Hey guys (new Sulcata Owner)

Mat89

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Hey everyone,

I can see from the similar thread suggestions that you guys are probably sick and tired of new owner threads but please indulge me!

I have today become the proud keeper of a lovely little Sulcata tortoise. With so many differing voices and opinions on the net, I was wondering if you guys could help with with some questions and offer any advice you may have on my current set up.

Against my better judgement, I opted with a 4 foot vivarium over a table - purely because I live in the UK and there seems to be at least some consensus that getting the optimum temperature for a Sulcata is more achievable in a Vivarium.

With that in mind, question 1 is are there any steps I can take to ensure there is enough ventilation?

I've included a picture of the viv (this is not quite how it is set up now). It now includes a humid hide in the left hand corner which is an upside down tupperware box containing Sphagnum Moss with a hole cut out. This is in addition to two "dry" hides. One at the hot end and one at the cooler end.

Question 2- Is this humid hide suitable and where in the viv is it best placed?

As you may be able to tell - the viv came with two screw in mounts already, one ceramic and one normal. The normal contains a Reptile Systems 23 watt E27 10% UVB bulb (spiral type - link here: https://www.elmpets.co.uk/reptile-systems-compact-specialist-d3-10-uvb-23w-lamp-p-10989.html)

Question 3 - I have since read that there are some concerns that this type of bulb can cause skin and eye issues, although from what I've read this appears to be based on older models from around 10-15 years ago. Is this bulb safe? If not, are there any recommendations on what it can be replaced with? (tubes or alternativave bulbs etc?)

I currently plan on feeding him on fresh grass and weeds from the garden. Twice a day with a portion the same size as him, with some nutri-cal powder sprinkled on.

Question 4 - is this suitable?


Many thanks guys!

IMG_6910.jpg IMG_6911.jpg
 

Mat89

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Oh! 1 more important question.

I've read that I should have the basking temp between 35 - 40 celsius and at night it should be a bit cooler. However, there are many differing figures out there. Does anyone have any advice on this?

I have also been told that whilst the tortoise is still a juvenile, it should be kept at a warmer temperature even at night - does anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
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Tim Carlisle

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Hi and congrats on your new addition!

To start off, we don't get sick and tired of answering the same questions over and over. The only dumb question is one not asked. The first couple or few years of your sully's development are the most crucial, so it's important to get it right from the start.

Question 1: Ventilation is not a huge concern in vivariums. There will be plenty of air exchange going on each time to you open the door(s). If you want a bit of added air circulation within the vivarium, you can install a small, low RPM fan towards the top of the enclosure.

Question 2: As for the humid hide, I prefer them as far away from a heat source as possible. Get rid of the curly-Q light! A better option (and recommended by most here) is the UVB T5-HO type fluorescent bulb similar to below:

51jzQ2FsfPL._SL1200_.jpg



I would use these types of bulbs in place of the curly ones and that mercury vapor bulb you have. They don't put out as much heat as mercury vapor which has been theorized by some here to promote irregular shell growth.

Question 3: See question 2 answers. The effectiveness and possible harm factors concerning those bulbs is still up for debate, so best to err on the side of caution. What you are feeding him is what is recommended: lots of grass and weeds. You can supplement the diet with Mazuri Tortoise Diet as well. Use the calcium supplement sparingly. A pinch per week at most in most cases.

Question 4: From what I can actually see in the pics (aside what has already been aforementioned), the one thing I would replace is that sloped feeder bowl. It is known to cause issues with the tortoise flipping over. Most here recommend a simple terracotta saucer (like what would go under a clay flower pot) sunk down into the substrate. They cost next to nothing and are very easy to maintain.

As for the basking temp, 35C to 40C is an acceptable range. Your enclosure should also have a "cool" side as well, with the overall ambient temperature at least 26C. And yes - babies and juvies should be kept warm, day and night. You can purchase a temperature gun to capture the temps within your vivarium, allowing you to adjust accordingly. A CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter), controlled by a programmable thermostat, seems to work best. Hope this all helps a little.
 

