Thomas is One Year Old Today

[Len B]

He was hatched by @Tom. I received him in June at 3 months old. He has been growing at a nice steady rate.His diet has been mostly weeds and grasses from the yard with opuntia and mazuri added. Weighed him this morning, 2 pounds 14 oz.

 

[Tom]

Happy Birthday Thomas!

He looks great Len. Everyone seems to grow them faster than me. Even my own tortoises. Dean used to regularly get them to that size at 12 months. When I raise them, they only get 800-1000 by 12 months. Diet, hydration, temps and conditions always seem pretty similar. I've never been able to figure out the difference.

 

[Len B]

Happy Birthday Thomas!

He looks great Len. Everyone seems to grow them faster than me. Even my own tortoises. Dean used to regularly get them to that size at 12 months. When I raise them, they only get 800-1000 by 12 months. Diet, hydration, temps and conditions always seem pretty similar. I've never been able to figure out the difference.

I think I keep them a little warmer than what you do and while young I cut their food into smaller pieces so that they take in more food with each bite. I still believe that starting them off correctly right out of the egg is an important factor in how they will do in the future.

 

[ReiGuy]

He was hatched by @Tom. I received him in June at 3 months old. He has been growing at a nice steady rate.View attachment 320240View attachment 320241View attachment 320242His diet has been mostly weeds and grasses from the yard with opuntia and mazuri added. Weighed him this morning, 2 pounds 14 oz.View attachment 320243View attachment 320244

He is gorgeous!

 

[Len B]

Thomas gets a little outside time.I turned the heat back on in Donald's first outdoor enclosure so Thomas will be able to get some outside more often. He is still growing at a good rate.3 pounds 3 oz. I know it's to early to sex him but leaning towards female.

 

[Tom]

Thomasina!

You should post these pics, and Donald's pics too, on FB. Those nut jobs don't even know that a sulcata is supposed to look like this. Probably never seen one so smooth and healthy.

When I say "nut jobs", I'm referring to the admins on those FB tortoise groups, NOT the good people who are earnestly trying to learn how best to care for their tortoise.

 

[Yvonne G]

I'm leaning towards female too. I think the females have a slightly more feminine-looking head.

 

[Len B]

Thomasina!

You should post these pics, and Donald's pics too, on FB. Those nut jobs don't even know that a sulcata is supposed to look like this. Probably never seen one so smooth and healthy.

When I say "nut jobs", I'm referring to the admins on those FB tortoise groups, NOT the good people who are earnestly trying to learn how best to care for their tortoise.

Easier said than done since I have never posted a pic on facebook. But any forum member is welcome to copy a couple pics of both Thomas and Donald and post on FB if they think it may help someone.

 

[Jan A]

Easier said than done since I have never posted a pic on facebook. But any forum member is welcome to copy a couple pics of both Thomas and Donald and post on FB if they think it may help someone.

What about Walter??? He's just as handsome!!

 

[Len B]

What about Walter??? He's just as handsome!!

Thank You, I think so too. But to get nicer looking and healthy adult sulcatas they have to be raised correctly the right way from the start. Not many people have a 25 year old sulcata that they haved raised from a hatchling. It's the youngsters that need help. That being said Walkers pics can be coppied also if wanted.

 

[Davide.bach]

Easier said than done since I have never posted a pic on facebook. But any forum member is welcome to copy a couple pics of both Thomas and Donald and post on FB if they think it may help someone.

Ok thanks!

 

[Davide.bach]

Thomasina!

You should post these pics, and Donald's pics too, on FB. Those nut jobs don't even know that a sulcata is supposed to look like this. Probably never seen one so smooth and healthy.

When I say "nut jobs", I'm referring to the admins on those FB tortoise groups, NOT the good people who are earnestly trying to learn how best to care for their tortoise.

I post on Italy fb! ?? bye Tom!

 

[Tom]

I post on Italy fb! ?? bye Tom!

How are things on the Italian FB? Do you get a lot of people telling you that you are doing it wrong even though your tortoises is thriving and growing smoother than any they've ever seen?

 

[Davide.bach]

How are things on the Italian FB? Do you get a lot of people telling you that you are doing it wrong even though your tortoises is thriving and growing smoother than any they've ever seen?

Hi Tom! some have insulted me, but others are following your advice and writing me in private for explanations I am very happy with this!

 

[Tom]

Hi Tom! some have insulted me, but others are following your advice and writing me in private for explanations I am very happy with this!

It just takes one in each country to lead the way and demonstrate. We had Sabine in Germany, we've had several in China, a couple in Mexico, many in the UK, and now we have YOU in Italy! I thank you for your help in erasing ignorance of tortoise care.

 

[Davide.bach]

It just takes one in each country to lead the way and demonstrate. We had Sabine in Germany, we've had several in China, a couple in Mexico, many in the UK, and now we have YOU in Italy! I thank you for your help in erasing ignorance of tortoise care.

honored of the role! ??
The credit is yours ,and our friends in the forum.!!!?

 

[Len B]

We've had chilly temps and rain lately but it hasn't slowed Thomas down a bit. The sun broke through the clouds a little after noonand he was out and about.He's reached the 4 pound mark

 

[Yvonne G]

He looks like a perfect specimen.

 

[Len B]

He looks like a perfect specimen.

Thanks Yvonne. While raising Donald I came up with some new ideas and Thomas is the results of using them from the beginning.

 

[Len B]

It's been about a month so here is an update on Thomas. She is doing great while living outside full time and eating everything offered on a daily bases. A few pics from yesterday.Weighed her and is putting on weight at a steady rate. She broke he 5 pound mark.