At what age or size is a sulcatta bullet proof?

jojay327 · Jan 16, 2012

My sulcatta is about 9" long and very heavy for her size. Jessie is going on 3. She has a very smooth shell ( maybe due to the high humidity in SC ) I just built her a 10 x 6 enclosure for the winter, my question is do I still keep the table very humid or can I tone it down a bit seeing she will be back outside in a few months. She is on a cypress/topsoil mix and I still mist it. I was just wondering if she is past the delicate stage in her life. Thanks Jason

JensenEmpire · Jan 16, 2012

I have also been wondering about this.

wellington · Jan 16, 2012

I was about to slam you good.

With the title that is "bullet proof"

. I would love to know the answer to your question about leopards also. I am sure someone will come along soon that can answer it for you.

jojay327 · Jan 16, 2012

wellington said:
I was about to slam you good. With the title that is "bullet proof". I would love to know the answer to your question about leopards also. I am sure someone will come along soon that can answer it for you.

LOL, sorry to scare you, I am not shooting anyone. Jay

Tom · Jan 16, 2012

As far as all the humidity and shell smoothness goes, it is my opinion that you are out of the woods at around 6-8". They still need calcium, hydration, exercise, good diet and lots of sunshine to remain healthy and growing well, but the shell growth pattern is pretty well set by this point.

My own arbitrary "benchmark" for considering them past the "delicate" baby stage is 100 grams. It has been my experience that once they hit the triple digits you can be pretty sure that they are going to be fine and continue growing and being healthy.

It also occurs to me... I was once criticized heavily for referring to sulcatas as "bullet proof". The implication being that since so many of them die at a young age that I was doing the species a disservice by implying that they are hardier than they really are. I really do think they are a hardy species and the ones that don't make it are usually the result of incorrect husbandry as hatchlings. Just my opinion.

JLSchmittou · Jan 16, 2012

Tom said:
As far as all the humidity and shell smoothness goes, it is my opinion that you are out of the woods at around 6-8". They still need calcium, hydration, exercise, good diet and lots of sunshine to remain healthy and growing well, but the shell growth pattern is pretty well set by this point.

My own arbitrary "benchmark" for considering them past the "delicate" baby stage is 100 grams. It has been my experience that once they hit the triple digits you can be pretty sure that they are going to be fine and continue growing and being healthy.

It also occurs to me... I was once criticized heavily for referring to sulcatas as "bullet proof". The implication being that since so many of them die at a young age that I was doing the species a disservice by implying that they are hardier than they really are. I really do think they are a hardy species and the ones that don't make it are usually the result of incorrect husbandry as hatchlings. Just my opinion.

Hi, Tom!! Long time!!

So, based on your experience @ 100 g. They are past the infant caution zone??? In theory, maybe some of us can relax a little on the twice daily soakings, maybe cut it back to once a day a couple of times a week??? Maybe utilizing this time to, I dunno, shave ones legs... Catch up on some news... Go to the gym.... Teach a toddler shapes with paint....?

Tom · Jan 16, 2012

Hahahaa... Yes. As I said, its somewhat arbitrary, but I seldom see the typical baby problems once they make it to 100. Really I think they are usually fine by 80 grams, but I allow another 20 grams just for good measure.

jojodesca · Jan 16, 2012

oh my god I couldnt imagine somebody testing the theory...I was shocked to see the question, and not curious to know the answer

Tom · Jan 16, 2012

Where's Captain Awesome. I expected him to say something like, "As soon as they don their kevlar vests!

"

His reply would be much funnier though...

wildponey21 · Jan 17, 2012

so under 100 gram you should soak twice a day?

Tom · Jan 17, 2012

I only soak once a day. On occasion when we have those 110+ summer days with single digit humidity, I will soak them before and after a sunning session when they are tiny hatchlings. I am of the opinion that too much soaking can't hurt, but too little can. I don't think any harm will come to babies that are soaked twice a day though.

ALDABRAMAN · Jan 17, 2012

Tom said:
Where's Captain Awesome. I expected him to say something like, "As soon as they don their kevlar vests!"

His reply would be much funnier though...

JLSchmittou · Jan 18, 2012

Tom said:
I only soak once a day. On occasion when we have those 110+ summer days with single digit humidity, I will soak them before and after a sunning session when they are tiny hatchlings. I am of the opinion that too much soaking can't hurt, but too little can. I don't think any harm will come to babies that are soaked twice a day though.

Tom, what are you talking about, 110* days... They don't get those in So Cal!!! Gimme a break!!! Bwahahahaha!! Ugh. This mild winter has me DREADING this coming Summer.. Dear Lawd!! Help us all!!!

Tom · Jan 18, 2012

Almost every summer we get at least one day where the mercury hits 118. Most summer days are 95-100. Luckily our summer nights are usually fairly cool in the 60's. And don't forget... its a "dry" heat...

At what age or size is a sulcatta bullet proof?

jojay327

Well-Known Member

JensenEmpire

Member

wellington

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jojay327

Well-Known Member

Tom

The Dog Trainer

JLSchmittou

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Tom

The Dog Trainer

jojodesca

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Tom

The Dog Trainer

wildponey21

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Tom

The Dog Trainer

ALDABRAMAN

KEEPER AT HEART

JLSchmittou

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Tom

The Dog Trainer

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