new to the tortoise world

[Michelle20]

We are new and have not gotten our tort yet. I am wanting to do all the research before hand we are looking to be getting one next year so I have an entire year to create his/hers stomping grounds. We are looking to get a sulcata tortoise. So far everything I read they are pretty difficult to manage needing special heat and one site I read they said no fruits or veggies only grass and weeds which I knew that but not the veggie thing is this true or is it only in moderation. Also we live in arizona which is close to the Sahara desert in temperature (at least it feels like it) so we do live in the perfect place for the sulcata but it is the winters I'm worried about. What have you found to be the best way to build a home for them once they live outside? Are there any books that are better than others to help us along.
I'm a vet tech so I have all the medical help needed to keep them healthy. But I need help from you guys that have had the experience with the tortoise. I'm only small animal. But I have a great exotic vet that we go to. He sent me here to see what others have to say. Thank you

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome please read Toms threads below in my post on raising a sulcata. Then also look up his other threads, he has many that may be helpful in your research.

 

[Maggie and Torie the Tort]

Hello and welcome to tortoise forum!!

 

[N2TORTS]

Welcome to the Forum ….. You will find a wealth of knowledge in here first hand as well as a great group of folks talking torts. Sit back enjoy and let the fun begin!
JD~

 

[tiff3grl]

Hi and welcome I live in AZ as well. When it comes to housing a sulcata outdoors we have the weather on our side most of the year, minus this crazy heat and the months that are the coldest for us. I built a very large "tortoise house" out of wood for him to sleep in during the winter and have a heat lamp when needed. He is 55+lbs and has the whole yard to roam. Your outdoor enclosure will obviously need to be more secure so you don't lose the little one. If you look on the "enclosure" section of this forum there are a lot of good ideas when it comes to outdoor enclosures.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Michelle:

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199]

Hi, and Welcome!! You can find lots of info here. For more specialized on sulcatas, go to Tortoise Topics>Breed Specific>African Torts>Sulcata/African Spur Thigh. Good luck, I'm also still researching for a Burmese star to get one. You'll meet lots of knowledgeable people and reputable breeders on the forum

 

[zman7590]

We are new and have not gotten our tort yet. I am wanting to do all the research before hand we are looking to be getting one next year so I have an entire year to create his/hers stomping grounds. We are looking to get a sulcata tortoise. So far everything I read they are pretty difficult to manage needing special heat and one site I read they said no fruits or veggies only grass and weeds which I knew that but not the veggie thing is this true or is it only in moderation. Also we live in arizona which is close to the Sahara desert in temperature (at least it feels like it) so we do live in the perfect place for the sulcata but it is the winters I'm worried about. What have you found to be the best way to build a home for them once they live outside? Are there any books that are better than others to help us along.
I'm a vet tech so I have all the medical help needed to keep them healthy. But I need help from you guys that have had the experience with the tortoise. I'm only small animal. But I have a great exotic vet that we go to. He sent me here to see what others have to say. Thank you

welcome!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Yes AZ is really crazy this year with the heat Welcome to the form

 

[shanu303]

Hello Michelle and Welcome to TFO !!