Wanting to adopt 10 year old male Sulcata

Dan C.

New Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2019
Messages
4
Location (City and/or State)
Austin
Hi I would love some expert advice, but please dont bash me. I know someone in my local reptile community who took a 10 year old male sulcata that could no longer be cared for. This person is trying to get me to take him after I was inquiring about a Leopard tortoise. I explained I only have a 10foot x 10foot pen atm with uvb lights heaters all requirements for a Leopard. I really hate seeing this guy in a tiny horse watering bucket about 100 gallons, and know at least I can do better. If he can be housed like this I can build him a outdoor setup this summer in my 1/2 ache backyard. I lve in central Texas so the climate is about right most of the year. The guy is trying to convince me that its fine but he is also trying to unload a 35lb tortoise so his opinion maybe a bit biases. Also Im new here so I maybe asking this question the wrong way so sorry in advance.
 

Attachments

  • 20190212_182706.jpg
    20190212_182706.jpg
    5.5 MB · Views: 41

EllieMay

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
9,603
Location (City and/or State)
East Texas
You should not apologize at all. It sounds like you have this tortoises best interests at heart. This is a great place to learn the correct care for tortoises and the care for a Leopard is about the same as a Sulcata.. I will let the more experienced tortoise keepers guide you but it sounds like you will do the right thing:) We will ask from input from
@YvonneG
 

Ray--Opo

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Oct 14, 2017
Messages
7,018
Location (City and/or State)
Palm Bay Fl
Argggggg another rescue to far away from me.LOL
There is no way we would bash you. Trying to give a tortoise a better life.
And welcome!
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,264
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hi Dan. Welcome! No bashing here.

A 10x10 is not ideal for a sulcata that size, but its fine for a few months while you build a big outdoor enclosure and make a heated night house. Certainly better than where it is now!

Here are some night house examples and one way to make a pen:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/#post-828952
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/enclosure-expansion.38788/

This one was aimed at babies, but the same things apply to a big one. I would add "grass hay" to this for a larger one like yours. It will make more sense after you read it: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

Questions and conversation are welcome. :)
 

Dan C.

New Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2019
Messages
4
Location (City and/or State)
Austin
Thanks for the replys they are much appreciated. I think I will give it a go, I feel better trying to help this guy than purchase a Leopard tortoise. Also I guess even though the sulcatas are bigger they have alot of similar requirements. Also from what I've read they are less subjectable to respiratory infections. Injecting amikacin into a tortoises neck is not a pleasant experience.
 

New Posts

Top