Introduction - First time owner of a Tortoise

Kiram

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Joined
Aug 16, 2017
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13
Location (City and/or State)
Hong Kong
IMG_2023.JPG This is my baby Kiram. Understand that she should be an African Sulcata but appreciate if anyone help confirm if it is correct? Also wanted to ask on her shell, when bought her 2-months back till now has these light spots on her shell, it that normal or is she lacking something in her diet? Thanks alot.
 

Tidgy's Dad

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Feb 11, 2015
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Fes, Morocco
Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and Kiram.:)
It's an African tortoise, but not a sulcata, that's a Leopard tortoise, though the care of the two species is pretty much the same.
Have a look at http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
These are essential reading.
You need high humidity for this species so that pellet substrate will have to go. Fine grade orchid bark, coco coir or cypress mulch are good options for retaining the necessary moisture.
The water bowl also looks a little high sided.
Use a cheap, shallow, terracotta plant saucer sunk into the substrate and big enough for the little fellow to soak in.
Congrats! That's a very pretty little leopard. :)
Oh, the shell markings seem perfectly normal for this species, it's sometimes called marbling.
 
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Maro2Bear

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Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA
Greetings....and welcome to the Forum. I too was going to comment on your substrate, but i see that Tidgy's dad made this point. But, to be clear:
  • You need high humidity for this species so that pellet substrate will have to go. Fine grade orchid bark, coco coir or cypress mulch are good options for retaining the necessary moisture.
Welcome again, and work on changing the substrate out and ensure proper temp and humidity levels. Good luck.
 

wellington

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Hello and Welcome. I second everything said above. It's a leopard, substrate needs to be changed ASAP and proper humidity and temps with a closed chamber is best. The light spots on the shell is new growth, normal.
 

Kiram

Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2017
Messages
13
Location (City and/or State)
Hong Kong
Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and Kiram.:)
It's an African tortoise, but not a sulcata, that's a Leopard tortoise, though the care of the two species is pretty much the same.
Have a look at http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
These are essential reading.
You need high humidity for this species so that pellet substrate will have to go. Fine grade orchid bark, coco coir or cypress mulch are good options for retaining the necessary moisture.
The water bowl also looks a little high sided.
Use a cheap, shallow, terracotta plant saucer sunk into the substrate and big enough for the little fellow to soak in.
Congrats! That's a very pretty little leopard. :)
Oh, the shell markings seem perfectly normal for this species, it's sometimes called marbling.
Thanks alot Tidgy's Dad, appreciate it
 

Kiram

Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2017
Messages
13
Location (City and/or State)
Hong Kong
Hi Tidgy's Dad, the pellets I am using are the same ones used in the store where I bought Kiram. Tried adding some hay but she didn't look too happy (I assume) however just removed the hay on Sunday. However we live in Hong Kong where the humidity is very high so not sure if the bedding would be an issue. Will leave her for some time to monitor as felt as if some white patches on her arms & legs which looks better since I removed the hay.

By the way the water bowl is quite low, might look high due to the angle of the photo. However I do put her into about an inch & half of water every morning where she does her stuff, so atleast 15 to 30 mins depending as she will start to scratch the walls when she wants to get out.

Any help or advise on improving my care for her is highly appreciated. Thanks alot.
 
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