Taking on a new BIG tortoise

Mini

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Well, I'm about to own a big guy, his name is Buddy and I will be his third owner. He's about 150 pounds and very friendly, loves neck rubs. I'm not sure what kind he is yet, but meeting with local tortoise owners, we think he's an Aldabra. What size heating pad should I buy for him, 1'x3' or 2'x3' ?
I live southeast of Houston.
 

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Yvonne G

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If that's a current picture, I don't think he weighs 150lbs yet, but he'll be there in no time at all.

Welcome to the Forum!! And please don't be fooled by his size. He's still a baby and should be treated like a baby. Very nice-looking Aldabran tortoise. Do you know where he came from originally?

I have a 3'x3' pad and, even though the 200lb tortoise fits on it, it really takes up a lot of space in their shed. I would go with the 2'x3'. Doesn't matter if his body hangs off of the pad a bit.
 

mike taylor

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That is a good looking aldabra tortoise . Have you been doing research ? Them guys get huge . But are awesome torts if you have the room .
 

Mini

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mike taylor said:
That is a good looking aldabra tortoise . Have you been doing research ? Them guys get huge . But are awesome torts if you have the room .


Yes, doing extensive research and meeting a few local sulcata owners and located a reptile vet near me. I hope I have the room for him and will give him the best care I can. Thanks
 

AnnV

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What a magnificent animal. Do you know how old he is?
 

wellington

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Congrats. He/she is a nice looking Aldabra. How did come to be his next owner? Sounds almost like he fell into you as an adoption, seeing you didn't know what kind it was.
 

mike taylor

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Your welcome. I also live north of Houston. I live in New Caney. Where abouts are you ? I also have a large sulcata would love to have an aldabra don't have the room .
 

Mini

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wellington said:
Congrats. He/she is a nice looking Aldabra. How did come to be his next owner? Sounds almost like he fell into you as an adoption, seeing you didn't know what kind it was.

Thanks, the 2 previous owners thought "Buddy" was a sulcata, didn't take me long to figure out they didn't do their homework. lol I just lucked out being a friend of a friend... it's all about timing. I think Buddy is 18 yrs.
 

Mini

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mike taylor said:
Your welcome. I also live north of Houston. I live in New Caney. Where abouts are you ? I also have a large sulcata would love to have an aldabra don't have the room .

I live in Friendswood...
 

Sh3wulf

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So handsome and only a little jealous lol

Enjoy him, he looks very friendly/ social

Hope you will keep sharing his progress
 

wellington

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Not that sulcatas aren't great torts, but they would rather have a sully over an Aldabra? Do they understand the damage a sully can do? Probably not, if they didn't do their homework. Anyway, works good for you:D
 

mike taylor

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When you get him all setup please post pictures. Would love to see how you go his enclosure.
 

diamondbp

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Are you positive on its sex? Has anyone confirmed it? It's a great looking tortoise. I hope it all works out.
 

BeeBee*BeeLeaves

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Well the tortoise gods certainly smiled on you Mini ... and on this lovely tortoise Buddy ... and on both for finding TFO for guidance.
Looks like a win-win-win to me. Buddy is bodaciously beautiful. Big welcome to you both! : )
 

Bee62

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@Mini
Hello, I found this old thread and I am interested what you and Mini do.
Do you still own this beautiful tort ? Would you be so kind and make an update for me ? Pics are very welcome ....:D
 

Mini

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5106A054-1F2B-4D86-9F2B-334E0AD88437.jpeg F4FAB153-AFA3-440C-9AD2-A3C9267A8161.jpeg 0A4D71D2-A2D6-43A3-A64B-8846643843E9.jpeg
@Mini
Hello, I found this old thread and I am interested what you and Mini do.
Do you still own this beautiful tort ? Would you be so kind and make an update for me ? Pics are very welcome ....:D
Buddy is around 330 pounds now. He has a fiberglass insulated shelter, 3 heaters... Osborne orange mat 3’x4’ with regulator/ small space heater hanging from ceiling and 12”x24” chick heater / container of water for humidity / outdoor temperature transmitter with receiver in my house and laser temperature gun
 

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Mini

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Bee62

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Thank you for the pics. What a big beautiful tortoise Buddy is !
He must be an eating machine. LOL.
Does he loves scratching his head and shell ?
 

Bee62

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That pic is really nice ! Buddy looks very friendly. He is amazing.
 

Mini

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Thank you for the pics. What a big beautiful tortoise Buddy is !
He must be an eating machine. LOL.
Does he loves scratching his head and shell ?
Buddy is incredibly friendly. I live in a gated neighborhood and everyone comes by to visit him.
I have surveillance cameras and enjoy checking on him when I’m at work.
I take him for walks on weekends, weather permitting. It takes him 4 hours to go around the block, yard to yard.... he pigs out !
 
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