- Joined
- Jul 18, 2011
- Messages
- 44
Hi All,
My family and I have been going through the process of adopting a Sulcata from COHRS in CO. He (?) is approx ~5 yrs old, is 12 inches long and has been at the Rep place for almost 2 yrs. He has quite a bit of pyramiding which I hope will continue to smooth out over time with proper care. They finally contacted me back and have asked me the following questions.
Over the past several months I have done a lot of research to think about if one of these great torts is approp for our family. These are the answers I am prepared to give them in response.
Can anyone look them over and tell me if I am incorrect or even give me some additional information.
1. Why is unfiltered sunlight so important for turtles?
Because they need the UVB rays that help them gain calcium and other needed nutrients provided by the sun.
2. What might it mean if a turtle has a bubbling nose and what would you do?
That the tort may have a respiratory infection and is in need of medical attention from a Hep vet. (I have located one near by that specializes in torts)
3. What foods will you avoid and why?
Foods to avoid will be store bought pellet type food, iceburg lettuce, frequent fruits and proteins. Foods with proteins in them should also be avoided because their bodies can not process protein and it can cause stones. Sulcatas do better when they are allowed to graze outside. This aids their digestion and helps them process foods better. No iceburg lettuce should be given because it has little to no nutritional value to them. Store bought pellet foods are not great because it is not a natural food product and is best to avoid when possible.
4. What is the brand name and type of your UVB bulb? What is the
percentage of UVB output?
I am in the process of purchasing a Zoomed UVB bulb. (I am not sure what percent of the output should be???? Can anyone help me on this one????????? I have seen 3 different output strengths?
5. How far away from the basking area is it located?
This one I am also unsure about. He will be outside approx 9 months out of the year. We live in Western CO and have great springs, summers and falls. Once the temps start dropping at night we will bring him inside to an indoor setup we are having built. I know that the basking area needs to be approx 90 degrees???? Any other info for this question would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the advice.
Desiree
My family and I have been going through the process of adopting a Sulcata from COHRS in CO. He (?) is approx ~5 yrs old, is 12 inches long and has been at the Rep place for almost 2 yrs. He has quite a bit of pyramiding which I hope will continue to smooth out over time with proper care. They finally contacted me back and have asked me the following questions.
Over the past several months I have done a lot of research to think about if one of these great torts is approp for our family. These are the answers I am prepared to give them in response.
Can anyone look them over and tell me if I am incorrect or even give me some additional information.
1. Why is unfiltered sunlight so important for turtles?
Because they need the UVB rays that help them gain calcium and other needed nutrients provided by the sun.
2. What might it mean if a turtle has a bubbling nose and what would you do?
That the tort may have a respiratory infection and is in need of medical attention from a Hep vet. (I have located one near by that specializes in torts)
3. What foods will you avoid and why?
Foods to avoid will be store bought pellet type food, iceburg lettuce, frequent fruits and proteins. Foods with proteins in them should also be avoided because their bodies can not process protein and it can cause stones. Sulcatas do better when they are allowed to graze outside. This aids their digestion and helps them process foods better. No iceburg lettuce should be given because it has little to no nutritional value to them. Store bought pellet foods are not great because it is not a natural food product and is best to avoid when possible.
4. What is the brand name and type of your UVB bulb? What is the
percentage of UVB output?
I am in the process of purchasing a Zoomed UVB bulb. (I am not sure what percent of the output should be???? Can anyone help me on this one????????? I have seen 3 different output strengths?
5. How far away from the basking area is it located?
This one I am also unsure about. He will be outside approx 9 months out of the year. We live in Western CO and have great springs, summers and falls. Once the temps start dropping at night we will bring him inside to an indoor setup we are having built. I know that the basking area needs to be approx 90 degrees???? Any other info for this question would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the advice.
Desiree