New to torts.. sulcata advice?

[Drekstopher]

So this is my first ever tort. Advice on whether i should have two so this one doesn't get lonely? Also what do you think of this very temporary home for my hatchling. One light is 50w daylight exo terra basking bulb, other is 100w exo terra uvb bulb. Feeding spring mix greens for now, and using this large litter box with jungle mix (fir and saphange [sp?] Peat moss mix) substrate. Any advice would be appreciated


Also, i live in sarasota FL

 

[Jodie]

Tortoises are solitary and territorial. A 2nd one would need a separate enclosure. They don't get lonely. I am not sure, but if that UVB bulb is a coil type, get rid of it asap. They are know to cause eye problems. Use a Mercury Vapor Bulb or the tube type instead. He will outgrow this very quickly. A closed chamber allows much better control of temp and humidity. He needs hot and humid. FL probably provides some of this naturally I am guessing. That will make it easier.
Welcome to the forum. There is great info in the Sulcata section and the enclosure section.

 

[Tom]

I think your enclosure is a little too small, too open and your bulbs need to point straight down, not come in at an angel like that. Those clamps will always eventually fail and it could burn your house down.

Read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello

I only have one thing to say about a tort getting lonely !

A pict is worth a 1000 words !

 

[JoesMum]

Do not think of getting your tort a friend. Torts are solitary creatures; in the wild they roam large distances, meet up to mate and move on. They don't want, need or like the company of other tortsin their territory. They don't get lonely and they don't want a friend.

Keeping pairs invariably results in mental or physical bullying which leads to the bullied tort becoming sick and possibly death. If you want a second tort, you must keep it entirely separately. More information http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/pairs.34837/

Also your small Sullie will grow into an enormous eating and pooping machine surprisingly quickly. It will need loads of space.. and will cause lots of chaos on its own. In a few years time, you will probably be grateful that you only have one that is wreaking havock in your back yard. Do google "tortforum Bob" and read a few of his adventures to see what I am talking about. He is something of a legend amongst sullies and reading about him is very educational!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and your very beautiful new tortoise.
Take the advice given, read the care sheets, adjust and ask any questions that you may have.
You've come to the best possible place.

 

[Drekstopher]

Thank you all very much!

 

[pam]

Welcome