Mat89

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Thank you very much Mizcreant - I've actually just installed the CHE before tying the post and forgot to mention it. It's on a thermostat and running at 35C right now.

He is fast asleep :D

I'll move the humid hide and sort out a tube too!
 

EllieMay

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Welcome! Very nice first enclosure and beautiful baby too! Good luck [emoji1303]
 

Mat89

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Can somebody tell me what the humidity should be in the viv in general? There is a lot of conflicting information out on the web (as usual).

At the moment the humidity in the humidity hide is 80. The hide is in the cool end of the tank and I've not seem him go in it since its been moved down there.

The general viv humididty in the active end is much lower - I saw it between 30 - 50 the other day. He is having daily soaks in warm water for 15 minutes though.
 

Tim Carlisle

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Can somebody tell me what the humidity should be in the viv in general? There is a lot of conflicting information out on the web (as usual).

At the moment the humidity in the humidity hide is 80. The hide is in the cool end of the tank and I've not seem him go in it since its been moved down there.

The general viv humididty in the active end is much lower - I saw it between 30 - 50 the other day. He is having daily soaks in warm water for 15 minutes though.
80+ percent for babies and juvies.
 

Yvonne G

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What I see in your pictures is the wrong type of feeding/watering bowls, the wrong substrate and too dry. If the inside of your enclosure is wood, you'll need to make the wood water repellant. Use plant saucers as waterers and a piece of broken cement or slate/tile as the feeding station, and use fir bark or coco coir as substrate so you can moisten it.
 

Mat89

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Coco Coir ordered on Amazon Prime and will be arriving tomorrow.

Can someome recommend a brand of T5 tune and power supply?
 

Mat89

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Bloody hell.

I just watched tort attempt to climb and suddenly fall off this log hide. He landed on his back and couldnt right himself.

Five minutes after I put him back upright he did the exact same thing.

Any advice on safer things to go in there? Cant bare the thought of him flipping whilst I’m in work and dying

997CBCD4-EE24-4DC3-9686-7A9D761509AB.jpeg
 

xMario

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Bloody hell.

I just watched tort attempt to climb and suddenly fall off this log hide. He landed on his back and couldnt right himself.

Five minutes after I put him back upright he did the exact same thing.

Any advice on safer things to go in there? Cant bare the thought of him flipping whilst I’m in work and dying
U can use a plastic container turn it upside down and cut a little whole in it will also hold higher humidity than ur log hide [emoji846]
 

Blackdog1714

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Some expensive container like a plastic shoe box- $1 at Walmart or pay me $30 and I will cut the hole, add orchid bark, and ship directly to you. It seems like a scary learning curve at first, but TFO will gladly help you if you are willing to listen. And from the looks you sir are a good listener. Good Luck! Lots of Small tweaks early pay huge dividends in a very long tortie life!
 

Mat89

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U can use a plastic container turn it upside down and cut a little whole in it will also hold higher humidity than ur log hide [emoji846]

Already have one of those Mario - that is all that is in there now. It's looking very bare.

What do other people have in their vivs?
 

Mat89

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Some expensive container like a plastic shoe box- $1 at Walmart or pay me $30 and I will cut the hole, add orchid bark, and ship directly to you. It seems like a scary learning curve at first, but TFO will gladly help you if you are willing to listen. And from the looks you sir are a good listener. Good Luck! Lots of Small tweaks early pay huge dividends in a very long tortie life!

Thank you! I just want to ensure that I do everything I can to raise a happy and healthy tortoise. Such a grand animal should never have its life shortened by a negligent keeper and I'm more than happy to do whatever I need to in order to get it right.
 

Mat89

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Another pic - now with newly purchased T5 tube. (longer one is in the mail)

Does anyone have any ideas about safe decorations?
 

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Plants......I have some ajuga and some pothos planted. both do really well. My little one likes to eat and hide under the big leaves of the pothos.
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