Getting a baby Sulcata! :)

[super_jane]

Hey I have A LOT of questions and iv done my homework on them but I still have some unanswered questions! I would be greatly obliged! And it would be easier to understand if you number which one you were answering
1.) how often should you change the bedding?
2.) what Wattage should I get for basking and UVB lights?
3.) could you give me a list of easy to find/Cheap foods for them?
4.) how often should I bathe them?
5.) how often exactly could I give them strawberries and or flowers?
6.) Do I leave my lamps on constantly? That kind of seems like a fire hazard!
7.) up to how old can they be encaged?
8.) I know they crawl in their drinking water, this won't make them sick correct?
Please help guys! I really appreciate it!

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Addition to #1 how far away should it be?

 

[ascott]

1. Depends entirely on so many variables; I would say if you keep spot cleaning up--then you can get 6 months plus out of the top layer of substrate.

2. What type of enclosure (size) are you going to set up?

3. Search here on the forum for a variety of diet items..

4. If by bath you mean, soak them, then daily warm water soaks for 20-30 minutes each say while a baby is good.

5. Fruits should be seen as a treat...which means not every day

6. Based on their daily outdoor time would dictate this answer..if your babies or torts get outside daily natural sun each and every day for at least 30 minutes then the only indoor light you would need is an incandescent light bulb to maintain heat...and at night you can use a nigh heat bulb or a ceramic heat emitter...

7. Encaged? Not sure of what this means??????

8. The ability to self soak is a good thing....as long as temps have been maintained and the tort is not allowed to chill....

I do not host Sulcata, but some of their care is universal for "arid species of torts" and this "label" does not mean that the tort does not require hydration --drinking water--nor does it mean that they don't require humidity...

 

[super_jane]

Thanks! My setup is 6'x4'. And by encaged I meant kept in their setup sorry I didn't know the correct term!

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@ascott if its winter *which it is* and cannot get natural light. Or just can't for whatever reason what wattage bulb could I use? And how far should it be up from the setup?

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The top layer of substrate only? There's more than one layer?

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What bulbs are a necessity?
UVA
UVB
Infra-red
Incandescent
Night

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Do you throw out the bottom layer?

 

[Laura]

mine get lots of natural light in winter.. they live outside year round.
Where are located?

 

[Tom]

I LOVE the numbered questions!

I have a few questions before I give answers:
1. Where are you?
2. 4x6' is a good size, but is it open topped or a closed chamber?
3. What is your typical room temperature where the enclosure will be in summer and winter?

 

[wellington]

All I will add, is to read Toms great sulcata thread at the bottom of my post. The one about leopards will also apply.

 

[super_jane]

1) Pennaylvania (which is currently having a very long, cold, bad winter )
2.) open
3.) and I'm honestly not sure! What should they be? I will buy a thermometer and get back to you!