Welcome to the forum! Definitely read the threads on the top of the sulcata section. Soaking everyday for atleast 30 minutes is very nessesary for a smooth shell. these guys are hatched in the rainy season so mother nature wants them wet for awhile. also a varied diet high in fiber is a good...
Talking and holding is a good way for them to get used to you. But be careful to not restrict their movements. let them go where they want to go. otherwise they could stress out. just being in plain sight of them a lot worked well for me. I'd pick mine up, carry them outside and then watch them...
Welcome to TFO. Cant wait to see your little guy/girl. Sulcatas are great. Read the threads at the top of the sulcata forum. they will really help you. Good luck.
outside is always better I agree. I'm in the tampa area and this week though has been colder and humid. I'd still throw some type of warming element out there with them. especially as we get colder. next week its dropping to the 70's as a high. that was my point about the heat. but good luck...
this is just my 2 cents and I'm sure much more knowledgable people will weigh in, but I would suggest getting your temps up all around. 85 is good but 90 is better and some sort of basking spot would help. night time should still be over 80 with limited moisture. I would assume getting dry...
Def a Happy Ending. i wonder how many people in NM lose a sulcata that the officer would be concerned that it WASNT yours. haha crazy skeptic I guess. Glad you got him back.
I see wild Gopher tortoises all the time. by all the time I mean a few times a year but more frequently then most. I love hiking and searching for wildlife so its fun when I get to see the big torts we have around here.