Salcata torts

[Cheryl Hills]

Ok, some more questions. The two salcata torts I just received are pyramided. I understand that at 9 and 10 inches, they do not need a closed chamber. But, if I make it a closed chamber, would that be ok for them or does it not mater at this time. Would just keeping the substrate damp and maybe a humid hide do ok to stop any further pyramiding? The pyramiding seems as though it was stoped but I would like them to grow as smooth as I can. I will upload pictures tomorrow. Also, would 24inches be high enough for the sides?

 

[Big Charlie]

If you are making them enclosures, it would be helpful to make them closed.

 

[Speedy-1]

Frequent soaking would also help .

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Ok, here are some pics of the enclosure I have been working on. This is only for winter at this point. I plan on moving them outside as soon as I can and will build a heated box for them.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Sorry Here are the pics

 

[Cheryl Hills]

I have to put the uvb lights in yet and CHEs for heat. I have a oil heater in the room and it keeps about 75 to 80 depending on outside temps. So, it should not be hard to keep it warm enough. I also plan to cover it with plexiglas as soon as I can, for now I will cover with plastic.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Oh, and here is my other tort named Stoner! Looks like he is going to eat my pup!
No worry, he is cement!

 

[Markw84]

I have to put the uvb lights in yet and CHEs for heat. I have a oil heater in the room and it keeps about 75 to 80 depending on outside temps. So, it should not be hard to keep it warm enough. I also plan to cover it with plexiglas as soon as I can, for now I will cover with plastic.

With untreated wood, it will develop mold quickly in a covered, humid enclosure. If you're going to make it enclosed, you should seal and paint the wood.

I also looks like you have a spot light for a basking light hanging there. With a larger sulcata (even 9") I really don't like spot type bulbs. I like the flood bulbs that don't concentrate the heat as much in one small area. I even will hang two or more lower wattage flood bulbs about 12" apart to make a basking area Where the proper heated area is much larger. With a spot, and even single flood, sometimes the proper temp height still makes the basking area too small. This concentrated the heat and desiccation too much.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

With untreated wood, it will develop mold quickly in a covered, humid enclosure. If you're going to make it enclosed, you should seal and paint the wood.

I also looks like you have a spot light for a basking light hanging there. With a larger sulcata (even 9") I really don't like spot type bulbs. I like the flood bulbs that don't concentrate the heat as much in one small area. I even will hang two or more lower wattage flood bulbs about 12" apart to make a basking area Where the proper heated area is much larger. With a spot, and even single flood, sometimes the proper temp height still makes the basking area too small. This concentrated the heat and desiccation too much.

These were listed as indoor flood bulbs. I do have them up high to control the temps. I will have to play with them a bit and I am going to add other basking bulbs. This is just until I can get something better. I still have to add uvb bulbs also. Going to get them this Friday. Ok, these are halogen flood lights. Do you think I need something better? Please let me know what you recommend. Thanks. It has taken me adopt a week to build this. I have fractured ribs and torn tendons in my shoulder, but, still pushing along just have to take many breaks. And I do have a divider to seperate both torts.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Well, here are the pics of the torts that I promised. First one is Mini, she/he is 9” by 6 1/2 “ and weight is 1586 grams( 3 lb 8 oz). Age is about 4 years old. Second one is Spike, at 10” by 7” and weights 2179 grams ( 4 lb 12 oz). This one is about 5 years old. I know they are way to small to sex yet but I included the plastron photos too.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

More pics, in there new enclosure

 

[wellington]

What are the sizes of the enclosures? They look way too small for the size torts. At 9-10 inches they should have at least a 4x8 and really even bigger.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

They are a bit on the small side. This is only temporary until I can get them outside. I made the enclosure as big as I could, barely have room to walk around it. It is 5 X 8. I can take the divider out but then, they would be together and I think that would be worst.

 

[wellington]

They are a bit on the small side. This is only temporary until I can get them outside. I made the enclosure as big as I could, barely have room to walk around it. It is 5 X 8. I can take the divider out but then, they would be together and I think that would be worst.

So each has about 2 1/2 x 8? No, I wouldn't put them together. As long as it's a temp enclosure, it will do. It does look smaller in the pics.
Why is it, torts seem to look bigger in pics and enclosures always seem too look smaller, ugh.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

I know, it always seems that way. We have two 125 by 50 foot lots in the back. This is where I will build their enclosure. Just have to get the fence up and build a night box. I am hoping to be able to keep them out year round, we will see. Just have to build a good heated box for them