Hey there-
A few months ago, my brother-in-law made the ill-advised, and clearly not at all thought out, decision to purchase a baby sulcata as a gift for my nephew's 6th birthday. When I was over at their house the other day, I heard someone mention how the tortoise had been pushing up against the glass of his enclosure (a small aquarium without any of the proper resources). Being an animal lover, I decided to do some research online. Needless to say, I was quite dismayed when I read about the proper care of these guys. As such, I am now planning to bring him to my house where, hopefully, he can have a much better life.
I do not know how old he is so I have attached some pictures. He doesn't seem to have grown much since he was purchased in March. Can anyone guess?
We live in Southern California and I would like to keep him outside as there is no room for a turtle table in my small house. I do, however, have a very large yard. Most of the information I have found online for outdoor enclosures seem to deal with much larger sulcatas. Is there any reason why he cannot be outside at this size? I plan to protect his enclosure from predators by covering it with something animal-proof. Does anybody have any suggestions for inexpensive and easy to use material for that purpose?
My boyfriend was going to build some walls around a 5' X 9' area that we have in the backyard. Is that big enough? For how long will that be big enough? The flooring of that area is covered with mulch from a tree that we recently cut down. Additionally, there are a couple of flat rocks and a little tree. Is this an acceptable habitat or do I need to do more to manufacture this space, such as add Bed-a-Beast, for example? We were planning to plant some of the grasses and weeds that are recommended for the sulcata. Will he just eat from that?
I know his enclosure will also additionally need a shallow water dish, a heated enclosure and a shady spot. Anything else?
Looking ahead, I don't know that I can guarantee that I will always be able to care for him. Will I be able to find a home for him in the future if I no longer can?
Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.
Thanks!
Courtney
PS His/her name is Tortilla.
A few months ago, my brother-in-law made the ill-advised, and clearly not at all thought out, decision to purchase a baby sulcata as a gift for my nephew's 6th birthday. When I was over at their house the other day, I heard someone mention how the tortoise had been pushing up against the glass of his enclosure (a small aquarium without any of the proper resources). Being an animal lover, I decided to do some research online. Needless to say, I was quite dismayed when I read about the proper care of these guys. As such, I am now planning to bring him to my house where, hopefully, he can have a much better life.
I do not know how old he is so I have attached some pictures. He doesn't seem to have grown much since he was purchased in March. Can anyone guess?
We live in Southern California and I would like to keep him outside as there is no room for a turtle table in my small house. I do, however, have a very large yard. Most of the information I have found online for outdoor enclosures seem to deal with much larger sulcatas. Is there any reason why he cannot be outside at this size? I plan to protect his enclosure from predators by covering it with something animal-proof. Does anybody have any suggestions for inexpensive and easy to use material for that purpose?
My boyfriend was going to build some walls around a 5' X 9' area that we have in the backyard. Is that big enough? For how long will that be big enough? The flooring of that area is covered with mulch from a tree that we recently cut down. Additionally, there are a couple of flat rocks and a little tree. Is this an acceptable habitat or do I need to do more to manufacture this space, such as add Bed-a-Beast, for example? We were planning to plant some of the grasses and weeds that are recommended for the sulcata. Will he just eat from that?
I know his enclosure will also additionally need a shallow water dish, a heated enclosure and a shady spot. Anything else?
Looking ahead, I don't know that I can guarantee that I will always be able to care for him. Will I be able to find a home for him in the future if I no longer can?
Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.
Thanks!
Courtney
PS His/her name is Tortilla.
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