Sleepy sulcata

jnirvello

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its been such a rainy day in FL today. My baby sulcata has been sleeping all day but he came out and ate a little this morning and now he's just been lounging. Do they know when it's gloomy/rainy outside? He was perfectly fine yesterday! (It was sunny out)
 

Gillian M

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Hi, @jnirvello and a very warm welcome to the forum. :)

I think that torts do know if it's cold/gloomy outside. :rolleyes: Is it warm enough inside? Please keep in mind that these cute animals are col-blooded. Therefore, they are in need of warm and of course humidity. ;)

Any pics of your tor's enclosure?
 

jnirvello

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Hi, @jnirvello and a very warm welcome to the forum. :)

I think that torts do know if it's cold/gloomy outside. :rolleyes: Is it warm enough inside? Please keep in mind that these cute animals are col-blooded. Therefore, they are in need of warm and of course humidity. ;)

Any pics of your tor's enclosure?
Yes it is warm enough! He is so active when it's sunny and warm but when it's cold and gloomy he is so cuddly in his little bed. I was told that humidity isn't necessary for their enclosure. I also live in Florida so it's humid outside and I put him outside for some of the day.
 

Gillian M

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Yes it is warm enough! He is so active when it's sunny and warm but when it's cold and gloomy he is so cuddly in his little bed. I was told that humidity isn't necessary for their enclosure. I also live in Florida so it's humid outside and I put him outside for some of the day.[/QUOTE)

Franky speaking, I came to learn that HUMIDITY is NECESSARY for a tort, so as to avoid dehydration and pyramiding. :rolleyes:
 

Taylor T.

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Yes it is warm enough! He is so active when it's sunny and warm but when it's cold and gloomy he is so cuddly in his little bed. I was told that humidity isn't necessary for their enclosure. I also live in Florida so it's humid outside and I put him outside for some of the day.
Humidity is definitely necessary. Young Sulcata tortoises need above 80% humidity and no lower than 80 degrees at all times. You will not be able to keep to humid enough in an open top enclosure. Here is a thread about what we call "closed chamber" enclosures:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/
If you have not seen these yet, you should read them as well:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
 

jnirvello

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Humidity is definitely necessary. Young Sulcata tortoises need above 80% humidity and no lower than 80 degrees at all times. You will not be able to keep to humid enough in an open top enclosure. Here is a thread about what we call "closed chamber" enclosures:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/
If you have not seen these yet, you should read them as well:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
Cool! I'll read those after work
 

jnirvello

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Humidity is definitely necessary. Young Sulcata tortoises need above 80% humidity and no lower than 80 degrees at all times. You will not be able to keep to humid enough in an open top enclosure. Here is a thread about what we call "closed chamber" enclosures:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/
If you have not seen these yet, you should read them as well:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
I was reading your post on the humid hide box. How do you keep it moist in there? Do you wet it everyday? I'd like to make one for my baby. Also, which end do the put it on?
 

Taylor T.

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You usually put something like sphagnum moss inside it so it holds humidity for longer. You will have to experiment to see how often you need to moisten it.
 

jnirvello

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You usually put something like sphagnum moss inside it so it holds humidity for longer. You will have to experiment to see how often you need to moisten it.
Okay, where can I find that moss? I have cypress mulch on one side but tomorrow I was going to redo his enclosure. Does it go on the side with heat or the side that's cool
 

Taylor T.

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To get moss you could order it online, or go into a forest and find some (make sure you wash it first if you get it from the woods to get any bugs out). It should be placed somewhere in the middle, but slightly towards the warm side.
 

jnirvello

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Okay, would any plastic box be okay? I went to my local pet store and they didn't have a hide out. Like a plastic shoe box?
 

jnirvello

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Okay, awesome. I got the moss and some new coconut fiber substrate. Do I drench the moss or just keep it moist? (Sorry... this hide box is sooo new to me!!!)
 

Taylor T.

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Might help if the box wasn't see through. maybe paint it, or put opaque tape all over it?

Your enclosure looks quite good! what is the humidity in there now?
 

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