Baby sulcata keep flipping over non stop.

Yvonne G

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How does the lighting work on a front opening enclosure like the one you showed in the first picture. I’m confused about the lighting and not having an open top so is it a type of tube bulb or does it hang inside or something?
It's a long tube fluorescent UVB light that hangs from the 'ceiling,' inside the enclosure. The heat comes from a radiant heat panel (RHP).
 

Momma_cat

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It's a long tube fluorescent UVB light that hangs from the 'ceiling,' inside the enclosure. The heat comes from a radiant heat panel (RHP).
Awesome thanks tonight I’m going to read over the “care post” someone else posted (sorry I don’t remember names yet) and work on seeing what I can build to house them separate. So if I understand correctly I won’t need a beat element with an enclosed tank bc it will make its own heat correct.
 

Momma_cat

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Awesome thanks tonight I’m going to read over the “care post” someone else posted (sorry I don’t remember names yet) and work on seeing what I can build to house them separate. So if I understand correctly I won’t need a beat element with an enclosed tank bc it will make its own heat correct.
My bad I just saw the rhp that’s another thing I need to install along with the light then
 

jeff kushner

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LOL...." a stalker of info normally?)" WE'VE GOT A LURKER!!!

You've got a nice home for them and they look great & you've applied the skin toughing cream...warned ya....LMAO. Don't worry, folks her love me because I respect real talent and it's here in spades.

Wanna know a real good "teller of talent"...B4 you listen to the words, go look at the pics.....these are some of the healthiest, best-cared for turtles/Tortoises you'll find anywhere, even most Zoo's.

I never had a baby sulc, but my baby box turtle taught me what was bad in her new home by looking at me upside-down when I entered the room a few times!!

Once Stud & Muffin get big.....(very short time from now), they will throw their weight around occasionally.......a Roomba and a large Tortoise can provide hours of fun........

You're in great hands now......listen and remember, the world doesn't have to be "fixed" for them overnight, just make it safe and do it as you can, they are tough....
 

Tom

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Awesome thanks tonight I’m going to read over the “care post” someone else posted (sorry I don’t remember names yet) and work on seeing what I can build to house them separate. So if I understand correctly I won’t need a beat element with an enclosed tank bc it will make its own heat correct.
This might offer some insight:
There are four elements to heating and lighting:
  1. Basking bulb. I use 65 watt incandescent floods from the hardware store. Some people will need bigger, or smaller wattage bulbs. Let your thermometer be your guide. I run them on a timer for about 12 hours and adjust the height to get the correct basking temp under them. I also like to use a flat rock of some sort directly under the bulb. You need to check the temp with a thermometer directly under the bulb and get it to around 95-100F (36-37C).
  2. Ambient heat maintenance. I use ceramic heating elements or radiant heat panels set on thermostats to maintain ambient above 80 degrees day and night for tropical species. You'd only need day heat for a temperate species like Testudo or DT, as long as your house stays above 60F (15-16C) at night.
  3. Light. I use LEDs for this purpose. Something in the 5000-6500K color range will look the best. Most bulbs at the store are in the 2500K range and they look yellowish. Strip or screw-in bulb types are both fine.
  4. UV. If you can get your tortoise outside for an hour 2 or 3 times a week, you won't need indoor UV. In colder climates, get one of the newer HO type fluorescent tubes. Which type will depend on mounting height. 5.0 bulbs make almost no UV. I like the 12% HO bulbs from Arcadia. You need a meter to check this: https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html
 

Toddrickfl1

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I once had a climbing problem too lol. I'm sure you'll probably end up changing your enclosure somewhat but this might give you some ideas if you still have a problem with the tort climbing. What I did was cap the corners and put a rail just above the tortoises head level. IMG_20200906_122246753.jpgIMG_20200906_122254604.jpg
 

Jan A

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I appreciate it I’m trying to read everything it is very off putting that instead of answering my question everyone seems to be attacking me that I’m doing everything wrong (maybe I’m just being a ***** *** I don’t really talk to people much at all online I’m just a stalker of info normally?) but I understand they just want to help I guess. I would t be here if I didn’t want to make sure they are being cared for correctly and living the best possible life. I’m working when I can get photos and things later I will if that helps
Welcome to the forum. This is a lot of info to get thru & you want a simple answer. First of all, your babies are going to grow very quickly with good care, so be prepared & be thinking already about bigger enclosures.

