BlueEyedAngel
New Member
I am going to be using this thread to follow the life of our sulcata tortoise, Reptar, that we will be getting on May 16th. Months of research and preparations for our new family member have taken place already, We are very excited.
Here is what we have for starters....
Housing:
50g grey rubbermaid tub, Majority of lid cut out replaced with 1/2in metal mesh/wire on top to keep lighting/heating safely up top. (Non-coil bulbs)
Placed in spare bedroom/ office for peace, quiet and safety from the dogs. In front of large window for extra warmth on hot Texas days as well as some added UV light even if small amount.
Substrate is a mix of organic peat moss and ZooMed Coconut Coir for moisture (also have new spray bottles for misting,
Three types of dishes to see which one Reptar will like most...clay plant bottom, ceramic tortoise "bowl", and a plastic plant bottom.
A nice square pavestone that will be placed under the basking light to allow for awesome basking area (can be removed if gets too warm, or Reptar doesnt like it).
Live Bermuda grass patches planted along some edges of tub, as well as a small aloe related succulent.
Food:
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Feed
Timothy
Bermuda grass (grown organic in special containers specifically for Reptar to allow for easy clippings of fresh grass)
A variety of weeds including but not limited to clovers, dandelions, wild onions and more.
Organically grown plants for leaves, flowers, and/or fruits depending on the plant:
Yellow squash
Cucumber
Zucchini
Hibiscus
Basil
Collards
Kale
Flower that starts with P, forget what its called, but not pansy.
Crimson watermelon
Strawberry
Bean plants
Aloes (3 kinds)
Cilantro
Arctic King Lettuce
Fuchsia
Okra
Parsley
Salvia
and more!!!
Sunning & Soaking:
Beige dish tub for daily soakings
Low rise tub that will be full of peat moss and basic needs for sunning outside for comfortable UV absorption.
Also have cuttlebones for Reptar to enjoy.
We will be attending the Lonestar Reptile Expo to obtain our new baby from a reputable dealer, already confirmed sulcatas will be there.
Not sure if we will get a male or female, shooting for a female though. Regardless of sex, Reptar is already named. lol
Pictures once everything is ready for our baby, and again when our baby is here and growth updates of course.
Thank you to everyone on the forum who helped answer all my final questions. I hope to give an amazing home for a lifetime to a large tort we will love dearly!
Also, when Reptar is of outdoor size, we already have a separate yard ready, that is fenced in to keep safe from our dogs, that is built on top of over 12 inches of buried concrete borders to keep Reptar safely confined.
We are prepared and always happy to accept new advice and tips!!!
Here is what we have for starters....
Housing:
50g grey rubbermaid tub, Majority of lid cut out replaced with 1/2in metal mesh/wire on top to keep lighting/heating safely up top. (Non-coil bulbs)
Placed in spare bedroom/ office for peace, quiet and safety from the dogs. In front of large window for extra warmth on hot Texas days as well as some added UV light even if small amount.
Substrate is a mix of organic peat moss and ZooMed Coconut Coir for moisture (also have new spray bottles for misting,
Three types of dishes to see which one Reptar will like most...clay plant bottom, ceramic tortoise "bowl", and a plastic plant bottom.
A nice square pavestone that will be placed under the basking light to allow for awesome basking area (can be removed if gets too warm, or Reptar doesnt like it).
Live Bermuda grass patches planted along some edges of tub, as well as a small aloe related succulent.
Food:
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Feed
Timothy
Bermuda grass (grown organic in special containers specifically for Reptar to allow for easy clippings of fresh grass)
A variety of weeds including but not limited to clovers, dandelions, wild onions and more.
Organically grown plants for leaves, flowers, and/or fruits depending on the plant:
Yellow squash
Cucumber
Zucchini
Hibiscus
Basil
Collards
Kale
Flower that starts with P, forget what its called, but not pansy.
Crimson watermelon
Strawberry
Bean plants
Aloes (3 kinds)
Cilantro
Arctic King Lettuce
Fuchsia
Okra
Parsley
Salvia
and more!!!
Sunning & Soaking:
Beige dish tub for daily soakings
Low rise tub that will be full of peat moss and basic needs for sunning outside for comfortable UV absorption.
Also have cuttlebones for Reptar to enjoy.
We will be attending the Lonestar Reptile Expo to obtain our new baby from a reputable dealer, already confirmed sulcatas will be there.
Not sure if we will get a male or female, shooting for a female though. Regardless of sex, Reptar is already named. lol
Pictures once everything is ready for our baby, and again when our baby is here and growth updates of course.
Thank you to everyone on the forum who helped answer all my final questions. I hope to give an amazing home for a lifetime to a large tort we will love dearly!
Also, when Reptar is of outdoor size, we already have a separate yard ready, that is fenced in to keep safe from our dogs, that is built on top of over 12 inches of buried concrete borders to keep Reptar safely confined.
We are prepared and always happy to accept new advice and tips!!!
