My first Sulcata???

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kukov

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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!! Big Grin 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 Tongue, any comments or more readings that you can refer me to will be fantastic and vastly appreciated!
 

Tom

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Welcome to the forum.

With housing, I have found it easier to make my own that buy something. Bigger is better. Give your tortoise as much room to move as you can. Its also nice to have an indoor and an outdoor enclosure. If you can get your tortoise out for sunshine at least 2 or 3 times a week, then all you need for heating is one regular incandescent spot or flood light over one end of the cage. Here's an example for a young sulcata:
http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-13375.html?highlight=basic+enclosure

If your tortoise will be indoors all the time, then you'll need a UV bulb of some sort. I recommend the Mercury Vapor Bulb types (MVB). There should be a cool side 70-80, a warm side 80-90, a hot SPOT right under the bulb around 100 and night temps of 70 or more are fine.

Here are two examples of temporary outdoor housing for a small tortoise:
http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-14680.html
http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-14647.html

For substrate you want something that can hold moisture and maintain some humidity. This is new info (as of 2007) and many people around the world have never heard this. Humidity, along with proper care, will prevent pyramiding. We now know that most, if not all, species of tortoises should be maintained on a humid substrate. If you can't find adequate products in Hong Kong you could probably get away with regular soil from your yard or some other safe, known location. If you do go to a garden center, just look for soil with NO additives of any kind. No fertilizers, no pesticides, no moisture enhancers (like perlite, for example).

I agree with what you have heard about sand as a substrate and do not recommend it.

The eyes and activity level are both good indicators of health, as is appetite. Ask to see the tortoise eat. Even little sulcatas are pretty voracious.

I hope you've got a lot of property there in Hong Kong, because in a few years, you are going to need it! Good luck to you, and please keep the questions coming. Thank you for learning everything you can, BEFORE buying your tortoise.
 
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