Second, Yvonne was trying to explain to you that even as small as they are, when you keep 2 torts together, one will be looking to dominate the other. This is what they do in the wild. It may be that the one who keeps flipping is trying to get away from the other because of bullying.

Immediately put something in the corners to try to stop the climbing/ escape behavior, i.e., a plant, a floor tile or board that's slick & gives no traction. In other words, take the corner away.

The care sheets represent the best care our experienced owners & breeders have found that works for healthy torts. We all know that money is tight, & you'll find some very original thinking & experiments in saving money by other owners.

Please get unfrustrated. Take your obstacles one at a time. Ask questions. We are here to help.
 

Momma_cat

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I once had a climbing problem too lol. I'm sure you'll probably end up changing your enclosure somewhat but this might give you some ideas if you still have a problem with the tort climbing. What I did was cap the corners and put a rail just above the tortoises head level. View attachment 334620View attachment 334621
Omg what a great idea this might just work till I can build or buy them a new space! It’s crazy how high she gets on the wall on those little back legs ? even if it’s just for a short period of time it will help and I can do this the fastest thanks so much! All the advice on here is great so far I have a lot of reading to do tho now! ?
 

Maggie3fan

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Omg what a great idea this might just work till I can build or buy them a new space! It’s crazy how high she gets on the wall on those little back legs ? even if it’s just for a short period of time it will help and I can do this the fastest thanks so much! All the advice on here is great so far I have a lot of reading to do tho now! ?
It is very rewarding for the keepers who have given you advice to see how you have come around and are eager to take their advice...and consequently making a better life for your babies...just don't get frazzled just take one thing at a time...
Mary Knobbins welcomes you to TFO...
100_0178.JPG
 

Momma_cat

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New tortoise mom here I have two (2-3mo old) sulcatas. I have googled, YouTubed and read things here and I’m at a loss what to do.
I have them both in a Zoo med tortoise house that’s plenty spacious (they are about 2 oz each so very small still obviously)
I literally have everything the reptile shop said I need and have it “flip proof” as possible. The lamps , substrate hides a dark said with damp moss and more hides daily baths the whole 9 as far as I know I’m doing everything by the book.
but my one keeps flipping to the point I have a camera so I can check on them and yesterday luckily I was close to home and had to come save her. It’s always under the lights as well and that makes it stressful. I can’t sit and watch a camera non stop it’s just not possible and I work full time and travel so I’m not always close to home (I’m home daily tho) She literally will go to the corner and try to climb the wall non stop no matter what I do and just falls over eventually.
Please someone tell me the magic to get her to stop.
my only last idea is to block her to stay in the dark side when I’m not home but that seems unfair to me :( but all I think of all day is if she’s slowly dying it’s literally giving me such anxiety.

Thank you for any help
I just wanted to say thank you again everyone for all the advice I am excited to say at some point this weekend I will be creating two (separated) new “terrariums” (if that’s the right word for it ) out of a dresser as of right now I can get the little ones out into the sunlight in a safe place with me for a small period of time so I have turned off the uv light as of today she has not flipped over from what I know so that’s a big plus. I’m hoping I can get the whole project done this weekend between kids and work I think I’m going to shy away from the UV bulbs for now since I can let them get outside light and focus on the heating element and making sure it’s properly vented in the back and I can get proper lighting inside. I’m very excited to show everyone when it’s all done before I put them in there to make sure it is tortoise approved :) I might be able to get them in there but I don’t know if I will have time to get the plexiglass for the front doors this weekend but at least they will be separated and without the lighting that could be causing some issues. And more hides for them and sneaky grassy areas :) thanks again I will keep everyone updated as it goes ???
I’ve been looking forward to a project like this to revamp furniture for my bearded dragons enclosure but she is comfortable and fine so the turtles get top priority right now since I’m having so many issues

stud and muffin say thanks too!
 

