Just wondering

[jhstagg]

I have a female sulcata tortoise about 4 years old, Her inclosure has laminate flooring because she has and issue with one of her nostrils it is just way to small so she makes a little whistle sound so it has been suggested to not have anything that could clog up her nose. I don't think she is laying eggs but just in case she ever needs to I want to have a place for her to nest. I do live in oregon so it is to cold for her to be outside.any suggestions?

 

[ascott]

I would suggest you find a dirt like substrate for your tortoise...perhaps the whistle noise you referenced is due to her being kept in a very dry enclosure? Laminate flooring is cold and slippery and just not a great choice...in my opinion

 

[jhstagg]

She had the whistling before the I got her.... the flooring stays warm because I have 3 heat bulbs on her.I have takin her to the vet and he said no sickness and every thing is great he also did a stool sample. she is bathed every other day so she stays hydrated well it seems so because urination is often and regular. I will put dirt on a side of her inclosure so she has hate some dirt to play in I meant linoleum... a little more sticky for her feet=)

 

[wellington]

Did your vet tell you not to put her on dirt, etc. or was it the people you got her from? Do you keep her outside? Does she get to graze? Can you give her an area outside that is split in two sections. Plant both sides heavy with grass and weeds. Let her have one side. When she has it all eaten and torn up, put her on the other side and replant the first side and so on and so on. Can you post pics of her? Is her nostril size noticeable in a pic?

 

[jhstagg]

If i can figure out how to put a pic I will I live in oregon and in the winter it is pretty cold like day time 45 degrees F night time 30-40 degrees F and yes the vet did tell me that but I will do half dirt Half floor and see what she likes best.

 

[Floof]

As far as outside time in Oregon, it is possible. Look for "Bob" posts by maggie3fan. She's in northern Oregon, IIRC. I think reading her posts and getting an understanding of how she keeps Bob, a 100 or so lb Sulcata, is a VERY good idea for anyone keeping large tortoises in the PNW.

Anyway, as far as the possibility of her laying eggs... It's my understanding that Sulcata females don't normally start laying until they hit 16" or so, and it generally takes longer than 4 years to reach that size, so you probably have awhile yet before you have to start worrying about that sort of thing... But I do think it's a very good idea to give her a dirt substrate, even if you just start out with dirt in part of the enclosure to see how she does.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

I would suggest you find a dirt like substrate for your tortoise...perhaps the whistle noise you referenced is due to her being kept in a very dry enclosure? Laminate flooring is cold and slippery and just not a great choice...in my opinion