Hello everyone my name is Jim and I live in Ohio. I have been reading these forums and other online resources for the past two weeks in preparation for our Sulcata's new home. I am no stranger to having exotics it has just been quite a few years since I have parented any.
Our recently adopted Sulcata came from a home that was ready to let her go. I am guessing the sex as female, which from reading I know can be very difficult depending on size. The people told us she was purchased in 05 which makes her around 8 years old. In my opinion she is really undersized for her age. I could be wrong but she is only 8 inches and weighs a little less than 5lbs. She also has some pyramiding but its not horrible like some of the pictures I have seen. I know she was not kept in the idea conditions and that is why I jumped to adopt her and try to give her a better home. Her appetite is good and has really enjoyed being outside with me and grazing in the yard also I have already treated her with some organically grown pumpkin which she attacked. From what I know the majority of her life has been spent in aquariums which I know from my research is a no no. We received her with the aquarium she has been housed in and it is only a 20 long and the substrate, if you want to call it that was green indoor/outdoor carpet and there was no way for the proper humidity either. The UVB bulb was roughly 2 years old (which was no use in even having) and they have been giving her ReptoCal.
We have only had her a couple days now and I am in the process of building her winter time indoor enclosure. The first stage of her enclosure will be 3 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet and 24" side walls with additions to come as money allows for it because with her small size right now I do feel comfortable with her being outside when I cannot be there with her. We are in the process of purchasing either a florescent tube or mercury style UVB light and for heat now sure as of yet. Her substrate will consist of the coconut fiber and play sand mix unless someone recommends not to mix the play sand in there. My plans are for a 60 to 40 or 70 to 30 ratio. Inside her new enclosure she will have a hide just need to get that part built and the top built of the cage build as well because we do have 3 cats. The enclosure will also have a digital thermometer/humidity meter to monitor her enclosure conditions. For the liner below the substrate I plan on using a pond liner unless someone has a better suggestion. Once outside gets to cold to put her out she will be on a primary diet of horse hay that I am getting from a friend that raises horses and goats. His horse hay is orchard grass and clover for the most part.
Im sorry for rambling on but trying to give everyone an idea of what I am doing and what are new addition to the family is all about. I will have pictures to come as soon as I get them off my phone.
Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions you can give me. This poor little girl really just fell into our laps and I really want to give her the best home possible.
Our recently adopted Sulcata came from a home that was ready to let her go. I am guessing the sex as female, which from reading I know can be very difficult depending on size. The people told us she was purchased in 05 which makes her around 8 years old. In my opinion she is really undersized for her age. I could be wrong but she is only 8 inches and weighs a little less than 5lbs. She also has some pyramiding but its not horrible like some of the pictures I have seen. I know she was not kept in the idea conditions and that is why I jumped to adopt her and try to give her a better home. Her appetite is good and has really enjoyed being outside with me and grazing in the yard also I have already treated her with some organically grown pumpkin which she attacked. From what I know the majority of her life has been spent in aquariums which I know from my research is a no no. We received her with the aquarium she has been housed in and it is only a 20 long and the substrate, if you want to call it that was green indoor/outdoor carpet and there was no way for the proper humidity either. The UVB bulb was roughly 2 years old (which was no use in even having) and they have been giving her ReptoCal.
We have only had her a couple days now and I am in the process of building her winter time indoor enclosure. The first stage of her enclosure will be 3 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet and 24" side walls with additions to come as money allows for it because with her small size right now I do feel comfortable with her being outside when I cannot be there with her. We are in the process of purchasing either a florescent tube or mercury style UVB light and for heat now sure as of yet. Her substrate will consist of the coconut fiber and play sand mix unless someone recommends not to mix the play sand in there. My plans are for a 60 to 40 or 70 to 30 ratio. Inside her new enclosure she will have a hide just need to get that part built and the top built of the cage build as well because we do have 3 cats. The enclosure will also have a digital thermometer/humidity meter to monitor her enclosure conditions. For the liner below the substrate I plan on using a pond liner unless someone has a better suggestion. Once outside gets to cold to put her out she will be on a primary diet of horse hay that I am getting from a friend that raises horses and goats. His horse hay is orchard grass and clover for the most part.
Im sorry for rambling on but trying to give everyone an idea of what I am doing and what are new addition to the family is all about. I will have pictures to come as soon as I get them off my phone.
Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions you can give me. This poor little girl really just fell into our laps and I really want to give her the best home possible.