introducing coconut

[stufine]

I am the new owner of a sulcata. She is 2 1/2 in. Long. I will post pics as soon as u can. Android app won't let me.
Thanks for all of the info in how to take care of get. I am using reptibark as a substrate. I feed her st. Augustine and Bermuda grass along with spring mix and hibiscus plants.
I have her in a big black plastic water trough. Roughly 3x2.

I keep her in the garage during the day. It stays in the upper 80s - lower 90s. I bring her inside during the night where its 73.

I mist her 3 times a day with 6 oz water throughout the day. I also soak her 15 mins everyday.

She gets 20 mins outside everyday. She seems to overheat easy. She was blowing bubbles one day pretty quick until I brought her inside.

I plan on building her enclosure soon. I need to figure out what is best for both of us.

Does this sound right so far? She seems happy.

 

[CourtneyAndCarl]

We need pictures!

 

[Jacqui]

Hi and welcome! So Coconut is the name of your little guy? Very different and cute. I personally am not a big fan of the reptile bark, but some folks do seem to like using it. When you have her outside, is she able to go into the shade if she wants? Just curious due to your comments about her overheating.

 

[TortoiseBoy1999]

Whee are the pics?

 

[DeanS]

You should try keeping her tub outside...she NEEDS (at least) 2-4 hours of direct sunlight...no debate...this is a fact! Second did you boil the bark first...it's crucial to minimize unwanted guests...insects, mold, etc. If you are keeping her inside...you can't let her temps get below 80...EVER! And the humidity needs to be 50% or above...the moist substrate will help achieve this! The water trough is an excellent indoor (and outdoor) home! When she is outside...does she have anywhere to retreat from the sun...tall grass, boulders, etc? St Augustine and Bermuda are good choices. You might go to your local feed supply and ask them to order you Mazuri Tortoise Chow...an excellent source of all nutrients. Also, offer cactus once a week or so! Otherwise, read this...your new Bible

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies#axzz21qOvXah6

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Stufine:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

 

[wellington]

Hello and WELCOME. I agree it would be nice if coconut can get outside for a longer time. However, I wouldn't put her out in a black box. Something with lower sides, gives better air circulation and at least half shade, with a water dish she can go in and out of. With the higher temps, 80 and above, I would do more of a 80% humidity. Lower humidity can have little lower temps. Check out the threads at the bottom of my post. Easy way to raise a smooth healthy sulcata.

 

[blafiriravt]

Welcome

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

Your baby needs a proper indoor set up with all the lights, heat, and a thermal gradient. It also needs a proper outdoor enclosure with lots of shade in the summer and places to hide. If your weather permits, it would great to get her out for more than 20 minutes.

Your diet and soaking routine sound good.

 

[stufine]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have attached a couple of pics of her. I am in Houston by the way.

When she overheated she was in a 2.5lX1.5wX3h plastic box. She may not have overheated. I did give her a hibiscus leaf. I am assuming she overheated or did not like the hibiscus leaf.

I do not put her in an enclosure when she is outside. I read that the heat can really get up there when they are in a box. So we sit outside with her while she cruises around. She has been doing fine with the heat for what little time she is out. I am kinda afraid to leave her out for too long. I have a small pen about 5ft in diameter. I could use that and put it next to the house. so she can have shade. I have plenty of water dishes for her to use. Is a plant container good enough for a little house for her?

I did not boil the bark. that sounds like a good idea. I am going to get the heat lights and stuff here soon.

thanks for the links as well. all of this reading has taken up a lot of time lol.

 

[DeanS]

They can withstand temps of 120 and more when they're adults. At this age, they aren't as dept to staying self-regulated! When outdoors, allow her to roam. A plastic box in Houston in the dead of summer is not a good idea!

 

[mary t]

Welcome. She/he is very cute and I love the name... You will find wonderful information and lots of great advice on the forum.. Just get read to read... Good luck!

 

[stufine]

It's a she. She has had a little over 2 hours outside today. She seemed to handle it well. I will do more tomorrow.

 

[mary t]

It's a she. She has had a little over 2 hours outside today. She seemed to handle it well. I will do more tomorrow.

Just a question- how do you know it's a girl?

 

[stufine]

That is what I was told. 50-50 chance of them being right. Lol.

Then again this is coming from the people who told me to give them fruit.

They said if the bottom of the shell is curved its a girl. If its straight its a boy.

If its a boy I'm going to be upset. I had some awesome boy names picked out.

 

[dmmj]

It's actually the other way around, curved can mean male, helps with breeding, and flat can mean female but not every tortoise species is like that.

 

[mary t]

That is what I was told. 50-50 chance of them being right. Lol.

Then again this is coming from the people who told me to give them fruit.

They said if the bottom of the shell is curved its a girl. If its straight its a boy.

If its a boy I'm going to be upset. I had some awesome boy names picked out.

Don't be upset. Mine turned out to be a boy and we were sure it was a girl until " she" flashed us. His names Willie aka willomena!

 

[MooingTricycle]

I think the person may have meant the rear scute closest to the tail on the bottom, females are very pronounced it seems, and males more flat. The "belly" scutes would dome inward on a male though, to mount the female. Take pictures of the belly as clear as you can, maybe?

 

[cemmons12]

Welcome. I will say that when my Sulcata Cooper was around 8 months old, the wife had him outside on a hot day, and he got overheated and it scared me to death. It was just luck that I got off work and got to him in time. As my wife didnt really know what she was doing at that time. He had been outside for around 45 minutes and by the time I got here he was like foaming at the mouth and breathing very very hard. I quickly grab'd him up and got him inside to get him cooled off. He ended up having runny poo all on my shirt. But after a luke warm bath and holding him real close to get him calm'd down he ended up being fine. Just make sure you have shade for your little one when she is outside, and keep a close eye on her also. Just wanted to share my story so you will be on the watch so you dont have to go through what Cooper and I did. Was a very scary time. Best of luck to you!!