kellygirl64
Well-Known Member
Hello, I rescued a tort, was told he was bought as a hatchling about 2 years ago. He was in a small 10 gallon tank with feces packed sand, very unsanitary conditions, to be kind. I never owned one of these and my only other tort was a Russian who passed away some time ago. I was told he (the sulcatta tort) was to never be given water, not to feed him hardly anything because he will grow huge and only let him get wet about twice a week, was given a spray bottle of calcium his home and the tort. He's now in a 75 gallon tank, with the correct white/uvb(?) lighting on the left of the tank and red night(?) lamp on the right. These are on mesh platforms and the top of the open tank area is covered lightly. After getting him about a month ago, I started feeding him daily, but only small amounts of pre-washed organic spring mix. There is silk greenery positioned in the tank for lots of shading and hiding options. I have the back side of the tank covered with a forest scene you can get at pet shops. His substrate is a generic reptile and bird product our local shop uses exclusively. His under the white light temp is 83. Under the red is 73. The ends of the tank are covered with black paper because he seems very scared all the time, even now. I had a hut in there but I couldn't maintain temperature around it and was worried. When I set his home up exactly as the former owner showed me, the internal tank temp was 115 degrees after 15 minutes. He had both lamps and a heat pad going 24/7. I was thinking this guy was finally stabilized enough to get him to a vet and have him evaluated. However, this last week, he's very lethargic, has not been waiting for me at breakfast and just stays in the red light corner. He will eat if I put his dish under his nose. I'd like to take him to the vet first week in March. I've read, horrified, about him needing to have water always available and such. I've hesitated on making any dietary changes beyond just having him eat daily at this point. Am I doing the best I can by this guy so far ? I'm thinking to get a ceramic heat lamp for the middle of the tank area at the top, if more heat is suggested. I guess I feel like I've finally got things right but then he doesn't seem like himself. I was not ready for this situation but I'm glad I can help him. It's not my intention to keep him long term though. I just want him stable, predictable and healthy for the new owner when the time comes. I am also considering a smaller environment. I honestly just don't know how to care for this guy beyond my readings and hopes. My question is does this habitat situation seem ok enough for now, or is there anything I need to do or change for his benefit that will help this guy be the best tort he can be ? He is given spring water, his spring mix and his calcium spritz twice a week. Thanks.