New Torts...

[kyryah]

This may not fall too much under the heading of Vivariums, because I am not really sure how natural I can get with these guys...

But I am getting two, yes that is correct two, sub adult SULCATA TORTOISES!!!

I live in MI, so this is going to be a BIG project, providing for them indoors.

I would like to place some potted plants in their enclosure, so that they feel more secure.

Any ideas on what I can use? It will mainly be hot and dry, and they may nibble

Kristina

*****UPDATE*****

I have pictures

The easiest way for me to post them is at my photobucket account kyryah/Sulcata tortoises - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


They are AWESOME. I am so in love!

When I went to pick them up, I noticed both of them were slightly lethargic, had watery eyes and very dry skin. I immediately thought dehydration, as there didn't appear to be any respiratory issues. When I got them home, they each recieved a 20 minute soak. They appear to be doing fine now, both are moving around, exploring the things that I placed in their enclosure.

I mixed some Timothy with the veggies that I had pre-dried (dandelion, rutabaga, carrot greens, turnip greens, corriander, carrots, and a very small amount of cactus pear) and soaked it all in Pedialyte. I will get some Enfamil Ply-Vi-Sol drops to add tomorrow. Cinderella actually ate already! I was very surprised, especially since she has not had the kind of food that I offered before.

Their enclosure looks a bit smaller now that it contains the hide and a big water pan, and a log for some mental stimulation, but I think they will be fine for the time being. We may be buying a new house, and they will definately have more room if we do. I have plans to modify the enclosure we have now to make it a lot larger.

[beckdg]

in all honesty, i think you're crazy... 2????????? WOWWOWWOWWOWWEEEEEE!!
these guys will be Huge to say the least!

i suggest building a dog compound w/everything you can afford to heat these guys about 3 feet off the ground w/a ramp in your back yard. then fence in the yard in a way you can't see anything through!!!

these guys need 85-105 degrees during the day and AT LEAST their own bedroom!!!!

your house will be stifling hot all year if you keep them inside correctly!

Sulcata Tortoises

[kyryah]

Please do not underestimate the scope of my knowledge I am well aware of what I am facing, and not some noob duped at the petstore by being told that they will stay small if I keep them in something small.

I am very familair with the husbandry of Sulcatas and have written extensive articles on the proper diet of captive Sulcatas. I would be more than happy to share my research with you by PM. I am well aware of the fact that within a few short years I will have two torts that will be 24" long or more and weigh at least 100#. I know that they ram you when they get angry. I know that when being kept indoors they need a minimum of an 8' X 8' area EACH and that I will probably have to put a clause in my will for their care.

I do appreciate your concern, and I know you are only trying to help and I really am not trying to be catty, but this is an educated decision. Bottom line is that these two are not being cared for properly, and they need me. I may not be in a completely ideal situation for them due to climate, but I can offer them a expotentially better quality of life than what they are currently facing. They are here on Earth, they are already alive, and now I will help clean up the mess that was created by some idiot in a petstore that just had to sell an adorable Sulcata hatchling to an uneducated shopper in Michigan.

I am looking for information on specific species of plants that can be placed in pots, just to create a little ambience in their indoor, winter enclosure. It needs new substrate, and a hmid hide and a WATER BOWL, but it is actually pretty roomy, for this winter, at least.





Kristina

[kyryah]

Here is what I am thinking... I will probably have to place the pots outside the enclosure, with the plants just kind of hanging over the side, but this may work...

Mexican Feather Grass

This stuff can survive freezing temps, so it might be a good choice for the outdoor enclosure too.



Indian Grass



Sideoats Grama



Hmmm... I will have to keep searching, but I think I am on the right track! I REALLY like the Mexican Feather Grass.

Kristina

[beckdg]

Google Image Result for http://www.turtlestuff.com/raisedbed1sm.jpg

Sulcata Station - Basic Diet Info for sulcata tortoises

i'm sorry now that i see your window i completely understand!!!!!

i'd go with feed items... and put the pots in boxes made out of plywood mounted to the floor just far enough apart for them... or native african plants.

my mom has a small palm that would go perfect in the corner!

a plywood hide box w/ heat lamps in the corner would help also.

that's how they keep them in my lps... just like your enclosure w/a L shaped hide box in the corner.

[kyryah]

LOL, that is not my window, that is their current home. But the weather here is the same

All of the plants posted are edible and torts have been observed eating them in the wild.

I already have plans to add hide boxes, as I stated in my previous post.

Already a member of Sulcata Station

[beckdg]

yeah don't mind me... it's brain fart day for me.

[kyryah]

We all have those, lol.

Kristina

[froggsong]

rowr! lol...

play nice, kitties!

Those torts are so beautiful. Maybe one day my hubby will be nice and let me open a zoo so I can keep all of the wonderful animals I want. Good luck with your planning, and congrats on those beautiful guys!

[kyryah]

I think I already have a zoo...

And now the lady from the local reptile rescue has asked me to be a foster... How to break that one to my hubby...

Kristina

ETA: According to the owner, one male, one female, and no I will not be having babies! Not of this breed, anyway.