Re: Sulcatas

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Heather on June 03, 2000 at 17:41:17:

In Reply to: Sulcatas posted by EJ on June 03, 2000 at 09:34:04:

You are right that much is to be learned about reptiles and their requirements.
It is also a good idea to be concerned about oversupplementation. I personally do not supplement with vitamins at all. However, for sulcata especially, calcium supplementation should be a high priority. Tortoise Trust mentions this on the sulcata care sheet, which is backed by that organization's research.

This too is a point for discussion.
Water availability depends on diet. If one is feeding a dry, hay based diet, certainly water should be available. However, if one is providing a greener diet of grocery greens or fresh grazes, I do not think constant access is needed. With my sulcata and others I know on a green graze diet, constant access to water leads to runny stools. The system of arid species is designed to hold and process water. Others may disagree and may provide water based on their needs such as instances where they are housed solely in vivariums under heating elements.
I house mine outdoors where microclimates are available and utilized. Other factors have led me to eliminate soaking from my regimen.

<'Normal' growth is very subjective.
Absolutely.

Most agree it is necessary. It happens in the desert>

Yup

Follow Ups:

Re: Sulcatas Eric T. 06/04/00 (7)
- Re: Sulcatas Heather 06/04/00 (6)
  - Re: Sulcatas Terry 06/04/00 (0)
  - Re: Sulcatas - clarification for EJ and Eric Heather 06/04/00 (4)
    - Re: Sulcatas - clarification for EJ and Eric Terry 06/04/00 (3)
      - Re: Sulcatas - clarification for EJ and Eric Heather 06/05/00 (2)
        
        Re: Sulcatas - clarification for EJ and Eric EJ 06/05/00 (1)
        
        Re: Sulcatas - clarification for EJ and Eric Heather 06/08/00 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: <It is not know if oversupplementation is harmful. There are certain vitamins that are not water soluable so they tend to accumulate in the system of the tortoise. Many vets believe this is not good> : You are right that much is to be learned about reptiles and their requirements. : It is also a good idea to be concerned about oversupplementation. I personally do not supplement with vitamins at all. However, for sulcata especially, calcium supplementation should be a high priority. Tortoise Trust mentions this on the sulcata care sheet, which is backed by that organization's research. : <Water in tortoises seems to be a very misjudged component. I beleive it is very inmortant and should be available at all times.> : This too is a point for discussion. : Water availability depends on diet. If one is feeding a dry, hay based diet, certainly water should be available. However, if one is providing a greener diet of grocery greens or fresh grazes, I do not think constant access is needed. With my sulcata and others I know on a green graze diet, constant access to water leads to runny stools. The system of arid species is designed to hold and process water. Others may disagree and may provide water based on their needs such as instances where they are housed solely in vivariums under heating elements. : I house mine outdoors where microclimates are available and utilized. Other factors have led me to eliminate soaking from my regimen. : : <'Normal' growth is very subjective. : Absolutely. : <A cool down period is yet another very subjective topic. : Most agree it is necessary. It happens in the desert> : <Finally, the stuff you read on the internet and even the self published stuff should be read with a very open mind. This literature is neither peer reviewed nor, in some cases, edited. This post is no exception.> : Yup

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]