New Sulcata Mama

[ashleeb]

Hi! My husband and I, on Saturday, rescued a Sulcata from a lady with too many exotic animals and not enough sense. He’s pyramiding, and according to the local reptile store, undersized for his age. The lady said he’s two years old, she fed him romaine lettuce and calcium powder, and I have no idea what kind of enclosure he was in. We’re in touch with a local vet who deals with reptiles, and we’ve changed the diet to dark leafy greens and Repashy calcium plus powder. He ate (turnip greens) for the first time this morning, so my mama heart was stressing out this weekend. I'm also introducing him to grasses, but I'll take what I can get at this point.

We really want to give him his best chance and I’m so excited to learn everything we can to make his life a beautiful one.

We are currently building an enclosure for him for the winter, and he will be outside during the warmer months.

Here’s my baby Oscar.

 

[Yvonne G]

I know that pyramiding isn't desired, but I have to admit that Oscar's shell is quite pretty! It looks a work of art.

If you don't mind a bit of constructive criticism, toss the hay and use something you can moisten instead (Hay molds when wet). I like to use fir bark, but folks use coco coir or cypress mulch too.

I can't judge his size from the picture, but for two years, he looks ok to me. But I guess I'd need to see something next to him for perspective.

Oscar's a lucky duck that you 'rescued' him! Be sure to read our sulcata care sheets.

 

[ashleeb]

I feel the same way! I know pyramiding can be really bad but I actually don’t mind his.

I’m here for all the constructive criticism! Thank you! I spent a good bit of my morning reading through posts and threads and getting my shopping list together for what we need to replace/buy.

 

[ashleeb]

I just weighed him, he's 1.12 lbs, if that helps for size.