Hi guys. New poster, new tortoise owner, and all that good stuff. 
I just adopted a sulcata tortoise this weekend. I choose a sulcata primarily because they are native to where we live (outside of Phoenix AZ) and figured it would be the easiest on me and least stressful on the tortoise. Morla is a 5 year old Sulcata, roughly 5" long along the bottom shell and 5.5" width wise.
So, I found burrow directions on the turtle adoptions site (here: http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_burrow.php) and got all the stuff, but now I'm browsing through this forum and feel woefully unqualified. I was under the assumption that I made the burrow and Morla (I think she's a girl anyway ) would regulate the humidity and whatnot inside. I'm also trying to achieve a somewhat "normal" looking backyard in case of resale purposes.
We have a large backyard, about 30' by 50', completely surrounded with block fencing sunk about 8" down and planted with typical bermuda/fescue mix. The edges are done in desert landscaping with gravel - the lantanas have been ripped out. Our garden boxes are in 12" raised beds, though the only plant in there that would cause issues is spinach which should bolt in this heat soon. She'll have access to normal weeds, pomegranate, snail vine, cats claw, creeping fig, passion vine, grape vines and hibiscus. I just picked up some geraniums. In the front I have ice plant and asparagus fern that I can cut and feed. I've also got wild milt and lemon balm growing under the spigots. I had planned to put in some dichondra, Corsican mint and rock cress around stepping stones this fall. I've found lists of what is okay for her to eat, but most of this is not listed. Can anyone tell me yay or nay to any of these? Also, will a tortoise know better than to eat something that is not good for them or will they eat it anyway?
It seems most people here section off a portion of their yards. Is it okay to let her have free reign? I've blocked off a section by the gate, because I was worried someone would not see her and she'd get stepped on. I also blocked off the area by our A/C units and water softener. There's just too much going on back there.
Back to my original question, I guess, is it enough to build her a burrow and let her take care of the rest inside, like humidity? I've got a big dish that she can get in and out of for soaking and was going to put out a stepping stone for basking. And I'm going to put some smaller dishes out under the drippers for water. I was thinking that because this is technically her native environment that she is suited to the temperature fluctuations and weather as it is. I have no problem bringing her inside, but figured she would be happiest outside doing tortoisey things granted she has water, shelter and shade. I plan on putting the burrow by the west fence so it should be shaded by about 1pm every day. There is also areas of shade during every part of the day.
Oh! And would she like more than one burrow? Or is one good one sufficient along with a couple other hidey spots?
Right now, she's dig down into her temporary den, but when she comes out tonight I'll introduce ourselves formally with more pictures. I'd greatly appreciate an assessment and sex guesses on 'her'.
Whew, longest post ever right here! I really appreciate any insight you guys can give me. Thank you!
I just adopted a sulcata tortoise this weekend. I choose a sulcata primarily because they are native to where we live (outside of Phoenix AZ) and figured it would be the easiest on me and least stressful on the tortoise. Morla is a 5 year old Sulcata, roughly 5" long along the bottom shell and 5.5" width wise.
So, I found burrow directions on the turtle adoptions site (here: http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_burrow.php) and got all the stuff, but now I'm browsing through this forum and feel woefully unqualified. I was under the assumption that I made the burrow and Morla (I think she's a girl anyway
) would regulate the humidity and whatnot inside. I'm also trying to achieve a somewhat "normal" looking backyard in case of resale purposes. We have a large backyard, about 30' by 50', completely surrounded with block fencing sunk about 8" down and planted with typical bermuda/fescue mix. The edges are done in desert landscaping with gravel - the lantanas have been ripped out. Our garden boxes are in 12" raised beds, though the only plant in there that would cause issues is spinach which should bolt in this heat soon. She'll have access to normal weeds, pomegranate, snail vine, cats claw, creeping fig, passion vine, grape vines and hibiscus. I just picked up some geraniums. In the front I have ice plant and asparagus fern that I can cut and feed. I've also got wild milt and lemon balm growing under the spigots. I had planned to put in some dichondra, Corsican mint and rock cress around stepping stones this fall. I've found lists of what is okay for her to eat, but most of this is not listed. Can anyone tell me yay or nay to any of these? Also, will a tortoise know better than to eat something that is not good for them or will they eat it anyway?
It seems most people here section off a portion of their yards. Is it okay to let her have free reign? I've blocked off a section by the gate, because I was worried someone would not see her and she'd get stepped on. I also blocked off the area by our A/C units and water softener. There's just too much going on back there.
Back to my original question, I guess, is it enough to build her a burrow and let her take care of the rest inside, like humidity? I've got a big dish that she can get in and out of for soaking and was going to put out a stepping stone for basking. And I'm going to put some smaller dishes out under the drippers for water. I was thinking that because this is technically her native environment that she is suited to the temperature fluctuations and weather as it is. I have no problem bringing her inside, but figured she would be happiest outside doing tortoisey things granted she has water, shelter and shade. I plan on putting the burrow by the west fence so it should be shaded by about 1pm every day. There is also areas of shade during every part of the day.
Oh! And would she like more than one burrow? Or is one good one sufficient along with a couple other hidey spots?
Right now, she's dig down into her temporary den, but when she comes out tonight I'll introduce ourselves formally with more pictures. I'd greatly appreciate an assessment and sex guesses on 'her'.
Whew, longest post ever right here! I really appreciate any insight you guys can give me. Thank you!
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