New Sully Owner in San Diego

Shrimps

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Jamul, CA
Hi! I recently adopted a young sulcata from the humane society where I work. She's my first and I'm so excited to have her. Coming from the shelter, we know virtually nothing about her history and no idea how old she is. She weighs 1.5# and is about 8" long. Been working on trying to find good foods that she likes, but she's fairly picky. She's living indoors currently until I can get a proper predator proof setup outside for her. She's in a kiddie pool with a tall ex pen around it so my dogs and cats dont bother her. The ex pen allows me to suspend her heat and lighting. I'm so excited and a bit nervous to embark on this journey with her (named her Penelope) and to be part of this group - you all have so much experience and I'm grateful for the resources!
 

Blakem

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
2,381
Location (City and/or State)
California
Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your new addition. You’ve come to the best community of reptile owners. How does she feel? Hollow or light like a balloon? Do you have a heat mat to warm her from the core since she’s in an open area? Can we see pictures?! [emoji3] we love pictures
 

Shrimps

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Jamul, CA
Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your new addition. You’ve come to the best community of reptile owners. How does she feel? Hollow or light like a balloon? Do you have a heat mat to warm her from the core since she’s in an open area? Can we see pictures?! [emoji3] we love pictures

I wasn't sure about a heat mat since she has a baking spot. Does she need both? In the same area or away from each other?
 

Shrimps

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Jamul, CA
Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your new addition. You’ve come to the best community of reptile owners. How does she feel? Hollow or light like a balloon? Do you have a heat mat to warm her from the core since she’s in an open area? Can we see pictures?! [emoji3] we love pictures

She feels pretty solid to me. I guess more like a balloon? She's a spicy one a d doesnt like to be picked up too much so I've been trying to limit handling but it's so hard because she so cute and I love her so much already!!!
 

Ray--Opo

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5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
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Oct 14, 2017
Messages
7,018
Location (City and/or State)
Palm Bay Fl
Welcome,not sure of the weather where you are at but you will need a enclosed area for your sully that will keep the humidity at 80 or 90 percent. You can primarily keep the little sully indoors because the size of your tort seems it maybe around a year old unless it was abused by the last owners. You can always take him outside daily supervised. If you're area is humid outside like we are in Florida you could make a outside enclosure also. Daily soaks for at least 1/2hr with warm water is a must. (Dont let it cool down)
That's just some of the things that need to be done. Read the threads here on beginners mistakes and care for your sully.
Good luck and ask questions.
 

Blakem

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10 Year Member!
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
2,381
Location (City and/or State)
California
Well, my personal opinion, as Dexter got bigger, I noticed it was taking a LONG time to warm him up, around 2 hours. This was even with an oil heater. I feel that warming him at his belly ilwill help his core temperature and help his overall warmth rather than just the overhead warmth he gets, which is now a ceramic heat emitter. He lays on it as he pleases.
 

Shrimps

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Jamul, CA
Well, my personal opinion, as Dexter got bigger, I noticed it was taking a LONG time to warm him up, around 2 hours. This was even with an oil heater. I feel that warming him at his belly ilwill help his core temperature and help his overall warmth rather than just the overhead warmth he gets, which is now a ceramic heat emitter. He lays on it as he pleases.

What kind of substrate do you have for him? I'm using coconut coir and wonder if it's ok to place heat under or on top of that? Thanks!!
 

Shrimps

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Jamul, CA
Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your new addition. You’ve come to the best community of reptile owners. How does she feel? Hollow or light like a balloon? Do you have a heat mat to warm her from the core since she’s in an open area? Can we see pictures?! [emoji3] we love pictures

Here's her new setup in my dining room

20181229_125924.jpg 20181229_124521.jpg 20181229_124557.jpg 20181229_124547.jpg
 

Carol S

Well-Known Member
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Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
2,721
Location (City and/or State)
Alta Loma, CA
Welcome to the forum. I would get rid of the hay that is in the hide. Hay cannot be kept moist for humidity as it will mold. Just use the moist coir inside the hide.
 

Blakem

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
2,381
Location (City and/or State)
California
I would buy a heat mat for when he’s outside. I’m sure you don’t let it get cold in your house. Dexter doesn’t use substrate now, he’s outside 24/7. He sleeps in an insulated house. I have an Instagram page for him.
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
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Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
Tortoises use plants (or anything that's placed next to the wall) as a ladder and climb right out of the enclosure.
 
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