Hi guys,
My name is Calvin, and i am from Hong Kong (too!). I am also a potential Sulcata tortoise owner. I’ve been browsing the site and reading a lot of posts before deciding to post, as I am more of a forum lurker than well a poster. The atmosphere seems so friendly and welcoming!! I have been doing some research over the course of the last few days to gain a better understand needs, such as their heating, diet, substrate, and housing. You will have to forgive me if I sound long winded, and perhaps ignorant as I am trying to be as well informed as possible when preparing for a new pet.
First of all I am concerned to the availability of the goods here in Hong Kong, as I live in an urban jungle and a culture which raising a dog or cat is more popular. So the choices in stocks are quite limited to me. (theres no Home Depo or walmart gardening/ DIY sections where I can pop down to and help myself to some of the recommended materials ) To illustrate my point most reptile stores here of which I know of two more renowned ones are about only about 600 square feet.
I have encountered several stumps while doing my research I am still unclear on some areas where there are conflicting advice. Such as substrates, some say grass Hay, some say organic top soil (perhaps to maintain the humidity and for a little garden?), others say cypress mulch. But again I am concerned as to the availability of these goods. To my knowledge reptile pet stores are relatively rare here and I know of 2. Of substrates available here http://www.reptileparadise.com/dry_substrates.htm ok? They personally recommend fine sand (e.g. Repti Sand, Calci-Sand), compressed paper granules (e.g. Good Mews), but I heard that sand is not good for the turtles as it may get in any open orifice and cause infections.
Secondly as Sulcatas grow to enormous sizes I am considering to DIY as many of you have done or buy a premade one. I’ve heard that open air such as tortoise tables are excellent for these turtles. What are your opinions of some of the cages available here? http://www.reptileparadise.com/dry_substrates.htm. personally i think they’re inadequate, as after looking at some of your DIY I cant help but feel inspired!
Lastly what should I consider when looking for a healthy Sulcata? I have heard that its eyes should be not glued up, nose should be blocked, should have a relatively hard shell with no deformities, and legs are capable of raising its torso (shell) well off the floor, and of course adventurous. Are there any other things I should look for or be aware of?
Thank you for your kind consideration and patience for reading my essay , any comments or more readings that you can refer me to will be fantastic and vastly appreciated!
Hope to hear from you all soon!
My name is Calvin, and i am from Hong Kong (too!). I am also a potential Sulcata tortoise owner. I’ve been browsing the site and reading a lot of posts before deciding to post, as I am more of a forum lurker than well a poster. The atmosphere seems so friendly and welcoming!! I have been doing some research over the course of the last few days to gain a better understand needs, such as their heating, diet, substrate, and housing. You will have to forgive me if I sound long winded, and perhaps ignorant as I am trying to be as well informed as possible when preparing for a new pet.
First of all I am concerned to the availability of the goods here in Hong Kong, as I live in an urban jungle and a culture which raising a dog or cat is more popular. So the choices in stocks are quite limited to me. (theres no Home Depo or walmart gardening/ DIY sections where I can pop down to and help myself to some of the recommended materials ) To illustrate my point most reptile stores here of which I know of two more renowned ones are about only about 600 square feet.
I have encountered several stumps while doing my research I am still unclear on some areas where there are conflicting advice. Such as substrates, some say grass Hay, some say organic top soil (perhaps to maintain the humidity and for a little garden?), others say cypress mulch. But again I am concerned as to the availability of these goods. To my knowledge reptile pet stores are relatively rare here and I know of 2. Of substrates available here http://www.reptileparadise.com/dry_substrates.htm ok? They personally recommend fine sand (e.g. Repti Sand, Calci-Sand), compressed paper granules (e.g. Good Mews), but I heard that sand is not good for the turtles as it may get in any open orifice and cause infections.
Secondly as Sulcatas grow to enormous sizes I am considering to DIY as many of you have done or buy a premade one. I’ve heard that open air such as tortoise tables are excellent for these turtles. What are your opinions of some of the cages available here? http://www.reptileparadise.com/dry_substrates.htm. personally i think they’re inadequate, as after looking at some of your DIY I cant help but feel inspired!
Lastly what should I consider when looking for a healthy Sulcata? I have heard that its eyes should be not glued up, nose should be blocked, should have a relatively hard shell with no deformities, and legs are capable of raising its torso (shell) well off the floor, and of course adventurous. Are there any other things I should look for or be aware of?
Thank you for your kind consideration and patience for reading my essay , any comments or more readings that you can refer me to will be fantastic and vastly appreciated!
Hope to hear from you all soon!