Preventing burrowing

[Boogeyman]

Hello
Do you guys have any tips on preventing sulcatas from digging holes everywhere? Just gathering research, thanks in advance guys and girls.

 

[Big Charlie]

When we have stopped Charlie and filled up his hole, it takes a long time before he decides to start another, sometimes a year or two. He only likes to dig against a wall or corner.

I've heard you shouldn't have fences they can see through, because that makes them want to get to the other side.

Also, if you provide the proper shelters for them, they might not feel the need to dig a burrow. Tom has made burrows for his tortoises that are lined so they can't extend them, and they seem content with them.

 

[thehowards]

The burrows are a good source of natural humidity idk what the humidity is like in Texas above ground. Also in my experience (3 years) they only make one so you don't have to worry about holes everywhere I would think but I'm no expert by far.

 

[Big Charlie]

The burrows are a good source of natural humidity idk what the humidity is like in Texas above ground. Also in my experience (3 years) they only make one so you don't have to worry about holes everywhere I would think but I'm no expert by far.

I love it when Charlie has a burrow, as long as it isn't in danger of destroying a structure or going into the neighbor's yard. I'm sure that the fact that he had burrows most of the last 12 years has been healthy for him, especially since we are in such a dry area.

The burrows also help with temperature control. He can retreat to his burrow when it is too hot. It allows him to self-regulate rather than relying on me to hose him down.

 

[Boogeyman]

When we have stopped Charlie and filled up his hole, it takes a long time before he decides to start another, sometimes a year or two. He only likes to dig against a wall or corner.

I've heard you shouldn't have fences they can see through, because that makes them want to get to the other side.

Also, if you provide the proper shelters for them, they might not feel the need to dig a burrow. Tom has made burrows for his tortoises that are lined so they can't extend them, and they seem content with them.

Thank you for the info. .I will remember that

 

[Boogeyman]

The burrows are a good source of natural humidity idk what the humidity is like in Texas above ground. Also in my experience (3 years) they only make one so you don't have to worry about holes everywhere I would think but I'm no expert by far.

That makes sense. Thanks for the info.

 

[Yvonne G]

I provide my 110lb sulcata, Dudley, a nice shed where he can cool off during the hot weather, and warm up during the cold weather. He also have a nice, great big bush he can hide under from the sun. I've had him about 15 years, and he has never offered to dig a burrow. I assume it's because he has his thermoregulating needs met without a burrow.

 

[Tom]

Yvonne hit it. They burrow to avoid temperature extremes and for security. If they can accomplish both of these above ground, they often won't even try to burrow.

If you have soft sandy soil, they will likely try to burrow anyway. When they do, you can pull them out of the hole, fill it back in and put something large and heavy over the area for a couple of weeks like plywood or cinder blocks.