New sulcata habitat

[ForeignLuxuries]

So today my brother and I decided to make a bigger habitat for our sulcata which was in desperate need of more space. I uploaded some photos for you all to check out. I used orchard hay as his bedding, gave him a nice spacious soaking tub and a tall plant for decor. Next i have to work on my red foots, Hope you enjoy the photos.

Once again it's great to be a part of all this...

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

No comments? Lol

 

[Jacqui]

So was the upper cage his old one?

 

[theelectraco]

Still looks too small for the size of that sulcata. Is this its winter enclosure or long term housing?

 

[wellington]

I agree, too small, unless just for winter. The light should be hanging straight down a d I would give some different substrate in the majority of the enclosure. Maybe use the hay as a bedding area, but use some plain dirt or coconut coir or cypress mulch on the majority of it.

 

[lynnedit]

If it is the winter enclosure, should work well enough. I agree about the substrate. How about a tarp on the ground, up the sides (possibly you have this), then mostly coir/topsoil, even a few basking stones under the light.

 

[lori12386]

How does he get in and out of the water bowl?

 

[SulcataSquirt]

that big of a sulcata would have no problem getting in and out of the water dish, I would ditch all they hay, the tort could pile that up under the light and cause a fire hazzard. also he would be happy to be in dirt to dig.

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

Hey guys thanks for all the feedback, ive been a bit busy with work so i haven't been able to reply.

I'm definitely changing the substrate to soil, I added a rock which gets nice and toasty under the lights. I purchased a 25LB bag of mazuri food for it. It hasn't gone into its pool yet. It doesn't seem to want to explore that area.

And about its living space, this is all the space I have. I would love to give it a lot of space to roam around freely but I have a pool in the back yard and we are afraid it will fall in.

Also I noticed that since he or she has been in such a small area its not used to using its hind legs much. I'm going to up its calcium intake and hopefully it will start using them. PIC BELOW

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Pic 1

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Pic 2

Any advice on what type of soil I should use? Thanxxx

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

Changed the substrate to soil and also got a fluorescent for it lol. I also got meal worms for my Red foots but they don't wanna eat them.

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There's also a heat lamp, I turned it off cause it was bothering the photo.

 

[lynnedit]

That substrate looks much better! You might have to soak him a couple of times per week. Not all torts use their bath.

Good job.

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

That substrate looks much better! You might have to soak him a couple of times per week. Not all torts use their bath.

Good job.

Thank you...yeah I guess I'll have to just manually soak him. If I post up some pictures will you guys be able to sex him or her?

 

[MasterOogway]

Looks good I like the tree.

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

Looks great! It is obvious that you want to give him/her the best care possible. Are there only lights above his hide? If so I would move the lights to various spots around the enclosure and put a CHE over the hide to make a comfy sleeping area.
I have a very similar winter set up for my Sulcata and the only other thing I do is use two humidifiers a few times a day. Btw, I am def going to change to soil since I have seen yours! I have been using cypress mulch but I like the look of yours and this is a more cost effective approach. Thanks for sharing.

 

[kathyth]

Looking good!
Maybe you can take him out everyday for supervised exercise, when weather permits.
As you mentioned there is a pool but if you sat in a chair and watched him walk and graze, that would be good.

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

Looking good!
Maybe you can take him out everyday for supervised exercise, when weather permits.
As you mentioned there is a pool but if you sat in a chair and watched him walk and graze, that would be good.

Yup been doing it more often now

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Picture 1

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Picture 2

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Picture 3

 

[Laura]

make a fenced in area outside. It will be healthier and happier.. if its secure, you dont ahve to worry about the pool.

 

[theelectraco]

Now that you have an open cage up top, I would convert that green enclosure to a two story one for your Redfoots, looks like it would be pretty easy with the way you already have it built. Just make sure to add another heat source.

 

[ForeignLuxuries]

Now that you have an open cage up top, I would convert that green enclosure to a two story one for your Redfoots, looks like it would be pretty easy with the way you already have it built. Just make sure to add another heat source.

How would I sustain humidity? I'm looking to buy a sealed enclosure like the ones they have at reptile stores. 4x2x2 with a florescent light and heat bulb figure built in, vents in the rear. The front is glass that Slides. This way I could sustain some humidity and all the light fixtures are convenient.

 

[theelectraco]

4x2 isn't very large for the size of your tortoises. If you're already going to be spending the money I would build them something larger.