me. Our first night with him, we added a shoe box in his tank since I read that they like to go into their caves to cool down. The next day, we bought several things that we learned he needed. Of course, our goal was to create a safe space for him to roam around, while keeping our dogs in mind. The more I learn about these amazing animals, the more I realize that he has suffered a hole lot in his life time. Please help me improve his quality of life. Doing the best I can to read up on what his needs are. Thank you in advance for your advice!
Since he was kept in an empty glass tank for all of his life, with no lamps to regulate the temperature, or given proper nutrition, he suffers from pyramiding. He is only 2 lbs and I think his age is 12 or 13 years old. I've read that the basking temp should be at around 100 but I'm now unsure if this would be the case for a little guy like Donatello. I guess my question is, what is the proper basking temperature for a 2lb, possibly 12 year old sulcata tortoise?
First night with us: Below you'll see the tank that his previous owner gave us, with old lettuce and all. We added the shoe box just for him to have a place to chill through the night.
Day 2: We improved his space somewhat.
Day 3: This is what we created for him to be able to roam around. He occasionally walks around but very very little. I can't wait to see what he'll be like once he trusts his environment.
I am learning something new everyday. This is only temporary.
Since he was kept in an empty glass tank for all of his life, with no lamps to regulate the temperature, or given proper nutrition, he suffers from pyramiding. He is only 2 lbs and I think his age is 12 or 13 years old. I've read that the basking temp should be at around 100 but I'm now unsure if this would be the case for a little guy like Donatello. I guess my question is, what is the proper basking temperature for a 2lb, possibly 12 year old sulcata tortoise?
First night with us: Below you'll see the tank that his previous owner gave us, with old lettuce and all. We added the shoe box just for him to have a place to chill through the night.
Day 2: We improved his space somewhat.
Day 3: This is what we created for him to be able to roam around. He occasionally walks around but very very little. I can't wait to see what he'll be like once he trusts his environment.
I am learning something new everyday. This is only temporary.