Hello!
I am writing from Wisconsin and I have just acquired a sulcata from a family he "outgrew." I have not brought him home yet as I am in the middle of moving and need to build him a condo for when he gets here.
Anyway, I was told he is 8 years old (assumed male, seems right as far as I can tell) and has been owned by them for all 8 of his years. They bought him as a hatchling from a pet store that raises and adopts unwanted Sulcata's. I was told he weighs around 20-25 pounds. I had no problem picking him up and would guess that weight is about right. They don't feed him any grasses or hay (because he apparently doesn't like them) and gets romaine everyday with some peppers and other veggies. I am worried about his size; is that too small for an 8 year old? I was told he getsa $100 dual bulb light (whatever that is) so I have no idea if that includes enough UVB or what. He is kept warm enough and does have a basking light. They sometimes forget to soak him at least once a week.
I am really nervous about bringing him home and not doing everything right. I know what I am getting into. However, a lot of the researching I have done has some conflicting issues about diet and housing. I plan on keeping him inside for the winters as they are very brutal here. I also would prefer to bring him inside at night since people have been known to steal these guys. I have a finished basement I can build a habitat in that will be very very large.
I have never owned any kind of torti but have had RES's. I also would love insight on their personalities and how/if they bond with their people. Any and all advice to get me started would be great! I have also been reading through the forums on here.
I am writing from Wisconsin and I have just acquired a sulcata from a family he "outgrew." I have not brought him home yet as I am in the middle of moving and need to build him a condo for when he gets here.
Anyway, I was told he is 8 years old (assumed male, seems right as far as I can tell) and has been owned by them for all 8 of his years. They bought him as a hatchling from a pet store that raises and adopts unwanted Sulcata's. I was told he weighs around 20-25 pounds. I had no problem picking him up and would guess that weight is about right. They don't feed him any grasses or hay (because he apparently doesn't like them) and gets romaine everyday with some peppers and other veggies. I am worried about his size; is that too small for an 8 year old? I was told he getsa $100 dual bulb light (whatever that is) so I have no idea if that includes enough UVB or what. He is kept warm enough and does have a basking light. They sometimes forget to soak him at least once a week.
I am really nervous about bringing him home and not doing everything right. I know what I am getting into. However, a lot of the researching I have done has some conflicting issues about diet and housing. I plan on keeping him inside for the winters as they are very brutal here. I also would prefer to bring him inside at night since people have been known to steal these guys. I have a finished basement I can build a habitat in that will be very very large.
I have never owned any kind of torti but have had RES's. I also would love insight on their personalities and how/if they bond with their people. Any and all advice to get me started would be great! I have also been reading through the forums on here.
Sounds like this sully could use a new home. He needs a much better diet. He probably is a little small for his age, as he has not been fed the best diet. Keep him outside as much as possible for natural grazing. Feed Mazuri, optunia cactus pads, rose of Sharon, hibiscus, mulberry, as much variety as possible. Check out the tortoisetable.org for more ideas.
