Sulcata size.

[druizga]

Hello. first, sorry for my English , I'm from Spain , I have a sulcata of a year and a half, which weighs just 100 grams , she looks very healthy , very active and eat regularly , it is normal that over time it has grow an little.
Thank you.

 

[DeanS]

In a word...NO! Her conditions are likely less than par...she needs to be kept hot and humid. They are not a desert species...they NEED high humidity. You need to soak her in about an inch of lukewarm water 20-30 minutes a day...EVERYDAY! Do NOT feed any fruit or lettuce. They need high fiber,
moderate protein diets. Lotsa grass, weeds, grape leaves...you get the idea!

Check out the following links for ALL the advice you'll ever need! And welcome!

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/african-spurred-tortoise-sulcata-care-sheet.52524/

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/

 

[Tom]

Under ideal conditions from the time they hatch, they can reach 800-1000 grams by 12 months old. Even 400-500 grams would be good for 12-18 months old.

The small size of your tortoise indicates a problem somewhere. They are usually not started well by breeders, and the care info in the books for them is all wrong and based on decades old incorrect assumptions.

In addition to the links Dean posted for you, check out these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

 

[druizga]

Thank you for the advices, please tell me if you see something wrong.

Thanks.


Thanks.

 

[Moozillion]

The slight bumpiness of her shell is pyramiding, which indicates she REALLY needs more humidity! Those links that Tom and DeanS posted will tell you more about fixing that.
She's very pretty!!!

 

[Talkinturtles]

In a word...NO! Her conditions are likely less than par...she needs to be kept hot and humid. They are not a desert species...they NEED high humidity. You need to soak her in about an inch of lukewarm water 20-30 minutes a day...EVERYDAY! Do NOT feed any fruit or lettuce. They need high fiber,
moderate protein diets. Lotsa grass, weeds, grape leaves...you get the idea!

Check out the following links for ALL the advice you'll ever need! And welcome!

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/african-spurred-tortoise-sulcata-care-sheet.52524/

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/

occasional fruit is fine for them. they do need high fiber and they do need high heat and humidity. in my opinion, these tortoises should never be sold in the pet trade. people do not do their research and are not ready to take on their care. i wonder how many die the first year. why are people not doing research extensively BEFORE they get any type of tortoise?

 

[Tom]

occasional fruit is fine for them. they do need high fiber and they do need high heat and humidity. in my opinion, these tortoises should never be sold in the pet trade. people do not do their research and are not ready to take on their care. i wonder how many die the first year. why are people not doing research extensively BEFORE they get any type of tortoise?

No, occasion fruit is not fine for them. If its so bad that you can only offer it occasionally, why offer it at all.

These tortoises shouldn't be sold in the pet trade? You wish to deny the basic freedom of choice to everyone because some people do it wrong. What about the millions of people who do it right and thoroughly enjoy their tortoises? Too bad so sad for them?

 

[Sue Ann]

occasional fruit is fine for them. they do need high fiber and they do need high heat and humidity. in my opinion, these tortoises should never be sold in the pet trade. people do not do their research and are not ready to take on their care. i wonder how many die the first year. why are people not doing research extensively BEFORE they get any type of tortoise?

Please stop posting incorrect information. Fruit is NOT acceptable!
I noticed you are a new member, please defer to correct information in the groups care files.
You please do YOUR research. Read our care sheets.

 

[Yvonne G]

This is a pretty old thread.

 

[Talkinturtles]

Please stop posting incorrect information. Fruit is NOT acceptable!
I noticed you are a new member, please defer to correct information in the groups care files.
You please do YOUR research. Read our care sheets.

Please stop posting incorrect information. Fruit is NOT acceptable!
I noticed you are a new member, please defer to correct information in the groups care files.
You please do YOUR research. Read our care sheets.

 

[Talkinturtles]

I have studied and has tortoises for 30 years. Fruit is acceptable as a treat in their diet. Your care sheets may need to be updated. They will, of course, run into fruit in their natural habitat and will definitely eat it.

 

[Yvonne G]

Like I said, this is an old thread. The original poster doesn't visit here anymore.