Question about 2 sulcata

[rustynail777]

Hi, I have a yearling who probably wont be ready to go outside for a year or two,shes about 4 inches.

I have the oppurtunity to adopt a second sulcata about 10 inches.

I live in phoenix and have a enclosure already built outside in our yard,with a house and everything.

But I am a little worried about a few years from now when the little one is ready to go outside too.
She was bought from a breeder who says she is a temp sexed female,but I know there are no gaurentees.And I dont know what the 10" one is either.

So should I just avoid the adoption all together,or go for it??
will the size difference be too much even a year or 2 from now?

Thanks for any advice you may have.
-Mike

 

[Laura]

the size difference Might be an issue. It depends on the torts. can you divide the area or build two if nec? If not... then maybe dont take it in. If you can make changes if needed.. then do it!

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I say do it also, you can always cut the area in half if you need to...

 

[Laura]

Just remember... as a adult they should have as large as possible.. 40x40 or close.. If your yard is big enough... do it!

 

[rustynail777]

Just remember... as a adult they should have as large as possible.. 40x40 or close.. If your yard is big enough... do it!

eventually the plan is to let them have the whole back yard,its surrounded by reinforced brick wall,and plenty big.

I would just hate to have 2 that hate each other for the rest of their lives.
Its such a hard decision,I already built the pen to prepare for the bigger one,but still am unsure.But the idea of having one roaming out back just sounds so cool.
I kinda just wish the little one would get big fast!!she eats great. but at only 4 inches,i dont think she will be going outside for a long time
and that big 10 inch tort was sooooo coool!!

decisions decisions

 

[aktech23]

mine is out roaming 24-7 in tempe. it's 10" and has been out for almost a year. it's easy to keep him warm in the winter. he was out basking every day.

 

[Crazy1]

Mike I know you would like you little one to grow faster but that is not what is best for it. Slow and steady. If you are unsure or are hedging on the NO answer then don't do it. For that large a tort you really need to be sure. There are so many out there that are large needing homes. And Sullys grow pretty fast as it is.

 

[rustynail777]

UPDATE.....
As hard as it is for me to say no,I did.
I figured it wasnt worth the chance.
Sure it would be easy in the begining,but what about when they both get really big?!?
And if 2 big sulcatas are butting heads all the time ,well thats no fun.

I decided since they are solitary creatures by nature,I am going to keep the little one solitary.
Thanks everyone for your input.
-Mike

 

[Millerlite]

4 inches is big enough to go outside. If you build a smaller outdoor enclosure, the tort would be good outside when its warm. I had box turtles outside at 3 inches, my greek torts were outside at 6months, and my leopard and sulcata will go out this summer and they are about 5-6months. Just cant have a huge yard for them to get lost, you need to have a place small enough for you to find them again.