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Krista S

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I just wanted to say thank you again everyone for all the advice I am excited to say at some point this weekend I will be creating two (separated) new “terrariums” (if that’s the right word for it ) out of a dresser as of right now I can get the little ones out into the sunlight in a safe place with me for a small period of time so I have turned off the uv light as of today she has not flipped over from what I know so that’s a big plus. I’m hoping I can get the whole project done this weekend between kids and work I think I’m going to shy away from the UV bulbs for now since I can let them get outside light and focus on the heating element and making sure it’s properly vented in the back and I can get proper lighting inside. I’m very excited to show everyone when it’s all done before I put them in there to make sure it is tortoise approved :) I might be able to get them in there but I don’t know if I will have time to get the plexiglass for the front doors this weekend but at least they will be separated and without the lighting that could be causing some issues. And more hides for them and sneaky grassy areas :) thanks again I will keep everyone updated as it goes ???
I’ve been looking forward to a project like this to revamp furniture for my bearded dragons enclosure but she is comfortable and fine so the turtles get top priority right now since I’m having so many issues

stud and muffin say thanks too!
I know I’m late to the party, but I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Kudos to you for being open to the slew of information you’ve been provided and for taking action so quickly. That’s so nice to see. This picture you’ve posted of your 2 tortoises is adorable. Their little faces are sooo stinking cute!! It’s hard to not fall in love with a baby tortoise. ? I look forward to seeing the new habitats you set up for them!
 

TortyJay

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Welcome to the forum! Don’t feel attacked for asking for help and getting straight taking information. People are just constructive. When you spend time on something and people say it’s wrong it does feel that way but your doing that work for a living creature that your not well informed enough to make decisions for just yet. That’s where this forum is great! It totally sucks how much misinformation is out there it shouldn’t be legal. At least you’ve found it now like I have!

Best of luck I can’t wait to see your new enclosures they’re both cute!! ?
 

Momma_cat

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Welcome to the forum! Don’t feel attacked for asking for help and getting straight taking information. People are just constructive. When you spend time on something and people say it’s wrong it does feel that way but your doing that work for a living creature that your not well informed enough to make decisions for just yet. That’s where this forum is great! It totally sucks how much misinformation is out there it shouldn’t be legal. At least you’ve found it now like I have!

Best of luck I can’t wait to see your new enclosures they’re both cute!! ?
I’m at hime depot not getting all the stuff to make a better place right now! I’m excited to get it done :) when it’s all done I’ll post pics
 

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lynnefay

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I once had a climbing problem too lol. I'm sure you'll probably end up changing your enclosure somewhat but this might give you some ideas if you still have a problem with the tort climbing. What I did was cap the corners and put a rail just above the tortoises head level. View attachment 334620View attachment 334621
we did this too! it really works. they can't get vertical enough on their hind legs to tip.
 

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Yvonne G

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I’m at hime depot not getting all the stuff to make a better place right now! I’m excited to get it done :) when it’s all done I’ll post pics
OMG! You found orchid bark at Home Depot? Good job!!!
 

Momma_cat

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OMG! You found orchid bark at Home Depot? Good job!!!
I did! And the little terracotta dishes for water so they don’t slip around mine love to dig so I’ll probably take the coco stuff from the enclosure now and use that on the bottom and put the orchid mulch ontop. I still need to get plexiglass to replace the doors on the chest thing I’m making into the terrarium (pics below) I have to level the top shelf still with an extension (so there is no crawling over and falling off the top floor of “tortoise towers” issues )and install lights and the heaters as well as the vents I purchased for the back (like very small ac vents) and pair this thing I got for free from a friend to go with my sons room :) I’m slowly getting it all I won’t have it done by tonight but should be done by this weekend I need to order some things like the heaters online ect too. While they’re small I can have them separately in the same enclosure.
 

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lynnefay

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I'm going to have to ask my boss if she knew we stocked tortoise supplies, lol.
 
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