Sulcata problems

[tvingelli]

This is Zola.. I got her in April off a woman from Craigslist. She came with a big wooden "tortoise house" as it's printed in big letters so I'm guessing it wasn't homemade... I feed her romaine lettuce sliced carrots Timothy hay an occasional scoop of pumpkin purée... Anyways in the last month or two I've found her 3 different times flipped on her back! I'm extremely concerned... Does anyone know how to help this? All she has in her house is a bath and a bark hideaway I've moved them around so there's no awkward spaces but she keeps flipping... Another thing if anyone knows how long they can be belly up before suffocating? I work during the day and I'm always worried about her.. I don't want my baby to die!!
Also she squeaks.. I think I read this is not normal but she seems happy and healthy...

 

[Laura]

well, besides her flipping she needs a healthier diet..
can see see out of her enclosure? is it too hot and she is trying to get away from the heat?
Some are more active them others.

 

[sibi]

One of my babies did that for a while. I'd always find her on her back; but, not for long because every hour I'd check on them. Sometimes it may require you to spend a few hours just watching to see what he/she does to flip like that. Once you've seen it, you'll know how to correct it. Sulcatas lungs are high up on the top of their shells. When they flip, they can be like that for a couple of hours or longer, but they quickly get cold and could die if left unattended, especially if they are babies. If you cannot spend time watching him for a few hours, then find someone you know who will do it for you. Sometimes, when the object is adjusted or removed, your tort will not flip anymore. One other thing to consider, the substrate you are using. If it's lumpy and uneven, sometimes the baby will try to get over it and lose his footing. Check to see that that's not happening. Keep us posted.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. I'm glad you found us. Sounds like you need some help with your enclosure, diet, and temps.

Read the threads in my signature for some helpful info. There are care sheets from 3 different people and lots of other good sulcata info.

 

[TortieLuver]

Do you have any pictures of your setup and can you give us a little more information as far as temps in the setup. The more we know the better we can help my first thought was perhaps security issues, but there could be many reasons and I would want to lead you down the correct path. How much outside time does she get?