Fragility

[YHVH]

I have read certain sites that says some sulcata tortoises die as hatchlings for no apparent reason and it's better to get an older one because they are hardier. I understand that an older one would be hardier but I got a couple hatchlings on a trade and some sites are pretty discouraging.. They make it seem nearly impossible to raise a couple hatchlings without losing one or both. I've done tons of research and I'm following directions from experienced keepers to the best possibility. I was just wondering when are hatchlings considered "out of the woods" when it comes to their fragility and is it really that hard to raise two hatchlings successfully without losing one.

 

[G-stars]

Sulcatas are tough little guys. Most of the time that babies don't make it was because they were started of wrong. I would say the first year is crucial. If you haven't already, read up on their care.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index....ealthy-Sulcata-Or-Leopard,-Version-2.0.79895/


— Gus

 

[Dizisdalife]

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your new sulcata hatchlings. I have read that 100 grams is the "out of the woods" point with these guys. There is probably nothing magic about this weight, but from my own experience, this is when my sulcata's development really took off. He became less "fragile". Pairs don't seem to do well and you may want to separate yours sooner than later. Aggressive behavior starts early. You won't see fighting, but one will take the best basking spot, the best sleeping spot, the choice foods, the most of everything needed to sustain life and the other one will not get enough. The natural thing for it to do is to leave the territory. In captivity it can't do that. This diminishes it's opportunity for survival.

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome to the forum.

Read some of the post in the "Sulcata" section of the forum, you will find lots very useful information and learn how to take care of your new sully.

Remember this: Closed Chamber method.

 

[lismar79]

Humidity, diet, correct lighting will make for a healthy baby. But as mentioned, you will want to get your baby from someone who knows the correct way to breed them and raise them.

 

[Tom]

Babies are no more fragile than older ones IF they are started correctly and you house them correctly. Because of their smaller mass there is less margin of error available.

The reason so many die, in my experience, is because the majority of breeders don't start them correctly, and vets, "experts" and books all give incorrect advice based on old outdated incorrect assumptions. Most of these aforementioned people still mistakenly believe that sulcatas are a desert species and treat them as such. This is not correct. In fact sulcatas hatch at the start of the rainy season when it is hot, humid, rainy and there are puddles, marshes and green growing food everywhere. Most of these babies that die, die from chronic dehydration related issues. Start them correctly and well hydrated and 100% survival rates should be expected.

Check these out:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hatchling-failure-syndrome.23493/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/pairs.34837/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-end-of-pyramiding.15137/

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

If you follow our new way of taking care of baby tortoises, you shouldn't have any trouble. Read the links shown in Tom's post up above this one.