My name is Adam and I live on Oahu. I just want to start by thanking every member of this forum for sharing all of their experiences and information. I couldn't be more excited about finding so many people as enthusiastic as I am when it comes to doing things right for their animals. I have yet to make my first tortoise purchase for I am anxiously counting down the days until I come back from vacation just after the New Year, but I am leaning towards getting a baby Sulcata. I am using these next 2-3 months to scour the web for all things tortoise. This forum has already provided me a wealth of knowledge and I am hungry for more.
As of now, since Hawaii lacks a solid reputable breeder, I am forced to search craigslist for hatchlings. I want to get the tortoise as young as possible because I want to ensure it is being fed and cared for properly. I am not sure if there is too young an age to obtain a tortoise, but it looks like I should not have an issue obtaining a Sulcata hatchling if craigslist is any indication. If anyone knows how long after hatching one should wait before re-homing I would appreciate it.
Every day I go online and search for proper Sulcata hatchling environments. I have seen so many great ideas that I am overwhelmed with what’s the best. I am willing to spend any amount to make the tortoise happy. The initial enclosure I was going to buy was that popular z00-med tortoise box that is being sold on Amazon for 95$. Upon further research I hear the box is flimsy and it will warp if it gets too wet. I now am leaning towards buying a Wal-mart Rubbermaid bin and cutting the top for the light, but that’s not going to look very nice. I am also debating making a tortoise box from scratch, but again was concerned with the wood warping. What do you all think is going to make the baby most happy?
I was planning to use this light: Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb - 160 Watts (120V), but am almost certain this will make things too hot and too bright for a young Sulcata especially since room temp here in Hawaii is always at least 80 degrees all year. I have read of others having extremely high temps when they use stronger bulbs and have seen people on this forum recommend a simple 45watt bulb for that reason. I must emphasize I intend to get the tortoise in direct Hawaiian sun for at least an hour a day every day. Would that be too much or too little direct sun exposure? I understand keeping the babies humid is essential for proper growth. The average humidity in my house is ranges from 50-60%. With that being said what is my target humidity for the baby? I will be soaking the tortoise 3 times a week for about 20 mins as well. I was planning to use coco coir mixed with top soil. Is this the best idea for a baby Sulcata? What would be the ideal ratio of coco coir to soil? I was thinking 50/50.
I apologize for asking so much on one post, I welcome any and all advice. I know there will always be something new to learn and that is why I am here. Thank you all for your time.
As of now, since Hawaii lacks a solid reputable breeder, I am forced to search craigslist for hatchlings. I want to get the tortoise as young as possible because I want to ensure it is being fed and cared for properly. I am not sure if there is too young an age to obtain a tortoise, but it looks like I should not have an issue obtaining a Sulcata hatchling if craigslist is any indication. If anyone knows how long after hatching one should wait before re-homing I would appreciate it.
Every day I go online and search for proper Sulcata hatchling environments. I have seen so many great ideas that I am overwhelmed with what’s the best. I am willing to spend any amount to make the tortoise happy. The initial enclosure I was going to buy was that popular z00-med tortoise box that is being sold on Amazon for 95$. Upon further research I hear the box is flimsy and it will warp if it gets too wet. I now am leaning towards buying a Wal-mart Rubbermaid bin and cutting the top for the light, but that’s not going to look very nice. I am also debating making a tortoise box from scratch, but again was concerned with the wood warping. What do you all think is going to make the baby most happy?
I was planning to use this light: Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb - 160 Watts (120V), but am almost certain this will make things too hot and too bright for a young Sulcata especially since room temp here in Hawaii is always at least 80 degrees all year. I have read of others having extremely high temps when they use stronger bulbs and have seen people on this forum recommend a simple 45watt bulb for that reason. I must emphasize I intend to get the tortoise in direct Hawaiian sun for at least an hour a day every day. Would that be too much or too little direct sun exposure? I understand keeping the babies humid is essential for proper growth. The average humidity in my house is ranges from 50-60%. With that being said what is my target humidity for the baby? I will be soaking the tortoise 3 times a week for about 20 mins as well. I was planning to use coco coir mixed with top soil. Is this the best idea for a baby Sulcata? What would be the ideal ratio of coco coir to soil? I was thinking 50/50.
I apologize for asking so much on one post, I welcome any and all advice. I know there will always be something new to learn and that is why I am here. Thank you all for your time.
