Re: Baby Sulcata

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Posted by Craig McDonald on January 24, 2001 at 09:49:32:

In Reply to: Baby Sulcata posted by Beau R on January 22, 2001 at 14:46:20:

: Hi, I have had a 3in baby sulcata for about two weeks and he is in a 20 gal tank with alfalfa for substrate and a heat lamp at one end with the temp on that end being about 95. About two days ago I noticed that he has been leeving his eyes closed all day and not eating, I toke him outside and he is not active at all and I can not get him to eat or drink. Any suggestions and or ideas would be greatly appritiated. Thanx Beau

I really have to agree with Terry. Alfalfa is not a very good substrate for sulcatas, despite what the petstores tell you. When mine were in their indoor pens, I filled them with high quality soil. I found that the torts really liked having the ability to dig if they wanted to cool off. For a small tank (or a rubbermaid container), you'll want to change the soil out about every 5-7 days. With a small sulcata, the soaking really is a great idea. Being a desert species, sulcatas absorb a lot of the moisture they get from their skin and shell.

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: : Hi, I have had a 3in baby sulcata for about two weeks and he is in a 20 gal tank with alfalfa for substrate and a heat lamp at one end with the temp on that end being about 95. About two days ago I noticed that he has been leeving his eyes closed all day and not eating, I toke him outside and he is not active at all and I can not get him to eat or drink. Any suggestions and or ideas would be greatly appritiated. Thanx Beau : : I really have to agree with Terry. Alfalfa is not a very good substrate for sulcatas, despite what the petstores tell you. When mine were in their indoor pens, I filled them with high quality soil. I found that the torts really liked having the ability to dig if they wanted to cool off. For a small tank (or a rubbermaid container), you'll want to change the soil out about every 5-7 days. With a small sulcata, the soaking really is a great idea. Being a desert species, sulcatas absorb a lot of the moisture they get from their skin and shell.

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