Re: To Water or Not to Water... was Sulcata

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Posted by Terry on June 05, 2000 at 13:26:14:

In Reply to: To Water or Not to Water... was Sulcata posted by EJ on June 05, 2000 at 11:25:52:

In the book.

The Care and Breeding of the African Spurred Tortoise Geochelone Sulcata

The authors state that they offer water to their adult sulcatas once a week during the summer months and twice a week during winter.

Hatchlings are offered water every other day during summer, twice a week during winter.

I have clean fresh water available at all times, the adults drink less than the juveniles.

Obviously environment, temperatures and diet play their part. I know of a breeder who has muddy type ponds that the adult sulcatas will wallow in. But this breeder lives in the Mojave Desert,
his sulcatas will cover their backs in mud which protects them from the sun.

I prefer to leave water out, it's not difficult to change it daily. I haven't experienced loose stools by providing water to my sulcatas, as Heather has. Maybe the climate in her area has something to do with her sulcatas drinking too much. Most of us live in different states so once again climate and environment could be a factor.

The only time I ever notice loose stools was if I fed opuntia cactus more than once a week to every 10 days. That definately caused the sulcatas to produce wetter stools.

I really think climate ( temperature)and environment play a big part.
In the wild temperatures vary, peaking at mid day then dropping back down. In the evening the tortoises will retreat to their burrows.
It is not easy providing the exact micro climate
for our torts in captivity. So the tortoise might compansate by drinking to cool down or rehydrate himself.

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: In the book. : The Care and Breeding of the African Spurred Tortoise Geochelone Sulcata : : The authors state that they offer water to their adult sulcatas once a week during the summer months and twice a week during winter. : Hatchlings are offered water every other day during summer, twice a week during winter. : I have clean fresh water available at all times, the adults drink less than the juveniles. : Obviously environment, temperatures and diet play their part. I know of a breeder who has muddy type ponds that the adult sulcatas will wallow in. But this breeder lives in the Mojave Desert, : his sulcatas will cover their backs in mud which protects them from the sun. : I prefer to leave water out, it's not difficult to change it daily. I haven't experienced loose stools by providing water to my sulcatas, as Heather has. Maybe the climate in her area has something to do with her sulcatas drinking too much. Most of us live in different states so once again climate and environment could be a factor. : The only time I ever notice loose stools was if I fed opuntia cactus more than once a week to every 10 days. That definately caused the sulcatas to produce wetter stools. : I really think climate ( temperature)and environment play a big part. : In the wild temperatures vary, peaking at mid day then dropping back down. In the evening the tortoises will retreat to their burrows. : It is not easy providing the exact micro climate : for our torts in captivity. So the tortoise might compansate by drinking to cool down or rehydrate himself.

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