Baby sulcata

[Steven1989]

Hi everyone new to the group I got my baby Sulcata today from pet shop he's 5 months old about 2" in carapace I have him in a 3ft vivarium with a 10% uvb tube and a basking temp of 95/100 for substrate I am using topsoil. I'm going to be feeding him different grasses weeds ect no fruit or veg I tried bathing him already but he didn't wake up in bath he stayed a sleep or atleast hiding in his shell. Sincew these pictures were taken I've added hides

 

[johnandjade]

hi there! you are in the right place, the people on here are really helpfull and no doubt be along soon to advice you. Im a newbie to caring for tortoises and this form has been a god send! check out the species spacific care sheet, in the mean time

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

welcome to the forum! is the build you are using a coil bulb?

 

[Steven1989]

Hi guys thank you for the welcome. No I'm not using coil bulb I'm using heat bulb and uvb tube

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. Congrats on the new baby. May I offer some tips?

They hatch at nearly 2". I hope your tortoise is younger than what they told you, because if he is really 5 months old and only 2", you might have a problem. Can you tell us his weight in grams?

Sounds like you already have the right idea for his enclosure and set up, but your water bowl makes me nervous. The sides are a little too tall and steep. A terra cotta plant saucer will work better and be much safer.

Here are some helpful threads in case you haven't seen these yet:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.78361/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Steven1989]

Hi tom thank you for your advice they never told me how old he was I was guessing in a min I will take a pic and upload it of his her exact size I will also weigh and get back to you picture and weight to follow.

 

[Steven1989]

Hi he is 49g and here's a pic of he's size.

 

[Tom]

Was he started with the old dry methods, or has he been hydrated since day 1?

I can't see if he still has his egg tooth in the pic, but I would guess this one to be around 4-8 weeks.

 

[Steven1989]

I'm not sure I got him from pet shop does he look healthy is he a healthy weight for his size?

 

[Tom]

I'm not sure I got him from pet shop does he look healthy is he a healthy weight for his size?

He looks just fine. Chart his weight weekly, and follow my care sheet, and he should be A-ok. Keep us updated on his weekly weights and that will be the best indicator that everything is ok. Steady gain from week to week is what you are looking for. If he stays at 49 for the next month, you might have an issue.

Look at the tip of his snout and tell me if there is a little sharp point (the egg tooth). If yes, then he is likely less than 6 weeks old.

 

[Steven1989]

Ok tom will follow your care sheet thank you for your support will keep you updated. Also I've just put a ceramic heat emitter I don't have a dimerstat but a temperature one max 300w I've been told this will shorten the life of bulb as it turns off a lot that's not a problem but is it safe for tort?

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome.

 

[Tom]

I don't have a dimerstat but a temperature one max 300w I've been told this will shorten the life of bulb as it turns off a lot that's not a problem but is it safe for tort?

Do you have a thermostat, or a dimmer (rheostat)?
Are you saying your thermostat or dimmer is rated to only 300 watts?
Running a CHE on a thermostat and having it turn on and off frequently will not shorten its life. I have a 60 watt one that has been in use almost continually since 1991. Sometimes on a mimer, sometimes on a thermostat and sometimes just on 24/7 over all those years. Still running strong.

 

[Steven1989]

Hi tom I have it on a thermostat good to know it's safe and that's a long time lol I have the older style ones white box with the dial

 

[christinaland128]

Welcome!!