Hello and happy Veterans day!
I joined Turtle Forum because I am thinking about getting a Sulcata Tortoise. A co-worker of mine recieved one as a gift but due to the size, she cannot keep it.
I have done LOTS of research, including reading the sulcata-station up and down but I still have some questions.
I have already picked out who I am going to purchase from, and the tortoise that I will be purchasing will be about 2 inches.
P.S. I am not completely inexperienced, I owned aqua turtles for several years however I have never owned a tortoise.
1) My little guys environment:
2) My big guys environment(I know it won't be for awhile but I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'm getting myself into)
3) Random extra questions.
I am sorry that this post is so long, much longer than I thought it would be. I apologize for that. But I understand that this is a HUGE commitment and want to make sure I give him or her the best life possible. Any information will be GREATLY appreciated. And don't just show me pictures of your enclosures, I want to see your beautiful sulcatas too!!
And let me just say...
I joined Turtle Forum because I am thinking about getting a Sulcata Tortoise. A co-worker of mine recieved one as a gift but due to the size, she cannot keep it.
I have done LOTS of research, including reading the sulcata-station up and down but I still have some questions.
I have already picked out who I am going to purchase from, and the tortoise that I will be purchasing will be about 2 inches.
P.S. I am not completely inexperienced, I owned aqua turtles for several years however I have never owned a tortoise.
1) My little guys environment:
- My father is a contractor and very good with his hands, so he will help me build a suitable indoor habitat for my little guy(or girl). I was wondering if you guys had any pictures of your sulcatas environment.
- For the substrate- I think I am going to go with the 50/50(Coconut fibers&Topsoil) but I want to know if I am looking at the correct topsoil. I know that it has to be organic. It says that it is "Premium blend of organic material plus peat moss" It also states that it has no rocks or sticks, but according to someone who wrote a review it has some sticks stones and rocks in it. This is the product I am looking at. http://www.lowes.com...|1&facetInfo= Is this stuff okay? What do you use?
- I understand that my sulcata need UVB light. Personally, I love the sunlight too so I do all of my reading outside in my yard. Therefore, my sulcata will get at least an hour outside under the Florida sun. Do I also need to get an artificial UVB light for in his habitat indoors?
- What do I feed him while he is indoors? Should I collect some grass clippings from outside to give him? Or do you suggest that I get hay grass?
2) My big guys environment(I know it won't be for awhile but I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'm getting myself into)
- I have a large yard and plan on giving him a large section of it to claim as his. Any pictures of your tortoises outside habitat will be greatly appreciated.
- I live in the middle of Fl so it gets pretty hot. Sulcata Station says not to keep his enclosure more than 85 F, but it can get high 90s in the summer, will I have to bring him inside? Or can I just provide clean water for him to soak in and a shady spot to hide in the sun?
- We do not get very cold winters but I understand that at least for a couple weeks it will be too cold for his likings. At what temp do you think is unsuitable for him in the winter? What are your indoor enclosures like for a large sulcata during the winters?
- I'm also concerned about the grass. I have pesticide free grass so that is not an issue at all. Sulcata Station lists different grasses that they can eat. But idk what kind I have! I just know that it matches everybody elses average grass in Fl. Is this okay for him to eat? Along with cuttlebone bits? Will I also need to provide him with hay grass or is my grass enough?
- Also If I provide a hide box for him to burrow in, will he also burrow into my yard? Of course it's okay if he does though, I'm just curious And do they actually rip up the grass? Like destroy it? Or do they just sort of graze the top? Like will there be patches of grass missing because of him?
- What should I use as a water source for him in this enclosure?
3) Random extra questions.
- I have seen forums with people talking about their beak overgrowth but I haven't found out that much about it. What is it exactly and is there anyway to prevent it? Does it harm them? Any info I can get on this will be great.
- I will be the first to admit that I am a small person. I did gymnastics and springboard diving for 12 years growing up and it greatly stunted my growth as I have peaked at 4ft 11.75in<--- Yes that .75inch makes a big difference to me! And I only weigh in at 107 lbs. And let me tell you, one of my biggest concerns is how I am going to handle my tortoise, afterall, he can grow to be 100 lbs larger than me! Am I going to be able to handle him? Being a former elite gymnast I am strong but 50 years down the road I don't know if I will be able to pick up my big guy. What if he doesn't soak himself or drink on his own and I need to pick him up and soak him myself? I suppose I can get help but I was wondering if lightly spraying with a hose would do? Do they enjoy this? Is it okay?
I am sorry that this post is so long, much longer than I thought it would be. I apologize for that. But I understand that this is a HUGE commitment and want to make sure I give him or her the best life possible. Any information will be GREATLY appreciated. And don't just show me pictures of your enclosures, I want to see your beautiful sulcatas too!!
And let me just say...
I'M SO EXCITED TO GET MY LITTLE GUY!!!!