Re: To Jerry in AZ

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Posted by Jerry on May 20, 2000 at 10:36:09:

In Reply to: To Jerry in AZ posted by Kathy on May 20, 2000 at 00:31:20:

Kathy:

I have sulcatas outside that range from about four inches on up. They will breed as small as fourteen inches, generally not until about sixteen inches.

If you move them outside now, they will dig and be ready for winter. They must have a shade areas at all times. This can be an area with heavy planting: bushes, tall grass etc. or a home made tortoise den. I prefer an area where the tortoise can dig in the dirt rather than the dogloo which likely has a bottom. Digging a burrow or shallow hole under a bush provides higher humidity and makes the tortoise feel more secure.

The burmuda grass is a great diet and you really don't need to provide much else. Since your tortoises are small, I would still recommend that you allow them to soak weekly.

Please feel free to call me at (602) 237-2155 and I will be happy to discuss this in greater detail.

Jerry Fife

: Thanks for your reply re: winter sulcata set-ups. For my info, how large are your adults? Do they dig their own burrows (how deep? Can you sort of 'steer' them to where you wish they would dig?), or do you provide them with a pre-dug area? I want to provide the best, and knowing that they will stay warm and dry inside the dogloo makes me feel I'm being a good provider, but I also wonder if that's not 'cheating' them. Know what I mean? If you've got a minute (or ten), can you e-me with what a typical week's diet is (content, not amount)? And, so you know, I've tried very hard to purchase females (but since they're young--2 or 3 years) I can't be sure; but I hope to have no hatchlings! Thanks again for responding.

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: Kathy: : I have sulcatas outside that range from about four inches on up. They will breed as small as fourteen inches, generally not until about sixteen inches. : If you move them outside now, they will dig and be ready for winter. They must have a shade areas at all times. This can be an area with heavy planting: bushes, tall grass etc. or a home made tortoise den. I prefer an area where the tortoise can dig in the dirt rather than the dogloo which likely has a bottom. Digging a burrow or shallow hole under a bush provides higher humidity and makes the tortoise feel more secure. : The burmuda grass is a great diet and you really don't need to provide much else. Since your tortoises are small, I would still recommend that you allow them to soak weekly. : Please feel free to call me at (602) 237-2155 and I will be happy to discuss this in greater detail. : Jerry Fife : : : Thanks for your reply re: winter sulcata set-ups. For my info, how large are your adults? Do they dig their own burrows (how deep? Can you sort of 'steer' them to where you wish they would dig?), or do you provide them with a pre-dug area? I want to provide the best, and knowing that they will stay warm and dry inside the dogloo makes me feel I'm being a good provider, but I also wonder if that's not 'cheating' them. Know what I mean? If you've got a minute (or ten), can you e-me with what a typical week's diet is (content, not amount)? And, so you know, I've tried very hard to purchase females (but since they're young--2 or 3 years) I can't be sure; but I hope to have no hatchlings! Thanks again for responding.

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