Hello everyone, My name is Tommy and I recently got a sulcata tortoise I named Turbo. The breeder was raising him on lettuce and he was very sick. He had bubbles come from his nose and wouldn't move. When I picked him up and wiped his nose, he came out of his shell and the look in his eye just tugged at my heart. I couldn't walk away and leave him to possibly die from infection. Just coming out of his shell to show me that he trusted me was all I needed to decide I would be his guardian. Thanks to this forum, I found a herp vet who was able to help Turbo with all the problems he was having. Turbo is now healthy, active and has an amazing personality. Almost every night, we lay on my bed and when I call his name, he comes to me, presses against me and falls asleep. Whenever I feed him, hold him, talk to him or he sees something that interests him, he clicks his beak. I believe that is his way of showing approval and happiness. Well today I transplanted him from his temporary home, a 10 gallon vivarium, into a custom built tortoise enclosure and am happy to say he is eating grass as well as some kale and collard greens. He is also finally nibbling on his cuttlefish bone and for the first time, he sat in his water bowl for a few minutes and then went to his upper level and basked. Most of what I have learned was from lurking on this site and with how far I have come in recent weeks, I felt the desire to introduce us as well as say thank you to every single person on this forum for being so helpful and kind and for the immense amount of knowledge on tortoises. I know people love pictures. So, without further ado, pictures.
Everyone, meet my little bulldozer, Turbo.
His temporary home. From the start I didn't like this as an enclosure. I'm happy to have him in his new habitat.
This is his custom built tortoise enclosure. Soon I plan on going to a reptile show and getting more things to put in it so Turbo doesn't get bored.
This is his basking spot.
I need more river rock since he tends to travel through his food. Here he's eating grass that's mixed with kale. I'm trying to increase the grass amount and reduce the kale/collard greens.
He loves the ramp.
This is his ceramic heating element. It is about 90 where the pile is.
Here he is climbing out of his water and into his dry grass bowl. Took some nibbles and then walked off.
He sniffs everything.
A shot of the ramp.
And lastly, Turbo heading up the ramp.
Thanks again for everything.
Tommy & Turbo
Everyone, meet my little bulldozer, Turbo.
His temporary home. From the start I didn't like this as an enclosure. I'm happy to have him in his new habitat.
This is his custom built tortoise enclosure. Soon I plan on going to a reptile show and getting more things to put in it so Turbo doesn't get bored.
This is his basking spot.
I need more river rock since he tends to travel through his food. Here he's eating grass that's mixed with kale. I'm trying to increase the grass amount and reduce the kale/collard greens.
He loves the ramp.
This is his ceramic heating element. It is about 90 where the pile is.
Here he is climbing out of his water and into his dry grass bowl. Took some nibbles and then walked off.
He sniffs everything.
A shot of the ramp.
And lastly, Turbo heading up the ramp.
Thanks again for everything.
Tommy & Turbo