NEW Owner food question

[randy]

I am getting a baby Sulcata next week and was wanting to know about the grasses to feed him/her. Do I go out and pick the clover or grass out of the yard and bring it to him (he will be in a 30 gallon long for awhile), I can set up a cage outside where he will be protected from critters and running away. I'm just wanting to know what the best food to feed the baby until he is old enough and large enough to put outside in the yard. I can get good alfalfa hay in a bail here in Wichita Falls Tx. for about 16.00 a bail, nice and green. Also since they are from Africa in the desert do they need to have food constantly or will a romp in the yard for an hour or so work?, I just want the correct information to provide the best care that I can possibly give to my baby tortoise. I am getting him from Turtle Shack in Florida next week for 109.00 + 24.00 overnight shipping, they said it will be a 1-2 inch baby. This is my 50th birthday present, I will be getting all the equipment, lights, bedding and food available before getting him.

 

[knight_visionn]

Hi, and welcome

As a baby, you're going to have a hard time getting your Sulcy to eat a diet of just grasses and hay. Until your guy/girl gets a little bigger, I'd recommend just an over-the-counter baby spring mix from your local supermarket. Then, once you have he/she eating like a little pig, you can introduce grasses. A lot of us here also use Mazuri Tortoise Diet as an additional diet supplement. One pellet of Mazuri soaked in hot water will provide a delicious source of mushy nutrition on top of your Sulcy's salad.

http://shop.mazuri.com/mazuritortoisediet.aspx

If you haven't read it already, please take a look at Tom's sticky on how to raise hatchlings. It has some great information, including information about proper diet

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies#axzz1n7CVBZZA

 

[dmmj]

Most young tortoises won't eat hay like young kids eating vegetables. You can try it, but don't get discouraged if he runs away from it like it is poison.

 

[ascott]

Wow..that is a tiny baby....have you also checked your local craigslist to see if you can find one close to you or better yet...check your local tortoise rescue and perhaps save one that may be in need of a home??

I am on my cell right now and am not to great at adding links to a post using my phone...if you go to the search portion of the Forum and type in sulcata diet I bet you willing get alot of valuable info.....

Oh yeah...welcome to the Forum

 

[Laura]

start reading.... and then read some more... the sulcata section is a great place to start and then read the enclosures..
then ask questions and did I say read?
be sure you are ready Before the baby arrives.. and Know the place you are getting it from. Be sure they started it out right.
oh... and WELCOME!!

 

[TaraDodrill]

Good luck with your hatchling. If it isn't too late to cancel your order, you should check the for sale section of the forum for far less expensive and St least equally healthy torts. Austin and Tyler spring to mind quickly, but I am sure there are others.