Sulcata Help

[dakotawiseman15]

I am new to tortoises, and have a few questions. I am only 16 but want to be a vet when I get older and have had had just about every reptile other than a turtle.. I am thinking about getting two sulcata tortoises, but have been doing research and making the tortoise table before I get them... I have the table ready, I just need to know what the best substrate to use, do I need a uvb light, what do I feed them, and how much. (I am planning on getting hatchlings) also, about how much does it cost to feed a baby tortoise? I have attached a picture of the table, Thanks in advance!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Dakota, and welcome to the Forum!!

I know you probably have your heart set on getting two hatchlings, but in my opinion you would be better off only getting one.

Sulcatas can only live in a tort table for a year, or maybe two years at the most, then they have to graduate to something bigger, and at 3 years will be big enough to go outside and live during the day and coming indoors for the nights.

Besides the size problem, two tortoises don't do well together. Tortoises are solitary animals, not herd animals and they don't look for the company of other tortoises.

So, if YOU want two tortoises, then get two your YOU, but don't get two because you think one will be lonely. And if you DO get two, be prepared to separate them, because they may not get along for very long.

For info on how to care for your new sulcata (s) read the 'important threads' at the top of the Sulcata section.

 

[dakotawiseman15]

Hi Dakota, and welcome to the Forum!!

I know you probably have your heart set on getting two hatchlings, but in my opinion you would be better off only getting one.

Sulcatas can only live in a tort table for a year, or maybe two years at the most, then they have to graduate to something bigger, and at 3 years will be big enough to go outside and live during the day and coming indoors for the nights.

Besides the size problem, two tortoises don't do well together. Tortoises are solitary animals, not herd animals and they don't look for the company of other tortoises.

So, if YOU want two tortoises, then get two your YOU, but don't get two because you think one will be lonely. And if you DO get two, be prepared to separate them, because they may not get along for very long.

For info on how to care for your new sulcata (s) read the 'important threads' at the top of the Sulcata section.

Thanks! I will probably just get one for now and maybe get another later on down the road.. what would you recommend I use as substrate? Also Do I need a heat lamp? I saw someone say you dont need a uvb light bulb if you take them outside for atleast 20 mins a day. Is that correct?

 

[Yvonne G]

Each person has their own substrate preference. I like the 'fine' grade, or small Orchid Bark. Then second choice cypress mulch.

You don't need a UVB light if the tortoise gets some sun, but you STILL DO need some sort of heat for the baby. You have to keep the habitat upwards of 78F degrees all the time. Read the "Important Threads" at the top of the Sulcata section. It tells you all about how to set your baby up and how to care for him.

 

[Tom]

I am new to tortoises, and have a few questions. I am only 16 but want to be a vet when I get older and have had had just about every reptile other than a turtle.. I am thinking about getting two sulcata tortoises, but have been doing research and making the tortoise table before I get them... I have the table ready, I just need to know what the best substrate to use, do I need a uvb light, what do I feed them, and how much. (I am planning on getting hatchlings) also, about how much does it cost to feed a baby tortoise? I have attached a picture of the table, Thanks in advance!

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

1. Only get one or several. Pairs are problematic. Like Yvonne said.
2. Unless the air in the room where your tortoise is going to live simulates the hot humid conditions of the african rainy season, you are going to have a very tough time growing a smooth tortoise in an open topped table. I recommend you reconsider and instead make a closed chamber. It will make your life much easier. http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-32333.html You can now buy these just about anywhere, if building one is not an option.
3. I prefer orchid bark for small sulcatas, but coco coir and cypress mulch will work too. Here is a care sheet with a section on substrates: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-79895.html
4. Your tortoise MUST have a source of UV. Its best if they get some sunshine a few times a week. If your climate does not allow for that, you will need to provide a UV source indoors. Tube fluorescents (NOT cfl coil types) or MVBs (mercury vapor bulbs) work the best.
5. Here is a diet sheet: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-76744.html
I prefer to free feed them so they can eat anytime they want, just like the wild.
6. There is no way to estimate what it costs to feed a baby. Anywhere from free to $10 a day or more. It just depends on what you are feeding them. The best foods are free grass, weeds, leaves, flowers and other stuff you grow yourself.

 

[dakotawiseman15]

I am new to tortoises, and have a few questions. I am only 16 but want to be a vet when I get older and have had had just about every reptile other than a turtle.. I am thinking about getting two sulcata tortoises, but have been doing research and making the tortoise table before I get them... I have the table ready, I just need to know what the best substrate to use, do I need a uvb light, what do I feed them, and how much. (I am planning on getting hatchlings) also, about how much does it cost to feed a baby tortoise? I have attached a picture of the table, Thanks in advance!

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

1. Only get one or several. Pairs are problematic. Like Yvonne said.
2. Unless the air in the room where your tortoise is going to live simulates the hot humid conditions of the african rainy season, you are going to have a very tough time growing a smooth tortoise in an open topped table. I recommend you reconsider and instead make a closed chamber. It will make your life much easier. http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-32333.html You can now buy these just about anywhere, if building one is not an option.
3. I prefer orchid bark for small sulcatas, but coco coir and cypress mulch will work too. Here is a care sheet with a section on substrates: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-79895.html
4. Your tortoise MUST have a source of UV. Its best if they get some sunshine a few times a week. If your climate does not allow for that, you will need to provide a UV source indoors. Tube fluorescents (NOT cfl coil types) or MVBs (mercury vapor bulbs) work the best.
5. Here is a diet sheet: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-76744.html
I prefer to free feed them so they can eat anytime they want, just like the wild.
6. There is no way to estimate what it costs to feed a baby. Anywhere from free to $10 a day or more. It just depends on what you are feeding them. The best foods are free grass, weeds, leaves, flowers and other stuff you grow yourself.

Do you think it would work if i just put a lid over the table? I live in alabama so it gets hot and I dont have any air conditioning in my room so it stays hot in here anyways. And would it be okay to just take him outside for a little bit every couple of days instead of a uvb light?

 

[Dizisdalife]

Do you think it would work if i just put a lid over the table? I live in alabama so it gets hot and I dont have any air conditioning in my room so it stays hot in here anyways. And would it be okay to just take him outside for a little bit every couple of days instead of a uvb light?

You can get by without a UVB light, but you still need a basking light. This can be as simple as a 75watt flood light. The baby will need to bask to warm his core temp to higher than 85F.
Even though you live in Alabama and it is hot and humid there, I would not leave the health of my baby to chance. Provide at least enough heat that the temp stays above 78F degrees. Especially at night. You can easily do this with a ceramic heat emitter. It only gives off heat and no light. I had mine plugged into a thermostat so that the heat remained constant. You may want to cover all or part of your table to hold the heat better.