Miriam - Sulcata Princess

Radamila

New Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2020
Messages
16
Location (City and/or State)
Camp Verde, Arizona
I have a little rescue Sulcata and named her Miriam! She is 1year and 3 month old, Houdini Escaper...
She loves to wonder around, but I am worried that she will get lost or something will happen to her. I don’t like to keep her in terrarium, so day time she is in the yard and after 5 P.M. I put her in the bathtub I turned into Tortoise Village.
I am interested in any experience with Sulcata Tortoises!

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Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,264
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hello and welcome.

Most of the care info found for this species is wrong. They are not desert animals. They hatch in the hot, wet, ultra humid monsoon season over in Africa. These are the conditions they need to thrive as babies. Outside all day is not good for them in any climate, but especially not in dry climates like yours or mine. Likewise loose on the floor or out in the yard is a recipe for disaster.

Your baby is tiny for its size and pyramiding because it has been kept far too dry. The steep sided water bowls in the inside enclosure should be replaced with the terra cotta saucers lie the ones in your outside pics. Babies don't eat hay, so the hay under your food outside and the grass/hay all over the substrate in the indoor tub should be removed. Dry hay is too coarse for them at this size and it will mold with properly dampened substrate. I usually introduce hay to the diet when they get to about 12".

Your questions are welcome. Happy to explain further. Here is the most current and correct care info:
 

EllieMay

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
9,603
Location (City and/or State)
East Texas
Welcome to you and Miriam! I love her name.. Follow Toms advice and you will end up with a healthy gorgeous giant to rule your kingdom!
 

Radamila

New Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2020
Messages
16
Location (City and/or State)
Camp Verde, Arizona
Thank you, Dear! I like to spoil all our Animals and I will treat Miriam like Princess from African Sahara!
 

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