Moving Outside on new property, lots of questions...

• Snakes
• Coyote
• Hawks

Dizisdalife said:

My sulcata has never tried to dig out. When they dig it is usually to burrow down. They don't dig back up again. So, you probably don't need to dig the wall down to keep your sulcata in. Eventually your sulcata will want to burrow to escape the heat and intense sun. Their burrows can be several feet down and they will tunnel 15 or more feet. In some cases that has led them under walls or fences and under the neighbors property. Just beware when Mia starts to burrow.

At 12" long I think the worry of a hawk carrying off your tortoise is passed. You do need to protect your tortoise from coyote (or any other canine) and possibly possum, rats, raccoons, and other nocturnal carnivores. I have a night box for my sulcata that provides this protection. There are several threads here on the Forum that detail how to build and equip a box for this purpose and to keep them warm at night and during the winter months.

Sulcatas seem to use all the area that you give them. They will explore it all. Realistically, a juvenile will be fine in 1000 square feet. An adult will use more space.

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Big Charlie said:

Your tortoise will appreciate all the space you can give. I agree with Dizisdalife, tortoises don't dig to escape. They dig to get out of extreme weather conditions. Once they dig a burrow, they never stop making it bigger, so eventually it goes someplace you don't want. Make sure you provide lots of shade and water. Charlie hasn't dug a burrow in years. I believe that is because he has a heated night box to go when it is cold and under a bush in the mud when it is too hot. If you could provide a pond that would be awesome. Or turn on a sprinkler when it is really hot.

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