chewyblugoo
New Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2017
- Messages
- 7
Hi I recieved my baby Sulcata "Cookie" 2 days ago and have some questions for you guys!
I have been interested in these tortoises for years and got a baby from turtle town now that I own my property and can provide for the little one properly
I have done LOTS of reading, research, and fiddling with enclosures of other reptiles so I understand the needs of Sulcatas, but was sideswiped when I opened up the box Tuesday morning. Little Cookie is missing the top half of her beak and has what looks like blisters on her face under her eyes. it seems like she got bit by another tortoise, or was constantly rubbing along aquarium glass to the point of rubbing off part of her mouth causing infection. I'm not sure hopefully someone on here has seen something like this before and can give me some advice!
Her enclosure: currently is a 40 Gal aquarium, fabric taped around outside to prevent rubbing
substrate: mulch, sand, dirt mixed together
heating/light: 100W mercury vapor uvb/heat lamp keeps basking spot 105-110 depending on ambient air, with hide side at 80-85. Night time= mercury bulb off, 100W CHE on. Temps are 90 under bulb getting to about 80-83 in the coolest part.
Hide: small flower pot buried halfway, piece of fabric wicks moisture into the hide to raise humidity. 80 Degrees.
Issues:
-She still tries to climb up the glass, flipping herself on her back. The fabric taped outside helps a little but i'm considering lining the inside with tile to prevent reflections. Thoughts?
-She still has not eaten. Shipping container contained feces so I know she was eating previously. I tried: several types of grass from my yard, dandelion greens, dandelion flowers, collards, kale, Tuscan kale, escarole, strawberry slice, butternut squash. These were whole leaf, chopped, blended, separate, together... she has no interest in the food yet even if i get a piece in her mouth she will spit it out. I also realize some of these items are not good to feed often; I just want her to eat something.
Background:
I soaked her in warm water as soon as she arrived, brought her outside in the sun a couple times and she is VERY active wagging her tail and cruising across the lawn! will bring her inside and give her a good soak in warm water after which she seems to enjoy. she will rub her face on her legs I feel like she is in pain or just annoyed by her injury
will add pictures in a second!
Thanks Everybody!
I have been interested in these tortoises for years and got a baby from turtle town now that I own my property and can provide for the little one properly
I have done LOTS of reading, research, and fiddling with enclosures of other reptiles so I understand the needs of Sulcatas, but was sideswiped when I opened up the box Tuesday morning. Little Cookie is missing the top half of her beak and has what looks like blisters on her face under her eyes. it seems like she got bit by another tortoise, or was constantly rubbing along aquarium glass to the point of rubbing off part of her mouth causing infection. I'm not sure hopefully someone on here has seen something like this before and can give me some advice!
Her enclosure: currently is a 40 Gal aquarium, fabric taped around outside to prevent rubbing
substrate: mulch, sand, dirt mixed together
heating/light: 100W mercury vapor uvb/heat lamp keeps basking spot 105-110 depending on ambient air, with hide side at 80-85. Night time= mercury bulb off, 100W CHE on. Temps are 90 under bulb getting to about 80-83 in the coolest part.
Hide: small flower pot buried halfway, piece of fabric wicks moisture into the hide to raise humidity. 80 Degrees.
Issues:
-She still tries to climb up the glass, flipping herself on her back. The fabric taped outside helps a little but i'm considering lining the inside with tile to prevent reflections. Thoughts?
-She still has not eaten. Shipping container contained feces so I know she was eating previously. I tried: several types of grass from my yard, dandelion greens, dandelion flowers, collards, kale, Tuscan kale, escarole, strawberry slice, butternut squash. These were whole leaf, chopped, blended, separate, together... she has no interest in the food yet even if i get a piece in her mouth she will spit it out. I also realize some of these items are not good to feed often; I just want her to eat something.
Background:
I soaked her in warm water as soon as she arrived, brought her outside in the sun a couple times and she is VERY active wagging her tail and cruising across the lawn! will bring her inside and give her a good soak in warm water after which she seems to enjoy. she will rub her face on her legs I feel like she is in pain or just annoyed by her injury
will add pictures in a second!
Thanks Everybody!
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