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SpeedyMeister

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Sep 7, 2020
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Ca
We just adopted a baby sulcata - 2 months old. Wondering best care (soaking, food, play time) etc. There is so much out there we are confused as to which way is best! In need of advice. Thank you in advance A4FCE529-AD3F-4B6A-A446-0F1CBDDB5D67.jpeg
 

TortoiseWarrior

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May 13, 2016
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Minnesota
Have you seen this?
 

Chefdenoel10

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Tortoise Club
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Oct 12, 2018
Messages
3,162
Location (City and/or State)
New Jersey
We just adopted a baby sulcata - 2 months old. Wondering best care (soaking, food, play time) etc. There is so much out there we are confused as to which way is best! In need of advice. Thank you in advance View attachment 305665

Hello!!!! And welcome!!!!
You baby is gorgeous!!!
You soooooo came to the right place !!!
I know it’s a lot to read but
PPLLLEEEAASSEE read the sulcata sheet posted below.
In there is EVERYTHING RIGHT to do for your baby tort.
You should have no problems if you follow it to the end.
Don’t go by what pet stores or other people say!! This list is what will make you tortoise happy and thrive for years to come.
Enjoy!
and when you are done .... come visit us in
“The Cold Dark Room” - for some fun and craziness!! ??
 

SpeedyMeister

New Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2020
Messages
4
Location (City and/or State)
Ca

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
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Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,405
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
Hi, and welcome!

You probably shouldn't have grass as the substrate. You need to use something you can keep moist.
 

SpeedyMeister

New Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2020
Messages
4
Location (City and/or State)
Ca
Hi, and welcome!

You probably shouldn't have grass as the substrate. You need to use something you can keep moist.
Oh yes- thanks - that picture was just in the box we transported after adopting. We didn’t think we would be coming home with a baby tortoise when we left home that day ?
 

Chefdenoel10

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Tortoise Club
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Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
3,162
Location (City and/or State)
New Jersey
Question on lighting ? UVA ba UVB- both? How long? Basking bulbs?

Ooooo!!!! I know this one!!!
Ok.... all these things are different prices so shop around online for the best price or a sale?
1)- UVB lighting. “Reptisun Hood” works best. (You pick the size to fit your tank)
2)- UVB bulb.. Retisun T5 (they make in all different sizes. You chose the right one according to your hood size.)
3)- the “basking bulb” you can get a
“Flood light” bulb and a fixture from a hardware store like Home Depot .
Only use it in a fixture that Does NOT clamp . Do not use clamp lamps as they can cause fire or fall on your baby.
4)- at night they need a “heat” source which is a ceramic bulb kind of thing but only puts out heat and No light. Try to get one (from amazon?) that comes WITH a THERMOSTAT. (So it will reach a certain temp. And then turn itself off accordingly)
And lastly for how long...
Think of it this way... you are trying to create a day and night for them inside of your house... so do 8/12 hrs on 8/12 off (but not the night heat bulb..) leave that one on . It’s on a thermostat and controls itself. The others you could put on timers. 64C7A80B-5DEC-4A06-BB31-0443925545CF.pngEB17CE76-3FD4-40AF-B337-0D668890E9E1.png013E80D1-8DB8-4F55-BFBC-6DF33D084D31.png
 

Chefdenoel10

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
3,162
Location (City and/or State)
New Jersey
Ooooo!!!! I know this one!!!
Ok.... all these things are different prices so shop around online for the best price or a sale?
1)- UVB lighting. “Reptisun Hood” works best. (You pick the size to fit your tank)
2)- UVB bulb.. Retisun T5 (they make in all different sizes. You chose the right one according to your hood size.)
3)- the “basking bulb” you can get a
“Flood light” bulb and a fixture from a hardware store like Home Depot .
Only use it in a fixture that Does NOT clamp . Do not use clamp lamps as they can cause fire or fall on your baby.
4)- at night they need a “heat” source which is a ceramic bulb kind of thing but only puts out heat and No light. Try to get one (from amazon?) that comes WITH a THERMOSTAT. (So it will reach a certain temp. And then turn itself off accordingly)
And lastly for how long...
Think of it this way... you are trying to create a day and night for them inside of your house... so do 8/12 hrs on 8/12 off (but not the night heat bulb..) leave that one on . It’s on a thermostat and controls itself. The others you could put on timers. View attachment 305780View attachment 305781View attachment 305782

Also!!!!! The Reptisun long bulb should be a 10.0 !!!!!! (It’s better UVB)
(the T5.0 is not enoughUVB for good results)
 

Chefdenoel10

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
3,162
Location (City and/or State)
New Jersey
Also!!!!! The Reptisun long bulb should be a 10.0 !!!!!! (It’s better UVB)
(the T5.0 is not enoughUVB for good results)

AMD the flood light bulb should be 65wts.?
Not sure on that one because you have a baby and I don’t want it to burn him... I’ll find out for you....
 
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