I was offered this tortoise for about $100, he is 14 inches long but as you can see he is badly pyramided(spelling is horrible I know). I have the room to house him and I know how to do everything else, but m question is do you guys think that his nutrition has caused secondary effects or do you think I can get him up to health?
Should I get this tortoise or not?
- Thread starter MyBuddy
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Welcome! I've seen much worse pyramiding. As long as you've done your research and know how big he's going to get, what his habitat needs to be like, and are ready for a long term commitment, I'd go for it. I would definitely ask lots of questions of the seller. Ask what his current set up is like, what he's currently being fed, and compare those answers with the knowledge you have and what others with much more experience here on this forum have said and you'll be fine. I adopted mine when he was 60 pounds and 6 years old. He's got some pyramiding, but I know he's in a much better environment now and I am completely in love with him.
Hello and welcome to the forum. He looks like he could use a new home with someone that will go the extra mile. I rescued Lana and she is doing great even with MBD. Everyone on the forum is great and can give you good advise to help turn him around if you decide to go for it.
Welcome to the forum and here's the link to the ONLY thread you'll ever need (just kidding! But it is the best!) The pyramiding is uniform and not grossly exaggerated...as long as he move wells and is eating...go for it! Realize that he will likely double in length and weigh over 100 pounds (and outlive you)!
http://tortoiseforum.org/Thread-The-End-Of-Pyramiding
http://tortoiseforum.org/Thread-The-End-Of-Pyramiding
He's cute I would get him if you have the room. I'm agreeing with the others it's not that bad. Let us know. 
Currently he is kept inside, with the exception of some grazing time outside everyday. At night they put him in a pond liner with a heat bulb. The only thing he eats is the grass. I live in Maryland where it gets very cold duringthe winter, what do you guys suggest feeding him in the winter time? Sorry so many questions, I have done a lot of research and I can house him and stuff but I am very new to this (other than the tortoises at the pet store I worked at I have never really done the whole tortoise thing)
I feed dry hay in the winter. I also started growing weeds (plantains) in pots for the winter. I have frozen summer squash and plan to freeze pumpkin and cactus also. I have just started feeding Mazuri and they love it and it will be an adition to winter feeding. I also buy organic greens from the grocery for winter. A large Sulcata eats a lot so be prepared.
Not all eat hay.. so it can get very expensive to feed one let alone house and keep warm in the winter..
I didnt pay for any of mine. all rescues. So the paying for one is up to you..
why are they getting rid of it? TOo hard to house and winter is coming?
I didnt pay for any of mine. all rescues. So the paying for one is up to you..
why are they getting rid of it? TOo hard to house and winter is coming?
Laura said:
I think that is the exact reason they are getting rid of it. How would you guys house it when it gets really cold out? I have a room in my house that doesnt have anything in it and I was thinking of using that. I heard that they will knock over drywall (like reagular walls)
though, is that true?
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I can't offer any advice but if you guys think sulcatas are gonna get big, my friend just brough home a rescue Galapogas tortie thats over 350 lbs! the kids ride on him ... lol Kemp
Kemperly_Williams said:
I was under the impresson that kids riding on a tortoise, was bad for the animal. I would like to know WHERE there would ever be a Galap put into a rescue.
MyBuddy said:
I think you would make a very good caretaker for this tortoise. As to if there are secondary problems, only time will tell. I have a feeling he will be fine.
M
Maggie Cummings
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I keep my 80 pound Sulcata (Bob) in a 12X20 ft shed. It's lined with that fluffy pink insulation and covered over with plywood walls. He has a DeLonghi oil filled heater, but the shed is so well insulated I don't turn the heater on. He has a doggie door that opens into his pen and I open that every morning and leave it up to him to decide if he wants to go out or not. It was a hassle keeping him for a while but then I got an escape proof fence and insulated the shed and now he's a dream to keep. He's really an easy keeper now and he's fun to take around to school or to the pet shops. He gets his picture taken with Santa every year and that is really fun.
If you can keep your guy safely and easily you would so love to have him. Bob is really fun to have and I look forward to our bonding time in the evening. I'd get that guy if I were you then get him set up right and you will see just how much fun they can be. He is not pyramided enough to have any internal damage IMHO
If you can keep your guy safely and easily you would so love to have him. Bob is really fun to have and I look forward to our bonding time in the evening. I'd get that guy if I were you then get him set up right and you will see just how much fun they can be. He is not pyramided enough to have any internal damage IMHO
I wouldnt pay that much for him..
read the sulcata section here..
a room in your house might work whiel its still small, but I wouldnt keep my big guys in the house..
if you have a big yard, which you will need.. then build a heated shed and shelter.. not cheap tho..
read the sulcata section here..
a room in your house might work whiel its still small, but I wouldnt keep my big guys in the house..
if you have a big yard, which you will need.. then build a heated shed and shelter.. not cheap tho..
MyBuddy- please don't ever apologize for asking questions! You're doing the absolute right thing by learning all you can and getting prepared first. The people here are awesome when it comes to knowledge and experience. Mine loves Mazuri- you can search for it in the threads either by Mazuri or by looking for the username "Spikethebest". I bought mine from him and got a super deal. I also feed mine one shredded carrot each week and a couple of Opuntia cactus pads each week. When they warm up to you and get used to their surroundings, oh my goodness- they are so fun! I love to watch mine just about come running when he sees me (food goddess response-but I don't really care). Sulcatas are completely amazing!!!
The people here are awesome when it comes to knowledge and experience. Mine loves Mazuri- you can search for it in the threads either by Mazuri or by looking for the username "Spikethebest". I bought mine from him and got a super deal. I also feed mine one shredded carrot each week and a couple of Opuntia cactus pads each week. When they warm up to you and get used to their surroundings, oh my goodness- they are so fun! I love to watch mine just about come running when he sees me (food goddess response-but I don't really care). Sulcatas are completely amazing!!!- Status
